Eugénie-les-Bains

Empress Eugénie popularized the region's thermal baths at the end of the 19th century, and in return the villagers named this town after her. Then, in 1973, Michel and Christine Guérard made the village world famous by putting together one of France's most fashionable thermal retreats, which became one of the birthplaces of nouvelle cuisine, thanks to the great talents of chef Michel. Their empire now includes restaurants serving four types of cuisine (minceur, gourmand, terroir, and tartines), four places to stay, a cooking school, and a spa.