The Captain

Pierre Ollivier’s long association with île de Ré began as a child spending happy and adventurous summer holidays on the island with his family. His taste for adventure continued as he took up sailing, often crewing yachts for their wealthy owners.

After one such trip across the Atlantic, Pierre found himself in Texas where he began his career as a restaurant owner. It was here that he also met his wife, the wonderful Toni. After ten years, the pull of home saw them return to France, and after tasting life in Paris, they decided to share their passion for food and conviviality with the people of île de Ré. 

Celebrating 40 years in 2024, Pierre and Toni’s Café du Commerce is one of the island’s beloved institutions.

The return to port of the Café du Commerce's junk - Pa Yeng

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Good health
 
What is your greatest extravagance?
None
 
What is your current state of mind?
Positive
 
When and where were you happiest?
Summer holidays as a teenager on Ile de Re
 
Where would you most like to live?
Where I am now – on Île de Ré
 
What is your most precious possession?
The Café du Commerce
 
What do you like most about your friends?
Their loyalty
 
Who is your fictional hero?
The Belgian cartoonist André Franquin’s Gaston Lagaffe
 
Who are your heroes in real life?
My parents for giving me life
 
What is your motto in life?
Never complain and love life
 
What is your favorite smell?
The smell of my dog - Nettie
 
What smell do you associate with your fondest childhood memory?
The smell of a croque-monsieur being made by my mother
 
Do you have secret place on Île de Ré?
Yes – it is located on the marshes of Ars-En-Ré

Painting of the Café du Commerce by Cyril Vassiliev