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]