Gérald Passedat, considered one of the most prestigious chefs in Marseille with three stars in the Michelin Guide for his restaurant Le Petit Nice, is currently involved in a legal case due to the construction of a villa in an upscale neighborhood of Endoume. This house was built without a valid permit, a subject that has attracted the attention of authorities and the media. The hearing scheduled for February 2 has been postponed to October 2025, raising questions about the handling of this case.
The construction of the Endoume villa
The villa in question is located in the Endoume neighborhood, a sought-after area of the city. Gérald Passedat obtained a building permit in March 2018, but it expired in March 2021 without any work having begun. The chef attempted to request an extension, but it was denied by the city’s urban planning department due to the non-compliance of his project with the new PLUi (Intercommunal Local Urban Planning Plan).
Legal stakes
The tribunal of Marseille must now rule on the situation. Gérald Passedat’s defense, led by his lawyer, has requested the postponement of the hearing, citing insufficient time to prepare the case. The comparison made by the lawyer regarding the speed of processing Passedat’s case was particularly noted. The question arises whether certain personalities, especially in cases of this kind, are judged differently?
Potential sanctions
The situation for the chef is concerning, as if he is found guilty, he could face severe fines, ranging from 1,200 to 6,000 euros per m² constructed. For an area of 58 m², the penalties could reach a considerable sum of 348,000 euros. This amount represents a significant challenge for a star chef who could see his image tarnished by this controversy.
Impact on Gérald Passedat’s reputation
Gérald Passedat is not only a renowned chef; he is also an emblematic figure in Marseille’s gastronomy. This case could have significant repercussions on his reputation and that of his establishment, Le Petit Nice. Customers may be influenced by these events, which could harm his business. The stakes are not only legal but also commercial.
The series of events surrounding this villa demonstrates the importance of strict adherence to urban planning regulations. For a chef recognized for his expertise, this situation is delicate to manage. Compliance with standards must be a priority, especially when the consequences can be so severe.
It will be interesting to observe how this case evolves in the coming months, especially with the next judgment scheduled for October 2025. Whatever the outcome, the echoes of this situation will undoubtedly continue to resonate in gastronomic circles as well as in the public sphere. The journey of a renowned chef, who has become a potential target for justice, raises numerous ethical and social questions.
