The latest version of the Michelin Red guide to Hotels and Restaurants in France 2006 has just been published.Although Michelin have a deservedly fierce reputation for making or ruining the very top and most expensive restaurants, the famous red guide is nevertheless immensely useful for the more everyday search for a decent hotel or restaurant at very affordable prices. We always have a copy with us on our trips to France, and in over 25 years it as never let us down - most memorably leading us to a superb meal in the less-than-enticing Brasserie de la Gare Routiere (Bus Station bar) in Clermont Ferrand (63 Puy-de-Dome, Auvergne) - sadly no longer listed. That experience also taught another lesson about French restaurants - do not be put off by the external appearance - the surroundings of the bus station were not enticing, but upstairs the restaurant was an oasis of calm, linen tablecloths, attentive service and great food. Another places we have eaten in looked as though it was a factory warehouse - but again inside the atmosphere and food were superb.
The Michelin red guide is not just a list of hotels and restaurants, but their city centre maps of most decent-sized towns has been invaluable (at least before the days of satellite navigation) - and the kids can find out where that car in front comes from (number plate ending in 95 comes from the Val de Oise, Ile de France). Amazon currently have the new guide on offer at a 40% discount - CLICK HERE
Whilst the Red Guide is indispensible on the road, the www.viamichelin.co.uk is superb for planning your trip - good mapping, links to the red guide hotel and restaurant recommendations (once you have registered for free), links to the green tourist guide information, and up-to-date route planning and timing.
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