The 10 best Michelin-starred restaurants in France

The Michelin Guide, also known as ‘the little red guide’, was created in 1900. Originally a simple advertising catalogue, it became a gastronomic guide in the 1920s. Today, the Michelin Guide covers more than 40 countries (France, Italy, Spain, etc.) and several cities (New York, Tokyo). A true benchmark in the world of haute cuisine, it has become a label of excellence for chefs and restaurants the world over. But which are the best-rated restaurants in France in this essential guide? And for those who want to turn gastronomy and wine into a truly expert profession, the MSc In Luxury Gastronomy & Wine Management at Sup de Luxe is a top-class course dedicated to learning about the sector and its strategic management.

The rise of Michelin-starred restaurants in France and around the world

Winning one, two or three stars in the Michelin Guide is a distinction that makes chefs dream and attracts gourmets from all over the world. The Michelin Guide has imposed unrivalled standards and rigour. Every year, anonymous inspectors criss-cross the country, testing establishments with the utmost discretion and judging every detail: the quality of produce, the mastery of cooking techniques, the creativity of dishes and the harmony of flavours. One star is awarded for the finest cuisine. Two stars reward exceptional cuisine. Three stars affirm the resolutely unique character of a restaurant. 

France remains the historic birthplace of the Guide and the benchmark for starred gastronomy (with over 600 starred restaurants to date). In 2024, 632 restaurants were awarded at least one star. Japan follows closely behind with 547 starred restaurants, reflecting its rich culinary tradition. Italy is in third place with 395 starred restaurants, testifying to the international recognition of its cuisine.

The worldwide expansion of the Michelin Guide has highlighted the diversity and richness of local cuisine. The Guide no longer only celebrates classic gastronomy and sumptuous restaurants. It is now open to more contemporary approaches: fusion cuisine, street-food influences, immersive experiences... We are even seeing a democratisation of the phenomenon, with starred restaurants becoming more accessible, proving that culinary excellence does not have to be expensive.

The 10 best Michelin-starred restaurants in France

Among the 30 establishments awarded the precious 3 stars, it is difficult to select the 10 best. Our selection is therefore subjective, but it highlights the diversity of culinary experiences and flavours.

The Arpège – Paris

Located in the heart of Paris, The Arpège is famous for its cuisine based on vegetables from the chef's own gardens, transformed into veritable works of art. Alain Passard sublimates the produce of the land with unrivalled creativity. The menu changes with the seasons, guaranteeing absolute freshness. 

Alléno Paris at the Pavillon Ledoyen - Paris

In a historic pavilion in the gardens of the Champs-Élysées, Yannick Alléno pays homage to French haute cuisine with a technical approach that allows him to extract flavours to create surprising dishes, between tradition and innovation.

Mirazur – Menton

Perched on the heights of Menton with a superb view over the Mediterranean, Mirazur is a place like no other. Mauro Colagreco offers a poetic cuisine inspired by the cycles of nature. Each dish pays homage to the local terroir, combining seafood, wild herbs and vegetables from his permaculture garden. He invents ‘refined, pictorial, colourful dishes that play on textures and daring combinations’.

The Louis XV - Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris - Monaco

The Louis XV is the essence of French refinement. In the sumptuous setting of the Hôtel de Paris, Alain Ducasse celebrates the richness of the Mediterranean terroir with a cuisine bursting with flavour. Exceptional products, subtle seasonings and elegant presentation turn each dish into a gastronomic jewel.

Maison Pic – Valence

Anne-Sophie Pic embodies culinary excellence. Heir to a line of Michelin-starred chefs, she has established her own style, full of finesse and aromatic nuances. Her delicate and daring creations combine contemporary influences with respect for the product. An unforgettable experience in a cosy, intimate setting.

The Ambroisie – Paris

Located on the Place des Vosges, the Ambroisie is renowned for its classic French cuisine, executed with remarkable precision and finesse.

L'Ambroisie undoubtedly represents great French cuisine in its purest form, with an absolute mastery of the classics (foie gras, langoustine, Bresse chicken...). The flavours are authentic and the execution impeccable. A jewel of gastronomy in the setting of the Place des Vosges.

Le Cinq – Paris

In the Four Seasons George V hotel, Le Cinq offers sophisticated French cuisine, combining modern techniques with respect for tradition. Chef Christian Le Squer creates harmonious combinations of flavours, in a sumptuous setting that makes the experience even more unique.

AM by Alexandre Mazzia - Marseille

Alexandre Mazzia is a former basketball player turned chef. His cuisine is constantly on the move, inspired by the Africa where he grew up and his love of spices. In fact, his menu doesn't talk about menus, but about ‘journeys’. Each dish is a daring adventure, playing on contrasts to transport even the most discerning gourmets.

Flocons de Sel – Megève

In his chalet nestling in the heart of the Alps, Emmanuel Renaut celebrates the mountains through authentic cuisine. He draws on wild herbs from the surrounding countryside to create dishes of absolute freshness, where each ingredient tells a story. A gastronomic signature that ‘frees itself from the superfluous to focus on the essential’.

Le Pré Catelan – Paris

Located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, Le Pré Catelan combines culinary excellence with a majestic setting. Frédéric Anton offers a refined and generous cuisine, combining textures and flavours with a precision worthy of haute couture. A gastronomic experience of rare elegance.

Which is the region with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in France?

Certain regions of France stand out for their concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Unsurprisingly, Ile-de-France tops the list with 137 starred restaurants, including 9 with three stars. As the capital, Paris is home to a large number of these prestigious restaurants, offering an exceptional culinary diversity that attracts gourmets from all over the world. 

In second place, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region boasts 110 starred restaurants, including 8 three-star restaurants. Lyon, often referred to as the capital of gastronomy, is a major contributor to this culinary wealth, as are a number of Alpine destinations renowned for their exceptional restaurants (Aix-les-Bains, Annecy, Megève...).

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur comes third with 81 starred restaurants, including 6 with three stars. This region boasts sun-drenched cuisine that showcases Mediterranean produce, and attracts many renowned chefs. 

France remains the undisputed cradle of haute gastronomy, with its many starred restaurants perpetuating an exceptional savoir-faire. From Paris to the Côte d'Azur, via Lyon and Savoie, each region offers a unique gastronomic experience, driven by passionate chefs and celebrated each year by the famous Michelin Guide.