The French Cuisine Festival (Fête de la Gastronomie) is an event that celebrates French flavours and gastronomy, created in 2011 by the Ministry of the Economy, Industry and the Digital Sector following UNESCO's decision to list the gastronomic meal of the French as part of humanity's intangible cultural heritage. It takes place every year in the last weekend of September and its aim is to promote all the delights of French cuisine.
Many events are scheduled throughout France and abroad, such as meetings, workshops, educational activities, tours of breweries or wine cellars, tastings of local products, markets and food-themed outings. Chefs give demonstrations or offer gourmet meals at reduced prices.
There is a new theme each year. In 2015, the chosen theme was creativity and daring. During the weekend, operation "tous au restaurant" (meaning "everyone to the restaurant") entitled people to one free meal for every meal bought at a partner establishment.
