A iconic dining establishment, Georges Blanc, has lost its longstanding third Michelin star, a significant moment in gastronomic history that reflects ongoing shifts in culinary excellence.
Georges Blanc Loses Prestigious Third Michelin Star

Georges Blanc Loses Prestigious Third Michelin Star
World-renowned restaurant sees a shift in its culinary reputation.
The world's oldest Michelin-starred restaurant, Georges Blanc, located in the picturesque town of Vonnas, France, has been stripped of its coveted third Michelin star, according to recent reports from French media. At 82, renowned chef Georges Blanc expressed surprise at the decision, commenting to AFP that the restaurant is prepared to embrace the change, stating, "We'll make do with the two stars... maybe we'll be less elitist and a little more accessible."
Georges Blanc restaurant first gained recognition in 1929 under the ownership of Georges' grandmother, Élisa Blanc, and has consistently held at least one star in the prestigious Michelin rankings since then. Georges took over the restaurant in 1964 alongside his mother, later assuming full control by age 25. The establishment received its third star in 1981 and has maintained this status until now.
Gwendal Poullenec, director of the Michelin Guide, remarked on the necessity of updating ratings to mirror the evolving quality of establishments, while also acknowledging the transformative journey of Blanc's restaurant from a family inn to a celebrated gastronomic destination. He assured that the Michelin Guide would continue to follow Georges Blanc with "the same kindness, the same rigour" in future evaluations.
Aside from his flagship restaurant, Georges Blanc manages multiple dining venues, hotels, and gourmet shops, significantly contributing to France’s culinary landscape. The Michelin Guide, originally launched in 1900 to promote driving and boost tyre sales, introduced its star system in 1926, making it a hallmark of restaurant excellence. The Michelin star award ceremony is set to take place at the end of the month, where further revelations about the culinary world will unfold.
Georges Blanc restaurant first gained recognition in 1929 under the ownership of Georges' grandmother, Élisa Blanc, and has consistently held at least one star in the prestigious Michelin rankings since then. Georges took over the restaurant in 1964 alongside his mother, later assuming full control by age 25. The establishment received its third star in 1981 and has maintained this status until now.
Gwendal Poullenec, director of the Michelin Guide, remarked on the necessity of updating ratings to mirror the evolving quality of establishments, while also acknowledging the transformative journey of Blanc's restaurant from a family inn to a celebrated gastronomic destination. He assured that the Michelin Guide would continue to follow Georges Blanc with "the same kindness, the same rigour" in future evaluations.
Aside from his flagship restaurant, Georges Blanc manages multiple dining venues, hotels, and gourmet shops, significantly contributing to France’s culinary landscape. The Michelin Guide, originally launched in 1900 to promote driving and boost tyre sales, introduced its star system in 1926, making it a hallmark of restaurant excellence. The Michelin star award ceremony is set to take place at the end of the month, where further revelations about the culinary world will unfold.