Tourism has changed over time. Nowadays, travelers are looking for more than just a sightseeing tour through a city’s tourist attractions. They want to experience a whole different culture, language, and traditions, among other things.
Food tourism is a major component of this new wave of traveling, allowing tourists to live like the locals do, if only for a few days. According to the World Food Travel Association, “food tourism is the act of traveling for a taste of place to get a sense of place” – or, in less poetic terms, getting a deeper understanding of a given culture through its cuisine.
It’s no wonder there is rising interest in food tours in Paris – they combine two inherently pleasant experiences, traveling and eating, and travelers are increasingly looking to blend a culinary adventure into their trips abroad.
France has a long-standing reputation as a gastronomic powerhouse. In 2020, UNESCO acknowledged the appeal of the country’s meals and rituals by naming it as an intangible cultural heritage.
If you are planning a trip to France and would like to enjoy a Paris food tour, or visit the some of the best restaurants in the country, keep reading this article to learn about which French restaurants have been awarded Michelin Stars.
About Michelin Stars
First of all, what are Michelin Stars? They may be famous now, but relatively few people know about their origins.
It all started in 1889, when the brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin founded the Michelin tire company.
In addition to producing tires, Michelin began publishing a guide for travelers containing information about restaurants. Over the years, the guide grew in scope, incorporating maps and accommodation details.
In 1926, the Michelin guide introduced a restaurant rating system. At first, just one star was awarded, but later on three stars became the highest possible accolade.
Over time, Michelin Guide has become a reference for anyone looking for a truly superlative dining experience.
France’s Michelin-starred restaurants
Below, we’ve compiled a list of four excellent French restaurants which have received Michelin’s highest rating of three stars – narrowed down from the 3000-plus restaurants in France to have received one star or more. If you want to explore the complete list, we recommend visiting the Michelin Guide website.
Les Prés d’Eugénie
Located in Landes, Les Prés d’Eugénie received three Michelin stars for its “exceptional cuisine, worth a special trip”, and has held this distinction for 45 years.
The restaurant’s style has been described as “nouvelle cuisine” combining original dishes with unusual ingredients to create an exceptional dining experience.
Its “Grand Menu” features different dishes according to the season, as does its “Grand Vegetarian Menu”.
The restaurant is open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, and at lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website, and by phone.
Le Petit Nice
Located in Marseille, Le Petit Nice has is said to serve the best cuisine in southern France.
Chef Gérald Passedat’s dishes are deeply influenced by Provençal and Mediterranean culture, with a predominance of seafood.
Last orders at Le Petit Nice are at 1:30 pm (for lunch) and 9:30 pm (for dinner). The dress code is elegant or casual chic, and under-eights are not allowed, so steer clear if you’re travelling with young children. Reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website.
La Villa Madie
Located in Cassis, La Villa Madie lets customers enjoy an exquisite meal overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Chef Dimitri Droisneau successfully navigates culinary trends with a unique personal touch that, combined with the minimalist decorations, adds up to a near-perfect experience.
La Villa Madie is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 13:00 and later from 7:30 to 8:45 pm. Reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website.
The dress code is chic and relaxed, although trousers and closed shoes are required at night.
Régis et Jacques Marcon
Located in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid, this restaurant stands out for its local cuisine, based on natural ingredients.
In addition to its three Michelin stars, Régis et Jacques Marcon has received one Michelin Green Star, acknowledging its sustainable practices. Chef Jacques Marcon is emphatically committed to waste reduction and saving natural resources like water and electricity.
The restaurant is open from Thursday to Monday, between 12:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
Reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website, at a cost of 50 euros per head. Tables for more than six visitors require a special reservation via e-mail, while tables of 8 people have the option of choosing a menu in advance.
As we have seen, food tours are a great way to discover different cultures, and get an insight into local cuisine and customs. France is one of the most popular destinations for food lovers thanks to its lasting gastronomic tradition, with many excellent restaurants all over the country that are worth a visit. Michelin stars are a great resource for identifying the best restaurants in France and elsewhere, and these four restaurants – while just scratching the surface of what this fantastic country has to offer – are a great place to start!