The most famous cooking show in France is changing its address... and not just any address. For its 17th season airing this spring, Top Chef is leaving its Parisian sets for a gastronomic tour across France. Among the highlight stops, the Abbey of Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or, the legendary birthplace of Paul Bocuse, stands out as the emotional heart of this new edition.
This year, the contestants are trading white walls for grand open spaces. Alpine peaks, beachside restaurants, the Château of Fontainebleau... and of course, the banks of the Saône. The 16 participants, including four women, will have to adapt to spectacular settings and unprecedented constraints. The goal: to step out of their comfort zones and prove that a great chef can shine anywhere, not just under the studio lights.
Collonges, the scene of a XXL tribute to Paul Bocuse
The episode filmed at the Abbey of Collonges.is set to be one of the highlights of the season. Filmed last October, it will pay tribute to the “Pope of Gastronomy” through challenges inspired by his legendary dishes. The contestants will have to reinterpret the spirit of Bocuse under the expert eyes of Gilles Reinhardt, Olivier Couvin, and Benoit Charvet, stalwarts of the double-starred establishment.
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Another major revolution: the end of team work. Say goodbye to the brigades and hello to a 100% individual competition. Each contestant will now play their own tune, without a safety net. The historic program leaders — Hélène Darroze, Philippe Etchebest, Glenn Viel, Paul Pairet, and Stéphanie Le Quellec — will return as full-fledged judges, more demanding than ever.
With this spectacular episode, Lyon confirms its status as the gastronomic capital. Between heritage, culinary excellence, and massive television exposure, the region boasts a golden showcase. Top Chef version 2026 promises a delightful mix of emotion, competition, and local flavors.
Source: Tribune de Lyon