Ryan Camus has become a member of the gastronomic association La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. His joining marks a first for the Chaîne, the first time four generations of the same family have been adorned with one of the association’s historic necklaces.

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is a gastronomic association founded in Paris in 1950. It refers to the ancient French Guild of Ayeurs (meaning “goose roasters”), created in 1248 under Saint-Louis, which became, by extension, the Guild of Rôtisseurs in 1610 until the French Revolution, which put an end to guilds in 1793.

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs International Gastronomy Association is present in more than 75 countries and boasts nigh on 21,000 members. It brings together enthusiasts who share the same quality values: gastronomy, the promotion of the culinary arts and the pleasures of the table.

The association’s distinctive character is built on amateurs and professionals from all over the world, be they hoteliers, restaurateurs, chefs or sommeliers, around the appreciation of good food.

Necklace for members of the Chaîne and Michel Camus’ original necklace.

The Chaîne was relaunched in Paris in 1950 by three gastronomes (Auguste Bécart, Jean Valby and Curnonsky) and two chefs (Louis Giraudon and Marcel Dorin) to promote fine French cuisine. Michel Camus (1911-1985) was a tectonic link in its deployment both in France and around the world, thanks to his worldwide involvement in the duty-free world.

Michel Camus carried within him a value that has now become one of the pillars of the Maison Camus: a love of the French Art de Vivre. A unique Art de Vivre expressed through fine gastronomy and prestigious wines and spirits.

Later, Jean-Paul Camus continued to develop the organisation through his strong and dynamic involvement.

Since 2017, Cyril Camus (1971-…), along with his wife Alexa, have carried the family torch, organising exceptional Gala dinners in France and China in collaboration with La Chaîne!

May 18th, 2024, marked a new symbolic step as Ryan, Cyril’s eldest son, joined the great adventure of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. It marked a first for the Chaîne, the first time that a fourth generation had joined.

“Being the first son of the 6th generation of Camus offers me the chance today to be the first knight in the chain to represent a 4th generation of a family to be a member of the organisation. As a true citizen of the world, I decided to enter the Bailliage of France to pay homage to my family’s origins and the deep cooperation that binds us today. I’m proud to be a wine professional in the Chaîne.” – Ryan Camus (above).

“I joined the Chaîne in 1972, a year after my son Cyril was born. I was introduced to the customs of this magnificent organisation by my father, who supported Jean Valby in relaunching the Chaîne. Seeing the sword of enthronement resting on my grandson’s shoulder, surrounded by so many friends from the committee, brings back many wonderful memories.” – Jean-Paul Camus.

“I came to my son Ryan’s ceremony with the ribbon from my grandfather’s chain. A highly symbolic gesture on this special day. For me, the Chaîne embodies greatness and excellence, both in the values of world gastronomy that it promotes and in the exceptional atmosphere that it generates. In a word, the finest things in life.” – Cyril Camus.

The involvement of four generations of Camus is proof of the importance of the values of friendship and loyalty for the Maison. This May 18th, therefore, marks a historic moment, embodying the family heritage of La Maison Camus.

Long live the Camus family … and long live the Chaîne!

Lead image: Marie Jones (International Vice President of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs), Jean-Paul Camus, Ryan Camus, Cyril Camus and Yam Atallah (International President of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs).