Michelin Restaurants History

The Michelin Guide started in 1900, a little red book given away free to motorists, "a mine of practical information for motorists … on where to obtain supplies for their vehicles or have them repaired and where to find accommodation and meals …". The first one covered France, but soon editions covering other countries followed, even Britain by 1911. In 1920 it was decided to remove advertising and to recommend restaurants on merit, which required the establishment of a team of inspectors that would inspect anonymously, and the Guide was put on sale in bookshops for 7 francs.

A new, three-category classification system was introduced, though initially only for restaurants outside of Paris, and was soon extended to Paris also. By the 1933 issue, 23 restaurants in France were rated with three stars: including Tour d'Argent in Paris, which kept its 3 stars for nearly 70 years. The 1939 Guide was the last to be issued due to the war.

The 1951 brought the return of the three-star rating system, with seven restaurants achieved this rating: la Mère Brazier on the Col de la Luère, la Côte d'Or in Saulieu (Dumaine), l’Auberge du père Bise in Talloires (Marius and Marguerite Bise), la Pyramide in Vienne (Point), le Café de Paris, la Tour d'Argent (Terrail) and Lapérouse (Topolinski) in Paris.

Please read the Year By Year Michelin to find out what has been happening through the years.