It's an announcement that has shaken the kitchens of high-end French gastronomy. Georges Blanc, an iconic figure in starred cuisine, has just lost his third Michelin star. This decision came down on Thursday, March 20, just before the unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Guide rankings. “We didn't see this coming,” reacted the 82-year-old chef to AFP, clearly taken aback by this decision. However, he is not ready to throw in the towel: “One star may be fading away, but we'll make do with the two stars.”
A starred restaurant since 1929 and holding three stars for 44 years
In Vonnas, in the Ain region, the Georges Blanc establishment is so much more than just a gourmet restaurant. Recently voted the third best restaurant in the world, it is an institution, a true gem.in the culinary history of France. Founded in 1872 by his great-grandparents, the establishment earned its first star in 1929 under the leadership of Elisa Blanc, the grandmother of the current chef. In 1932, a second star confirmed the excellence of this family table. When he took the reins in 1968, Georges Blanc elevated the restaurant to the top by receiving the third star in 1981. This recognition would last for 44 years, making his establishment the longest continuously starred restaurant in the world.
But in the kitchen, nothing is ever guaranteed. Despite his experience and renown, Georges Blanc knows well: every year, the release of the Michelin Guide is a moment of tension. “There's always the same apprehension at the time of the guide's release, wondering if we will be revalidated,” he confided to RTL. This time, the axe has fallen. “I may have fallen short, so I need to... tirer les conséquences, peut-être me remettre en question, si j’ai encore la force » a-t-il ajouté, conscient du défi qui l’attend.
A massacre in the Michelin Guide 2025
And Georges Blanc isn’t the only one facing a downgrade. This year, 23 restaurants have lost a star, including another big name: Le Puits Saint-Jacques, a two-star restaurant in Gers, led by chef William Candelon. Twenty-one starred restaurants have also closed their doors in 2024, leaving a gap in the culinary landscape.
But beyond the downgrades, it’s also a time to reward new talents. On March 31, the Michelin Guide ceremony in Metz will reveal which establishments will join the circle of the stars. An end for some, a new beginning for others.