German-French Dinner at the Vendôme

BERGISCH GLADBACH. On the evening of Thursday 16 July 2026, the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg provided the setting for a meeting between Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. In the run-up to the 26th Franco-German Ministerial Council, the two heads of state met at the Baroque grand hotel for political talks and a joint dinner at the two-star restaurant Vendôme. On their arrival, the two heads of state were personally welcomed by the following representatives of Althoff Hotels: Thomas H. Althoff, Chairman of the Board; Frank Marrenbach, Managing Partner and CEO; and Jörg Stricker, General Manager of the hotel.

“It is a particular honour for us that the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg was chosen for this significant Franco-German meeting,” says Thomas H. Althoff. “A hotel like this thrives not only on its exceptional architecture and history, but above all on the trust its guests place in it. Living up to this trust with the utmost discretion, reliability and genuine hospitality has always been a core principle of our hotel.”

The culinary setting for the evening was provided by the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Vendôme, under the direction of top chef Dennis Kuckuck. It was here that Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron came together for their joint dinner. The restaurant has been one of Germany’s most renowned gourmet destinations for many years and is synonymous with modern, cosmopolitan haute cuisine that combines artisanal precision with a distinctive culinary style.

Dennis Kuckuck has been in charge of the kitchen at Vendôme since 2025 and is continuing the restaurant’s success story with fresh ideas. Together with his team, he created a culinary setting for the Franco-German exchange that was as exclusive as it was personal. On this evening, the Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg showcased its full diversity: as a venue for private gatherings, as a versatile setting for events of international significance, and as one of the country’s outstanding culinary destinations.

For this high-profile visit, the hotel – under the leadership of General Manager Jörg Stricker and in close coordination with all relevant departments – was prepared to meet the specific requirements of the meeting. The historic premises provided both a prestigious setting for the official reception and private areas for confidential discussions and personal encounters.

“A grand hotel today must be far more than just an extraordinary venue,” says Frank Marrenbach. “It must seamlessly combine a wide variety of requirements – security and discretion as well as personal hospitality, culinary excellence and a setting that does justice to the significance of the occasion in question. “My special thanks go to Jörg Stricker and his entire team, who made this special evening possible with the utmost professionalism, great care and exceptional dedication.”
One castle, countless possibilities

Built at the beginning of the 18th century as a hunting lodge for the Palatinate Elector Jan Wellem, Bensberg Castle has been providing a setting for special encounters and memorable moments for more than 300 years. With its Baroque architecture, sweeping views across the Cologne Bay and versatile function rooms, today’s Grandhotel combines historic grandeur with the requirements of modern events. A variety of room layouts, bespoke set-ups, comprehensive security and logistics facilities, and cuisine of the highest standard make the hotel a unique venue in the Rhineland.