After her studies, she took a summer job at a restaurant in
Crans-Montana,
Switzerland, and ended up staying for eight years. She trained as a
pastry chef.[5] Following some time in
Thailand, she became a
vegetarian, and on her return to France was reluctant to work with meat or fish.[3][6]
In 2016 she opened a vegan restaurant in
Arès, near
Bordeaux, in southwestern France. It is called ONA, which stands for "Origine non animale", not of animal origin.[7] She financed her business through a
crowdfunding campaign that raised 10,000 euros[3] and through
La Nef [
fr], an ethical finance co-operative.[8] Aside from the food, Vallée extends veganism to the drinks and the decor of the restaurant, which uses
renewable electricity and
composts its wastes.[5] The restaurant closed permanently in October 2022.[9]
Recognition
In 2018 the
Michelin Guide awarded ONA one fork, a symbol for a restaurant of comfort and quality.[8] Rival guide
Gault Millau gave her two
chef's hats, its equivalent symbol.[3] This made ONA the first
organic and vegan establishments recognised by these guides.[10]
In 2021, she received the first Michelin star awarded to a vegan restaurant.[1] The Michelin Guide also gave her a
Green Star for excellence in sustainable gastronomy.[8]