Relais de Saint-Didier reopening by Josy and Gilles Giroud, Digi Mart USA News (Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne, Ain, France): Since September 18, Josy and Gilles Giroud have brought the Relais de Saint-Didier back to life after nine months of closure. The couple has been based in the restaurant’s premises since December 2025 and spent several months preparing the reopening.
Significant compliance work, new décor and a renovated façade have given the establishment a new look while keeping its traditional spirit.
Josy Giroud has more than 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry and has managed nearly fourteen establishments in Lyon and Villefranche-sur-Saône. Gilles Giroud, trained as a charcutier-traiteur, earned the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 1996.
His expertise led him to work for Paul Bocuse and to pass on his knowledge through training programs abroad.
The couple now plans to put these complementary careers at the service of its customers in Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne.
The menu highlights specialties from Lyon’s bouchons. Pâté en croûte, terrines and quenelles with liver cake are among the dishes offered.
The restaurant favors traditional recipes prepared on site, aiming to recapture the authentic flavors of Lyonnaise cooking.
Meat lovers can also try the calf’s head, tied by hand and served on Friday lunchtimes. On Thursdays, the liver cake quenelles are featured.
For raw ingredients, the couple favors meat from the Lamarche house, a caterer based in Guéreins.
The restaurant seats 70 to 80 guests and is open Monday through Friday. In the evenings and on weekends, it can also host groups by reservation only.
Relais de Saint-Didier, Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne. Reservations: 04.74.67.10.53.
