France has caught up with Japan in the number of restaurants boasting the top three Michelin stars, with both countries on 27 apiece in this year's edition of the celebrated food guide, reports The Daily Telegraph.
Japan last year drew ahead of the birthplace of the Red Guide, whose star system still commands huge clout in the world of gastronomy.
But on Monday, Gallic pride was restored when Michelin awarded the ultimate culinary accolade to the restaurant of 35-year-old chef Arnaud Donckele in St Tropez, the only new top ranking in the 2013 edition.
Five establishments gained a second star, bringing the national total to 82. There are 487 one-starred restaurants this year, including 39 first stars.
Michelin said it had this year paid tribute to regional cuisine and "terroir" – gastronomy intimately linked to the local soil.
The award for La Vague d'Or at Residence de la Pinede makes Mr Donckele the youngest cook in France's highly select club of superchefs.
"Arnaud Donckele's cuisine provides diners with a unique, unforgettable experience," Michael Ellis, international director of the Michelin guides, said on Monday. "His fish dishes are highly original and he has personally sought out local producers to find the highest quality ingredients."
Read more of this report from The Daily Telegraph.