Michelin France: big moves
The Michelin Guide France 2026 lists 668 starred restaurants and added one new three‑star: Les Morainières in Savoie under chef Michaël Arnoult; there are also seven new two‑star and 54 new one‑star addresses, and Monaco hosted the ceremony for the first time coverage coverage monaco.
Chef Michaël Arnoult opened Les Morainières in 2005 and the house earned its first Michelin star in 2007 and a second in 2012. (les-morainieres.com) Arnoult trained as sous‑chef under Emmanuel Renaut at Les Flocons de Sel in Megève before founding his Savoie table, a trajectory Michelin highlighted in its press materials. (michelin.com) The restaurant occupies a converted stone farmhouse on the slopes above Jongieux, surrounded by vines and local producers, and its on‑site guesthouse includes six bedrooms for visiting diners. (les-morainieres.com) One of the most remarked‑upon demotions this year saw L’Ambroisie drop from three to two stars following Bernard Pacaud’s departure and the handover to chef Shintaro Awa. (lefigaro.fr) Michelin’s inspectors flagged a stronger “territorial anchoring” in 2026, singling out a wave of small, often couple‑run operations, sharper seasonality and the rise of value‑led set lunches such as Lalique’s €59 midday menu. (guide.michelin.com) The guide’s 2026 press release also named 14 establishments for an ethical approach to gastronomy and described new Special Awards including Young Chef, Mentor Chef and a Sommelier prize that distinguished two sommeliers. (michelin.com) The selection and awards were unveiled at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte‑Carlo, an event organised in partnership with the Principality and the Société des Bains de Mer and attended by members of the princely family. (grimaldiforum.com)
