Born from the imagination of the Michelin brothers, André and Édouard, founders of the Michelin tire manufacturing company, the original guide (already red) aimed to provide drivers traveling in France with all the useful information for sourcing, repairing, lodging, dining, and communicating.
Distributed free of charge with the purchase of tires, it reflected the visionary gamble of the Michelin brothers: to promote the development of automobiles to boost that of the group and thus improve the mobility of motorists at a time when traveling was an epic journey, with poorly marked or even dangerous roads, and long journeys.
The Michelin Guide became a paid publication in 1920, following an unexpected use as a bench prop in a garage. André Michelin then decided to sell it for 7 francs, considering that « a man truly respects only what he pays for» .
From that year on, advertising disappeared from the guide, making way for the appearance of restaurants and hotels, accompanied by a specific ranking.
In 1926, the first « good table » star was born, followed in 1931 by the second and third stars, thus establishing the historical classification of the Michelin Guide.
1 STAR
Very good restaurants in their category.
2 STARS
Excellent cuisine, worth a detour.
3 STARS
Exceptional cuisine, worth a special trip.
The expertise of the inspectors, created in 1933, over time became the hallmark of the Michelin Guides. Traveling the world in search of the best addresses, these inspectors provide an annual unique selection, classified by comfort and price. This expertise, their independence, and their anonymity have become distinctive elements of the Michelin guides.
In order to always offer « a better way forward, » the Michelin Guide has gradually diversified its access platforms, moving from the paper format to the website, mobile application, and onboard navigation systems. Despite André Michelin’s predictions, the Michelin Guide remains, more than a century after its birth, an essential work for travelers and gastronomes worldwide. The Michelin star is the ultimate recognition for chefs.
