Culinary Arts as a Rehabilitation Tool in Marseille's Baumettes Prison
Les Beaux Mets restaurant in Marseille's Baumettes prison leads in inmate rehabilitation through culinary arts.
Key Points
- • Les Beaux Mets is the only restaurant in a French prison, located in Baumettes, Marseille.
- • Opened in November 2022, it employs inmates nearing release.
- • The initiative aims to reduce recidivism, with 67% of participants finding jobs or training in 2024.
- • Operated by the association Festin, it draws inspiration from similar international models.
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Les Beaux Mets restaurant located within Marseille's Baumettes prison has made significant strides in rehabilitation through culinary arts. Opened in November 2022, this unique establishment is the only prison-based restaurant in France and is staffed by inmates nearing the end of their sentences. The project aims to combat high recidivism rates, with statistics indicating that 59% of released prisoners are re-convicted within five years due to a lack of job experience and skills.
Operated by the association Festin and modeled after successful international counterparts like The Clink in London, Les Beaux Mets provides inmates with indispensable culinary and service skills. Under the leadership of Chef Sandrine Sollier, a team comprising four kitchen assistants and three servers is employed, earning a penitentiary minimum wage equivalent to 45% of France's standard minimum wage.
Impressively, the program has shown promising results, as 67% of participants found employment or enrolled in vocational training by 2024. This reflection of success highlights the restaurant's role not just in culinary training, but as a catalyst for successful reintegration into society. Reservations are required for those interested in dining at this unique location, emphasizing its commitment to combining rehabilitation with gastronomic experiences.