One estate, one passion: a graduate at the head of Val de Sault
Jean Launay (BSB'15) developed his hotel project based on his time at the School and the power of his network
From the dream of a hotel business to the creation of his own establishment, the career of Jean Launay (BSB'15) is a story of passion, perseverance and entrepreneurship. Here he is today at the head of the Domaine du Val de Sault, a 4-star hotel-restaurant nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux: an opportunity to look back on his entrepreneurial adventure and the impact of BSB in his career.
A decisive move at BSB
Originally from Grenoble, Jean has always had a strong interest in the world of catering and wine. After a preparatory class, he joined the Master Grande Ecole at BSB (then ESC Dijon) in 2011, with the desire to specialize in this field.
His early career was marked by a work-study experience at Metro, which changed his vision of the sector and gave him the decisive impetus for his professional future.
”The alternation changed everything for me. My internship supervisor was a mentor, a real encounter that brought me a lot. I recommend this route 100%!”, he pleads.
He then chose the Distribution and Purchasing specialization, directed by Lionel Cévaër, a course that gave him the keys to strategic and operational management. He keeps a precious memory of the personalized support received at BSB:
”I was lucky enough to be followed by incredible teachers like Lionel Cévaër and Céline Soulas. Their listening and advice have been a real plus in my career.”
The link with the school does not end with the graduation: Jean stays in contact with his professors and classmates, proof of the community spirit that characterizes BSB.
”I remember that there were a lot of links between the different programs and the different promotions. For example, I used to hang out with MS CIVS students at the School of Wine a lot. I found this mix very rich and it is a conviviality that I have always sought to cultivate.”
From a career in business to hotel entrepreneurship
Jean began his career at Danone, where he discovered the rigorous processes of large companies. But a desire emerged in him: to create his own hotel establishment.
”The idea of entrepreneurship only came to me after BSB, but I already had all the bases for success in hand. I used my courses to build my business plans, seek funding and refine my project.”
Between 2019 and 2024, he worked on several business takeover projects, developing solid expertise in financial structuring. After three failed attempts, he was not discouraged and continued his quest with resilience.
”Each failure was a building block. Without these three experiences, I would never have been able to make the Val de Sault project a reality.”
At the same time, he completed his training at the Paul Bocuse Institute, strengthening his expertise in the hotel and catering industry.
The Domaine du Val de Sault: an exceptional project
In 2024, with his wife, Jean bought Le Domaine du Val de Sault, a 4-star hotel-restaurant nestled in the middle of nature, in an idyllic setting.
An exceptional place:
- 20 rooms and 70 beds
- An upscale restaurant, highlighting the local region
- A unique natural setting, in the heart of 3 wooded hectares
- A project focused on hosting groups, seminars and events
”We wanted to create a place that resembles us: friendly, warm and rooted in its territory. We work directly with local producers to offer sincere and authentic local cuisine.”
A solid network, the key to success
If Jean succeeded in setting up this ambitious project, he owes much of it to his network.
”I still remember a conference by the CEO of BSB, Stéphan Bourcieu, on the importance of the network. My background has only confirmed that! And I would add that this is defined with all the people we are brought to meet, always naturally in sincerity.”
Whether it is to find partners, obtain financing or manage renovation work, the contacts he has made throughout his career have been essential.
An expanding future
Jean and his team are already considering new developments, with a clear ambition: to make Val de Sault an essential destination for travelers, epicureans and businesses.
”We have lots of ideas for the future. This is only the beginning of the adventure”, concludes Jean
A very beautiful career that embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, audacity and passion that BSB values so much. All with this conviviality that we will therefore find with great pleasure at the Domaine du Val de Sault!
Discover the Val de Sault Estate: www.domaineduvaldesault.com
