Just getting to three Michelin star status takes a Herculean effort on the part of everyone involved in a restaurant, day in, day out. So can you imagine the work required to maintain that three Michelin star status over decades, even 50-plus years?
Below are three French restaurants that have managed to maintain their three Michelin star status for inordinate lengths of time: Paul Bocuse's eponymous restaurant in Lyon, which has held three Michelin stars since 1965 and is the longest serving to do so; L'Auberge de l'Ill in Illhaeusern, which has since 1967; and Les Prés d'Eugénie in Landes, where next year chef Michel Guérard celebrates 40 years as a three star chef.
These are the dishes these kitchens turn out day after day, with the consistency required to completely satisfy the Michelin inspectors. There's also special mention for Château Neercanne, close to Maastricht in the Netherlands, which has held a star for 60 years and was recognised on the most recent Michelin Guide to the Netherlands.
Les Prés d'Eugénie
Les Prés d'Eugénie
Paul Bocuse
Paul Bocuse/Facebook
L'Auberge de l'Ill
L'Auberge de l'Ill
Château Neercanne
Château Neercanne/Facebook