The French pastry team : a story of talent, precision, and emotion
Consistently competing at the highest level of the Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie, Team France has established itself over the years as a world reference. Feared, anticipated, admired—it carries a strong legacy.
But after several editions marked by disappointment, one question is on everyone’s mind: what will Team France do next?
October 2025: the making of a team, unfolding in real time
Team France comes together in October 2025 in an atmosphere charged with intensity. A decisive moment where everything counts—where pressure builds and details make the difference.
Then come the moments that stand out.
Yoan Palamara’s chocolate jazzman is one of them: bold, expressive, almost alive. A piece that shows not only technical control, but real personality.
Abel Nesson’s take on the Bourdaloue tart is another: refined, precise, and quietly daring. A rethinking that respects the original while bringing it into a more contemporary expression.
By the end of the day, three names stood out—smiles for the cameras and a growing sense of confidence.
January 2026: a European performance that confirms it all
A few months later in Paris, during the European selections, the level rises once again.
And once again, certain moments stay with you.
Axel Lebellanger’s bold approach to ice sculpture stands out. In a competition where control is everything, taking risks is always a gamble—and one he fully embraced.
The artistic pieces also strike a chord, unified by a playful theme: “Route to Lyon,” a symbol of drive and determination.
This is often where the difference is made: the ability to step outside the frame without ever losing precision.
Then comes the tasting.
We weren’t judges, but the level—and the emotion—were undeniable. The verdict followed: France is crowned European Champion on a tightly contested podium.
Three profiles, one shared standard of excellence :
Behind this performance stand three distinct talents, each with a strong identity:
Yoan Palamara
Chocolate specialist
Axel Lebellanger
Ice cream specialist
Abel Nesson
Sugar specialist
Yoan Palamara , chocolate specialist
A pastry chef and trainer, Yoan blends technical precision with strong creative energy. His chocolate jazzman is a perfect example—more than just a technical piece, it becomes a true signature.
With a background alongside Jérôme de Oliveira, he is now fully dedicated to teaching and transmission. There is also a clear emotional dimension to his work: Yoan naturally connects with people and is likely to be the one who engages most with the judges. A serious contender.
Axel Lebellanger, Ice cream specialist
A consultant and instructor at the Institut Culinaire de France, the Bordeaux-based chef works with a highly precise mindset, where every detail counts. His performance at the European selection showed real maturity—knowing when to step beyond the expected in order to stand out.
Trained in Yssingeaux and shaped by years alongside leading figures such as Yann Brys and Éric Verbauwhede, Axel combines technical rigor with a relaxed, easygoing presence. Behind the calm demeanor, though, is absolute discipline. He may also be the team’s joker.
Abel Nesson, Sugar specialist
A chef de partie at Maison Lenôtre, Abel embodies a refined sense of technical elegance. His reinterpretation of the Bourdaloue tart perfectly reflects his approach: precision, respect for the product, and a sharp understanding of balance and structure.
Winner of the 2024 Charles Proust Competition (with Axel finishing third on the same podium—a sign?), and recipient of the Stéphane Glacier Trophy, he has built his career through both competition and his work at Lenôtre since 2019.
Disciplined and highly precise, he appears completely composed once in action.
Alongside them, a real sense of connection
What stands out is how naturally this team works together. Beyond skill, technique, and ambition, there is a clear chemistry—something that simply happens, without being forced or manufactured.
That invisible bond is a key part of what could carry them toward a shared dream.