The experience of a good meal also involves the service. To promote hospitality and room service techniques, there has been an international competition since 1961: the Georges Baptiste Cup, in homage to the master of catering, born in Rouen in 1882, who worked at the Ritz Hotel in Paris and who was the director of the restaurant at the Majectic Hotel in Cannes. This competition goes beyond the borders of France since a European final takes place every year and a world final every four years.
In order to win a place for the national final which will take place on March 25 and 26 at the Sainte-Anne high school of trades, in Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique), student butlers from all over France will compete between January and February during 17 regional events. The premiere of the 2025 season took place on Tuesday January 7 for Upper Normandy at the Lycée hôtelier Georges Baptiste in Canteleu, near Rouen (Seine-Maritime).
The competition is organized by the association of the national, European and international Georges Baptiste Cup chaired by Franck Languille, maître d'hôtel for thirty-nine years at the restaurant of the National Assembly and former winner: “Initially, it was intended to professionals in Parisian establishments. From 1975, with the development of hotel schools, the cup was opened to students. Today, minor candidates must be in hotel training from CAP to Bac Pro. This competition aims to show them the facets of this profession through a complete service, from setting up, taking orders in French and English, serving liquids, dishes, desserts and even opening from a bottle of wine to decanting. It’s really about wanting to put excellence forward. »
So, from 8 a.m. this January 7, 11 candidates from 7 establishments in Eure and Seine-Maritime, chosen by their own teachers, participated, in Canteleu, in the written test and in the various workshops (drink, fish, sea bass, technique, flambéing, sommelier and order): “They are judged by professionals and volunteer teachers. The one who wins the greatest number of points will qualify for the national final (from 9 competing training establishments, the first two winners are selected). He will then represent his region and, if he wins, he will carry France's hopes to the European Cup,” explains Franck Languille.
It was ultimately Gabriel Protais, in Terminale CSR at the Lycée hôtelier Georges Baptiste, who won the cup after very close deliberations, and won his place at Saint-Nazaire in March. The other participants leave with a series of prizes. For Mathéo from Lycée Bartholdi in Barentin, “a competition is different from classes. There is real pressure. I know I missed a few details, but it makes me want to continue this career and enter other competitions.” “It’s an opportunity for all the candidates,” adds Franck Languille. It allows them to add a nice line to a resume, experience that can help in their future career. »
