Inspiration
France's finest starred restablishments
Indulge in Culinary Excellence: France's Michelin-Starred Restaurants Offer Unmatched Gastronomic Adventures in Iconic Settings. Bon Appétit!
Press the down arrow key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Press the down arrow key to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
5 of the finest starred restaurants in a row!
France is of course known, among other things, for its delicious cuisine and fine, matching wines: French gastronomy at its best. The country has no fewer than 30 (!) 3-star Michelin establishments and, of course, dozens more 2-star and 1-star establishments. In fact, the Michelin Guide even comes from France. The Michelin Guide was created at the beginning of the 20th century, when there were only 3,000 cars in France, to encourage the use of the car. Tire manufacturer Michelin released the guide with the goal of pointing drivers to good restaurants and hotels.
In this article we tip you off to some fine starred establishments in France, but of course we won't do so without a brief introduction on what exactly these stars mean.
If a restaurant has a star rating, you can count on the cuisine being very excellent. The number of stars means the following:
1-star: Une très bonne table dans sa catégorie. "Excellent cuisine in its category."
2-star: Table excellente, mérite un détour. "A refined cuisine worth a detour with exceptional specialties and wines."
3-star: Une des meilleures tables, vaut le voyage. "An exceptional cuisine worth a trip. Famous wines are served, the service is impeccable and the interior is stylish."
* Michelinster
JAN, Nice
In Nice, you will find the restaurant JAN. Once started as a chef on private yachts, South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen now shares his creative dishes at the restaurant near the Old Harbour. Expect South African classics such as melktert and biltong, among others, at his restaurant. JAN has room for 24 people, so reservations are definitely recommended.
The Maria dining room at Jan | © Courtesy of Jan
* Michelin star
Les Terraillers Restaurant, Biot
In an authentic 16th-century building in the village of Biot on the Côte d'Azur (near Antibes), you'll find Les Terraillers restaurant. Although the old charm has been preserved, inside you'll find rustic, chic decor. In summer, the outdoor terrace comes fully alive with lots of greenery and beautiful flowers. Chef Michael Fulci's restaurant is known for its flavorful delicacies with a "Provence" touch.
Les Terraillers, Biot | © Les Terraillers, Biot
* Michelin star
La Bastide Saint Antoine, Grasse
Real French cuisine with an innovative twist is what you'll find at the Bastide Saint Antoine restaurant in Grasse, in Provence. The chef, Jacques Chibois, is a leader in the "cuisine du soleil" movement. The restaurant is located in a beautiful mansion from the 18th century, where guests can sit inside, as well as outside in the beautiful garden.
La Bastide Saint Antoine, Grasse | © La Bastide Saint Antoine, Grasse
** Michelin stars
Bras, Laguiole
In the middle of France, on the green landscape of Parc Natural Regional de l'Aubrac, you will find the village of Laguiole with one of the finest Michelin-starred establishments in France: Bras. A creative haven for traditional French cuisine, the restaurant pays tribute to the Aubrac region. Expect pure dishes made from fresh seasonal produce by chef Sébastien Bras.
Bras, Laguiole | © Bras, Laguiole
*** Michelin stars
Kei, Paris
Kei is the restaurant of the passionate Japanese chef Kei Kobayashi, who was so impressed by French gastronomy that, as soon as he was old enough, he left immediately for France to be trained in some of the best restaurants. His own restaurant is now known as one of the best in the country. So in the "fine cuisine" of his restaurant, you will find many influences from Japan and France.