Saint-Émilion icon sold to Château Pavie owner

Iconic Saint-Émilion wine bar and bistro L’Envers du Décor has been bought by Parisian millionaire Gérard Perse, the owner of Château Pavie.

Al fresco dining at L’Envers du Décor

As reported by Wine Spectator, Perse, who also owns luxury hotel L’Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Émilion, bought the beloved bistro from François des Ligneris.

Over the years L’Envers du Décor has grown to become a hotspot for the wine trade, where many of the industry’s colourful characters can be found lunching.

Under its new ownership very little is due to change, as Perse and his wife Chantal are keen to retain its rustic charm.

However, the food offering is likely to be stepped up a gear, as the menu will be overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Ronan Kervarrec of L’Hostellerie de Plaisance.

De Ligneris opened the wine bar in 1987 out of a desire to try his neighbours’ wines alongside those from France’s other top regions like Burgundy and the Rhône, which, at the time, scanadlised local winemakers.

Having grown the business over the past 30 years into a popular hangout for winemakers, importers, writers and tourists, De Ligernis felt now was a good time to hand over the reins.

Perse’s empire also takes in Château Monbousquet, Château Pavie-Decesse, Château Bellevue-Mondotte and Clos Lunelles in Castillon.