For almost two decades, C’est La Vie has delivered a cup of joie de vivre to Main Street diners in the mood for crêpes, quiches, croissants, sandwiches and salads. Today, a second location opens in Lakewood Ranch.

For those keeping track: yes, C'est La Vie franchised a second location that opened out east back in 2016. However, that location's owners, Myriam and Jean Dandonneau, ultimately rebranded the restaurant as Mademoiselle Paris in 2021. (Like C'est La Vie, Mademoiselle Paris also has a downtown Sarasota location.) 

The new Lakewood Ranch C'est La Vie, however, will be run by Christophe and Géraldine Coutelle, the owners of the original downtown Sarasota location, which opened in 1997. 

“We are so excited to finally open our own second location in Lakewood Ranch," says Christophe Coutelle. "We have had customers asking for this for years—it is wonderful to see it finally launch."

Coutelle and his wife, Géraldine, opened the downtown Sarasota C'est La Vie in 1997.

"We wanted to introduce a Parisian-style café," Coutelle explains. "Everyone thought we were crazy, saying that no one would sit or eat outside in downtown Sarasota, especially if you are not on the water."

Twenty-seven years later, with their downtown location a firm local favorite, the Coutelles are excited about their expansion.

"This has been a long time coming," Coutelle says. "We are thrilled to be a part of Lakewood Ranch."

C'est La Vie Lakewood Ranch will be open Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9118 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch. For more information call (941) 916-0111 or click here.