France is known for its exquisite and renowned cuisine, and part of the country’s allure is the number of restaurants that boast one of the highest honors in the culinary world – a Michelin star. Michelin stars are awarded to only the best restaurants in a given region and are considered by many to be a sign of excellence. So, how many restaurants in France have been awarded a Michelin star?
The Answer: According to the 2020 Michelin Guide, there are currently 640 restaurants in France with at least one Michelin star. This number has seen an increase over the past few years, with an additional 23 restaurants receiving their first star this year. These figures make France the country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, followed by Italy (with 514), Germany (with 313), Spain (with 276), and Britain (with 212).
It should also be noted that within France itself, Paris holds an impressive total of 146 Michelin-starred restaurants. This makes it one of the world’s culinary hotspots, alongside Tokyo and London. Outside of Paris, other French cities such as Lyon (31 stars) and Marseille (9 stars) also feature some excellent dining establishments.
What is a Michelin Star? A Michelin star is an award given to select restaurants by the prestigious French guidebook publisher Guide Michelin. The coveted award is considered to be one of the highest honors for chefs around the world and is only awarded after careful consideration from anonymous inspectors who visit each restaurant anonymously. Restaurants must demonstrate top-notch quality in all aspects – from atmosphere to service to cuisine – to be considered for a star rating.
Michelin stars can range from one to three stars; one denotes “a very good restaurant” while three denotes “exceptional cuisine worth a special journey” according to Guide Michelin’s website. The coveted three-star rating is held by only 26 establishments across France – including Guy Savoy in Paris, Pierre Gagnaire in Strasbourg, and La Maison des Bois in Megève – making them some of the most exclusive places to eat in all of Europe.
All things considered, there are currently 640 restaurants across France that have been awarded at least one Michelin star according to 2020 figures – making it one of Europe’s top destinations for fine dining experiences.
Conclusion: With 640 establishments spread across France boasting at least one Michelin star according to 2020 figures, it’s clear that this country is serious about its culinary excellence. From Paris’ impressive 146 starred restaurants down through local favorites like Guy Savoy and Pierre Gagnaire, foodies around the world flock here year after year for truly unique dining experiences – making it no wonder why France has become renowned as a culinary hotspot throughout Europe.