Prominent restaurant critic Gilles Pudlowski leads the reader on a gourmet tour of France, sharing recipe selections

from his favorite restaurants along with the stories behind the accomplished chefs and their kitchens.

From the Carré des Feuillants near the Tuileries gardens in the heart of Paris to the timelessly elegant château

of Les Crayères in Champagne, and from the idyllic setting of L'Auberge de l'Ill in the verdant Alsatian countryside

to breathtaking views across the sparkling water from Le Petit Nice in Marseille, these are legendary restaurants that

bring dreams to life.

Illustrated with Maurice Rougemont's enticing photographs, this finely-researched bible of French gastronomy

offers a feast for the eyes and the palate. World-renowned chefs including Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse, Guy Savoy,

Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard, and Anne-Sophie Pic each divulge two of their signature recipes to enjoy at home.

Addresses for all of the restaurants are included for readers who wish to embark on their own gourmet tour

of the finest in French dining experiences.

"In this book we have selected restaurants from throughout

France that allow us to dream a bit, to experience a touch

of myth and legend on every level."

A splendidly elegant table surrounded by a sumptuous

decor is the perfect, fairy-tale setting to indulge in an

exquisite meal of blue lobster with garden pea bonbons,

a world-famous truffle soup, or a timeless warm Grand

Marnier soufflé.

A Gourmet Tour of France , as it leads us through

a world of refinement and delight, puts the spotlight on

temples of sophistication that have remained at the summit

of culinary references for decades, such as La Tour d'Argent

and Ledoyen, as well as on exceptional new addresses to

discover like Le Château de Beaulieu near Lille.

It also highlights the fascinating stories and savoir

faire of master chefs like the late Alain Chapel and Bernard

Loiseau who left a legacy of exquisite talent that continues

today: world-famous geniuses from little-known places,

such as Paul Bocuse: top chefs giving a new flair to classic

venues, like Yannick Alleno at Le Meurice: and secret

recipes kept alive for generations, as in family institutions

such as Bras and Maison Pic.

From all around France - whether in the Parisian

Bois de Boulogne, off a national highway overlooking

the serence hills of Burgundy or Lorraine, or opening to the

azure Mediterranean in Monte Carlo - these magnificent

restaurants of international reputation, their passionate

chefs, and the delectable recipes featured in this book

combine to tell the story of the grand French culinary

tradition.