Le Joy unveils its spring menu by Claudia Rivera Valdez on its secret terrace in the heart of Fouquet’s Paris

In the heart of Paris, the Joy restaurant opens a new chapter this spring 2026. Located in the prestigious Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris, this establishment unveils a seasonal menu led by chef Claudia Rivera Valdez. A blend of French tradition and Mexican touches, this restaurant embodies a resolutely contemporary art of living.

An intimate terrace on Avenue George V

Nestled in a Haussmann-style courtyard, Le Joy’s terrace offers a haven of calm just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées. From the first rays of sunshine, this space becomes the ideal setting for a refined lunch or dinner under the stars. The atmosphere is both chic and relaxed, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

Claudia Rivera Valdez has imagined this restaurant as a real place to live. Each customer is invited to share a warm, convivial moment. The objective remains clear: to offer an elegant experience without ever sacrificing simplicity.

With its 101 rooms and suites, three bars and 750 m² spa, Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris completes this exceptional gastronomic offering. Le Joy is part of a whole designed to celebrate the French art of living.

“I’d like to offer a menu that everyone can recognize themselves in, spiced up with little Mexican touches that are just like me.”

Seasonal produce at the heart of the plate

The new menu highlights the richness of spring. Asparagus, peas, tomatoes, green beans and edible flowers create a vibrant array of colors. From starters to desserts, plants are the main theme.

While Joy’s cuisine remains rooted in the French tradition, Claudia brings subtle inspirations to the table. A chipotle mayonnaise accompanies the beef tartare. A dish to share revisits the taco with fried gyoza dough served with guacamole.

• Fresh seasonal asparagus as a starter
• Beef tartare with chipotle mayonnaise
• Taco-style fried gyoza with homemade guacamole
• Desserts with edible flowers
• Exceptional meats like wagyu from Brittany

Careful selection of suppliers

Claudia pays particular attention to product quality. She favors producers with whom she has had a relationship of trust for several years. Short circuits are favored, with suppliers based in Paris or Brittany.

This philosophy translates into constant attention to seasonality and freshness. Each ingredient is carefully selected to guarantee an optimal taste experience. Breton wagyu is a perfect example.

The experience really begins with the quality of the product,” emphasizes the chef. This rigorous approach sets Le Joy apart from other Parisian restaurants. Customers perceive this difference from the very first bite.

A rich and singular career as a chef

Behind this gastronomic impulse lies a remarkable career path. Claudia Rivera Valdez’s passion for cooking began in childhood, at her mother’s side. At the age of 18, she entered a cooking school in Mexico, before continuing her apprenticeship in France from 2013.

Quickly seduced by the richness of French gastronomy, she forged her experience in prestigious establishments. She worked at the InterContinental Champs-Élysées for over four years. She then moved on to the Paris Society group.

In 2024, she joined the Barrière Group with the opening of Maison Barrière Vendôme. She then moved on to Cannes, Deauville and La Baule. This diversified career path finally led her to take over the reins of Joy in October 2025.

An emblematic address in the capital

For decades, Hôtel Fouquet’s Paris has embodied Parisian excellence. Located on Avenue George V, the hotel is a testament to the history of the Barrière group and its international expansion. The legendary brasserie has preserved its heritage while adapting to the times.

The Barrière group, presided over by Joy Desseigne Barrière and Alexandre Barrière, represents the fourth generation of this French family. Founded in 1912 by François André, it now boasts 32 casinos, 20 luxury hotels and nearly 200 restaurants worldwide.

The restaurant welcomes guests from Monday to Friday, from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 19:00 to 22:00. On Saturdays, service concentrates on dinner. This address at 46 avenue George V, 75008 Paris, has become a must for lovers of refined gastronomy.

With this new season, Le Joy fully asserts its culinary identity. Claudia Rivera Valdez’s vision of elegance and conviviality perfectly sums up the spirit of this exceptional restaurant in the heart of the capital.

• Joy