Power Plays & Michelin Stars: France Between Politics and Pleasure

France heads to the polls and to the table in this new episode of So French. Stefan de Vries and Sara Bertilsson unpack the first round of the local elections, where nearly all races were decided in one go, yet the political landscape looks more fragmented than ever. Is this a preview of the 2027 presidential battle, or just another uniquely French paradox? In Paris, the high-stakes duel between Rachida Dati and the left raises questions about alliances, scandals, and the unpredictable behaviour of voters. Meanwhile, the shadow of Nicolas Sarkozy looms large again, both in court and in legacy.The episode also dives into a controversy that left a bitter taste in French politics: the National Assembly’s tribute to a far-right activist, and the uncomfortable revelations that followed.And because no episode of So French ends without indulgence, we turn to something more delicious: the 2026 Michelin Guide. Who’s in, what trends are shaping French gastronomy, and why are women still so underrepresented at the top?From town halls to haute cuisine, this is France in all its contradictions.Bienvenue to So French! With Sara Bertilsson and Stefan de Vries