Vonnas, France
From Michelin Guide
In his Vonnas stronghold, Georges Blanc has embodied a certain idea of tradition for several decades. From a 100-square-metre building, he has created an estate spanning several hectares: in the evening, the atmospheric lighting of the village gardens and houses is magical. At the head of a small empire, Monsieur Blanc takes the time each day to meet his guests and dedicate the menus with obvious pleasure. In the plate, you’ll find the emblematic Bresse chicken, the famous crêpes Vonnassiennes, and rich sauces with deep flavours... to be paired with one of the myriad wines from a particularly impressive list.
From Visitor Experiences
1. A Michelin Star Legacy Spanning Over 90 Years
Georges Blanc's restaurant in Vonnas holds a remarkable record of being Michelin-starred continuously since 1929, making it one of the longest-standing Michelin-starred establishments in France. This legacy is deeply rooted in the family-run nature of the restaurant, which has been passed down through generations, with Georges Blanc himself earning three Michelin stars in 1981 and maintaining them ever since.
2. Emphasis on Regional Specialties with a Modern Twist
The restaurant is renowned for championing local regional specialties, most notably the emblematic Poulet de Bresse, the only chicken with an official appellation. Georges Blanc creatively reinterprets traditional dishes from the Bresse region, such as crêpes Vonnassiennes and rich, deeply flavored sauces, blending heritage with evolving culinary creativity.
3. Integrated Culinary and Hospitality Experience in a Bucolic Setting
Beyond the restaurant, Georges Blanc offers a comprehensive luxury experience including a hotel, spa, deli, and boutiques selling branded homeware, all set in the peaceful countryside of Vonnas, a small town with a population of just 2,000. The hotel itself combines contemporary comfort with traditional country accents, reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy of elegant yet unpretentious hospitality.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored and signature ingredients at the Michelin three-star restaurant Georges Blanc in Vonnas are:
Bresse Chicken: This is the hallmark ingredient of Georges Blanc's cuisine. The Bresse chicken is renowned for its superior quality and flavor, and it is featured prominently in signature dishes such as the classic "Bresse chicken with cream and mushrooms" and "Breast of Bresse chicken with chicken liver parfait, foie gras, and crêpes de Vonnas." The chicken is often prepared with rich, creamy sauces and paired with delicate accompaniments, showcasing the region's poultry tradition.
Crêpes de Vonnas: These are special, light crepes unique to Georges Blanc's legacy and the Vonnas region. They are traditionally served alongside the Bresse chicken dishes, adding a delicate texture and subtle flavor contrast to the rich poultry preparations.
Cream and Mushrooms: Fresh cream and button mushrooms are key components in the signature Bresse chicken dishes, contributing to the luxurious, velvety sauces that define the restaurant's classical French style.
Chicken Liver and Foie Gras: Used in refined preparations such as chicken liver parfait and foie gras accompaniments, these ingredients add depth and richness to the poultry-focused dishes, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to traditional French luxury ingredients.
These ingredients reflect Georges Blanc's dedication to regional tradition, classical French haute cuisine, and the celebration of local produce, particularly the prized Bresse chicken, which is the ultimate symbol of the restaurant's culinary identity.