The Stars Come Out in Paris

If you think stars are a big deal in Hollywood, just ask the premier chefs of France how much the stars from Le Guide Rouge can mean to their restaurants. In 2003 Chef Bernard Loiseau killed himself after his Côte d'Or restaurant in Burgundy lost a star, not the first chef to do so.

Only 10 restaurants in Paris were bestowed with the coveted three stars in 2007 from France's Michelin Guide, the bible of gastronomy. So if you're Paris-bound, book a reservation, pack a credit card with a limit as high as the Eiffel Tower and prepare to be wowed - French style. These chefs are artists and your plate is their canvas.

Here is a list of the 10 three-star restaurants in Paris:

1. Le Grand Véfour

Serving Parisians since the days of Louis XV, Le Grand Véfour has been called the most beautiful restaurant in Paris. Guy Martin has presided over the kitchen for the past decade. www.grand-vefour.com

2. Le Meurice

Featured on page 29 of the December/January issue of travelgirl, Le Meurice just earned its 3rd star this year under Chef Yannick Alléno. www.meuricehotel.com/

3. L'Ambroisie

Housed in a 17th-century building, you'll need a reservation about a month in advance at this luxurious restaurant directed by Bernard Pacaud. Tel.: 33 (0)1 42 78 51 45

4. Arpège

Truffle and seafood-lovers can fulfill their passion at Arpège, under the direction of Alain Passard, who rarely includes red meat on his menu but can boast one of the world's most expensive tasting menus. www.alain-passard.com/

5. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée

Guests dine on modern and authentic French dishes under the light of 10,000 dangling Swarovski crystal pendants with a bill that can run to several hundred euros a person. www.alain-ducasse.com/

6. Pavillon LeDoyen

You'll know you're in Paris when you dine at this Parisian institution located just off the Champs Elysees with a view of the Petit Palais. Chef Christian Le Squer started cooking at age 14. www.ledoyen.com/

7. Pierre Gagnaire

Only 45 guests a night get to enjoy the innovative menu of Chef Pierre Gagnaire at his restaurant where a special tasting menu is around $300. Speaking of excess, Le Grand Dessert Pierre Gagnaire has nine pastries, fruits and chocolate. www.pierre-gagnaire.com/

8. L'Astrance

Talk about shooting stars, L'Astrance opened in 2000 and shot up from one star to three under Chefs Pascal Barbot and Christophe Rohat, who previously worked at L'Arpège. Tel.: 33(0)1 40 50 84 40

9. Pré Catelan

Eat inside or underneath the chestnut trees in Bois de Boulogne at Pré Catelan where classic French cuisine takes a more contemporary turn under the direction of Frédéric Anton. For a more affordable experience, try the prix fixe lunch offered for around 60 euro. www.lenotre.fr/fr/pre_catelan.php

10. Guy Savoy

Although the set dinner prices at Guy Savoy are 265 to 320 euros per person, you can still experience this famous restaurant by choosing a half-entrée, main course and half dessert for 100 euros. www.guysavoy.com