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Eva Longoria takes her signature travel series to France this Sunday. The award-winning actress explores eight episodes of culinary heritage across multiple regions. A devoted Francophile, Longoria uncovers how French cuisine conquered the world.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 9pm ET/PT on CNN
- Episodes: Eight episodes airing two per week on Sundays
- Network: CNN Original Series, produced by Hyphenate Media Group
- Regions Covered: Paris, Provence, Brittany, Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and River Seine
Eva Longoria Embarks on France’s Culinary Journey
Eva Longoria: Searching for France marks the third season of CNN’s acclaimed Searching for franchise. The actress and producer has already explored Mexico and Spain in previous installments. This time, she dives into the country she calls her spiritual home. Longoria has visited France regularly for over 25 years, speaks the language fluently, and maintains deep cultural ties. “I’m definitely a Francophile,” she explains. The series celebrates France’s role as the global standard for fine dining.
Longoria samples fresh oysters in Paris, bouillabaisse in Provence, and blue lobster in Brittany. She discovers ancient winstubs in Alsace, hidden World War II restaurants preserving French culture. Two special episodes return to Paris dedicated purely to pâtisserie and pastry arts.
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Exploring France’s Regional Culinary Identities
Longoria travels beyond Paris and Lyon to discover distinct regional identities. Alsace surprised her most, occupying a unique space between French and German culture. Brittany reveals itself as a Breton stronghold, with unique seafood traditions and blue lobsters protected by strict fishing laws. Provence breaks traditional rules with olive oil instead of butter, influenced by Greek settlers and Mediterranean heritage.
She meets world-class chefs and artisans at every turn. Nina Métayer, named world’s best pastry chef in 2024, shares her expertise. Michelin-starred chef Mory Sacko, age 33 and West African born, represents a new generation redefining French cuisine. These encounters showcase France’s evolution while honoring its sacred traditions.
The Making of a Travel Series
Longoria and her production company Hyphenate Media Group have built the Searching for franchise into an Emmy award-winning success. The series has earned three Primetime Emmy Awards and twelve nominations. Longoria started this journey with Searching for Mexico to bridge cultural divides through food as a connector. “Food is a great cultural connector,” she states. Each season explores how cuisine shapes identity and global influence.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | Sunday, April 12, 2026 |
| Platform | CNN (live and streaming) |
| Total Episodes | Eight episodes |
| Air Schedule | Two episodes per Sunday, 9pm and 10pm ET/PT |
“France has defined how the world approaches fine dining, and its commitment to craft, paired with a relentless spirit of innovation, has kept its cuisine at the forefront of modern gastronomy.”
— Eva Longoria, Actress, Producer and Series Star
From Paris to the River Seine, Discovering French Excellence
Longoria meets acclaimed pastry chefs like Cédric Grolet and Mickaël Reydellet of La Parisienne. She learns how French bakers treat croissant and baguette-making as sacred arts. Every ingredient matters, including water temperature and flour origin. In Bordeaux, she discovers chef Vivien Durand at Le Prince Noir, a rule-breaking innovator. Philippe Etchebest serves what Longoria calls the best duck she’s ever tasted.
A special River Seine episode traces how French cuisine conquered the world in seven dishes. Longoria explores the history of Auguste Escoffier, who codified mother sauces and kitchen organization. From béchamel to hollandaise, from maître d’ to sommelier, French service standards shaped global fine dining forever.
Watch the Trailer
What Makes This Series a Must-Watch for Travel and Food Lovers?
The Searching for franchise has proven that travel television can be both entertaining and educational. Longoria’s genuine passion shines through every episode. She asks real questions, admits her culinary shortcomings, and celebrates chefs breaking traditions while respecting rules. The show balances France’s revered classics with contemporary innovation and cultural diversity. Do you love food, travel, and discovering how cultures shape the world through cuisine?
Sources
- CNN Press Room – Official announcement of Eva Longoria: Searching for France premiere date and episode details
- The Hollywood Reporter – Exclusive interview with Eva Longoria about French regions, chefs, and culinary discoveries
- Hyphenate Media Group – Production details and series information for the award-winning franchise
