"L'Art de Réussir depuis 1984" — Photo by Sommet Education
Luc Débove (Director of ENSP) in a classroom full of students — Photo by Sommet Education
Left to Right: Luc Debove (Director of ENSP), Claire Damon, William Pacalet, Madeleine Dubois, Alain Ducasse (Founder of École Ducasse), Josiane Matthias, Valentin Sanchez, Jérémy Delteil, Elise Masurel (General Director of École Ducasse), Samuel Frémeaux, Fanny Le Duff, Mickaël Bonnet, Ludovic Puissochet, Allan Cartignies, Cyril Vigouroux, Clotilde Ducretet, Kristina Daciolate, Théo Bonnet, Anne Lachaise, Amandine Zotti — Photo by Sommet Education
ENSP Castle — Photo by Luc Olivier
Yves Thuriès building at ENSP — Photo by Cat Vigouroux

Yssingeaux, June 25, 2024 – 40 years of inspiration, creation, and transmission. For 40 years, ENSP has been crafting a piece of French pastry history, honoring traditions while boldly embracing innovation.

On June 24, at its campus in Yssingeaux, École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie celebrated 40 years of excellence with an exceptional day marked by a rich and varied program, highlighting the prestigious past and promising future of this institution.

The day began with official speeches from Alain Ducasse; Luc Debove, Director of ENSP, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, and World Ice Cream Champion; Elise Masurel, General Director of École Ducasse; and Evelyne Bayet, Deputy Mayor of Yssingeaux.

Round Table: "And in 40 Years? Challenges and Perspectives in Pastry Arts"

One of the most notable moments of this celebratory day was the round table discussing the major challenges that will redefine the pastry of tomorrow. Moderated by David Ordono, it brought together renowned experts, including the three-star chef Alain Ducasse, Luc Debove, as well as Claire Damon, the committed chef and winner of the 2024 Ethical and Environmental Responsibility Pastry Award, Fanny Le Duff, training chef at ENSP, and alumna Emiri Tsushima, currently working with Anne-Sophie Pic.

The speakers emphasized the importance of offering sustainable pastries that respect the environment and health. They also discussed the sector’s talent shortages and the changes required in management and training to enable chefs to develop skills beyond purely technical aspects.

Finally, they highlighted the necessity of preparing future professionals to master technological innovations to continue excelling and innovating in their craft. This fascinating discussion offered insights for the decades to come, demonstrating ENSP's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and excellence.

A guided tour allowed guests to discover the largest campus in the world dedicated to Sweet Arts. This unique setting, combining tradition and modernity, reflects ENSP’s educational approach: valuing artisanal skills while integrating technological innovations.

During this celebration, Elise Masurel emphasized the importance of this anniversary for the future of the school and its students. "These 40 years celebrate the art of excelling and innovating that has defined our institution since 1984. We are proud to see our graduates shining a light on French pastry worldwide with a sustainable and environmentally respectful approach, and we are committed to continuing to prepare tomorrow's chefs for the future challenges they will face."

Luc Debove, ENSP’s director, also shared his vision for the future of pastry arts: "Today’s round table illustrated our vision for the decades to come: a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. By exploring the potentials of both human and technological innovations, we ensure that our students become not only master artisans but also pastry chef managers, entrepreneurs, and citizens who will pioneer the evolution of pastry arts."

A Legendary Institution Training the Best

Since its creation in 1984, ENSP has established itself as a legendary institution in the world of pastry. Recognized for its excellence, it has trained a community of experts, including Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF), world champions, training chefs, and alumni worldwide. These renowned professionals have contributed to the school’s reputation, making ENSP the largest campus dedicated to sweet arts in the world.

By celebrating its 40 years, ENSP reaffirms its position as a world leader in sweet arts education. This day was an opportunity to celebrate past achievements while resolutely looking to the future. With a constant focus on innovation and excellence, ENSP continues to train tomorrow’s talents, ready to perpetuate tradition while embracing the challenges of their time.

About Les Roches

Les Roches is a bespoke experience to educate tomorrow's leaders in hospitality. Founded in 1954 in Switzerland, Les Roches offers undergraduate, graduate degrees and executive programs in Luxury, Hospitality and Tourism Management. Les Roches has campuses across Switzerland, Spain, UAE and China, as well as partner campus in near New Delhi.

Les Roches ranks in the top 5 in the world's higher education institutions for hospitality and leisure management (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).

Part of Sommet Education, worldwide leader in hospitality education, Les Roches is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

For more information and registration, please visit https://lesroches.edu/campuses/abu-dhabi.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture, creative and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dctabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

Anouck Weiss
Chief Communication Officer Sommet Education
Sommet Education

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