The 21st edition of the Gourmet Book Festival will be held in Périgueux from November 13 to 15. The event, which has been taking place since 1990, is a major gathering for fans of gastronomy books and food culture. This year, it will be under the patronage of chef Jean-François Piège, who holds two Michelin stars. Piège takes over from previous chefs Pierre Gagnaire and Thierry Marx, and will work with the organizers to shape the festival's program. The event will highlight local products, promote gastronomy, and include discussions, workshops, and food tastings. Jean-François Piège has had a long and successful career in the culinary world. He previously worked as a chef at Alain Ducasse's Plaza Athénée and later at the Ambassadeurs (Crillon Hotel). Today, he runs 11 restaurants and has authored 20 books, including Le grand livre des grands restaurants and Ma cuisine française à la poule au pot (2025). Piège emphasizes the importance of French culinary identity and the role of local producers, farmers, and artisans in shaping gastronomy. He believes that cooking requires time and patience, and that preparing meals is an act of generosity and sharing. The festival will bring together a wide range of guests, including well-known chefs, food influencers, and authors. Among the participants will be Régis Marcon, Philippe Etchebest, Laurent Mariotte, and others. Over 80 guests will be present during the three days of the event, participating in debates, culinary demonstrations, tastings, book signings, and workshops. The festival also includes activities for younger audiences, such as farm visits before the event and family-friendly workshops with children's authors and students from the AgroCampus du Périgord. Local producers will be showcased in an area organized by the Chamber of Agriculture, allowing festivalgoers to explore the excellence of Périgord's industries under the brand Périgord attitude. Traditional events like the fat market and a parade of guilds will also be part of the festival. Three prizes will be awarded to highlight books and food-related themes. The Dame Tartine Prize will be given to a children's book by Périgueux students, the La Mazille Prize will recognize a collective work on cuisine or food, and the Engagement Prize will honor a book that addresses themes like nutrition, biodiversity, or ecology from a creative or critical perspective.