Here, mapped out, are the French restaurants with three Michelin stars. Following yesterday's release of the 2012 Michelin Guide for France, the country now has 26 three-star restaurants (last year there were 25). The newest member of the club is Les Flocons de Sel, the restaurant in Megève from chef Emmanuel Renaut.

Putting aside the question of the Guide's relevance and accuracy, a look at the establishments with the organization's highest ranking can be fascinating. Of the twenty-six in the category, some are considered among the best in the world, while others have been criticized for letting the pomp overshadow the food; some are destination restaurants in classic Michelin fashion (L'Arnsbourg, Gilles Goujon), while others are located in more metropolitan areas.

Some have managed to stay at the top while taking serious creative risks (L'Astrance, Pierre Gagnaire), while others either negotiate the old and new (Maison Pic) or simply stay in the past (Paul Bocuse). One thing is for sure: all of them are extremely expensive. Odds are you won't be able to try more than a few, but here's a look at 2012's peculiar, exceptional bunch.

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