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Eva Longoria returns to CNN this Sunday with her most elegant culinary journey yet. The Emmy-nominated actress premieres Searching for France on April 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, diving deep into the country’s world-class gastronomic heritage. From Paris to Provence and beyond, Longoria explores eight episodes of French food history like never before.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CNN
- Episodes: Eight total episodes airing two per week
- Regions Covered: Paris, Provence, Burgundy, Alsace, Brittany, and Bordeaux
- Streaming: Available on CNN app next day for subscribers
Eva Longoria’s Third Season in the Culinary Franchise
This marks Longoria’s third season in CNN’s acclaimed Searching For franchise, which has earned 3 Primetime Emmy Awards and 12 nominations. She previously explored Spain and Mexico, connecting recipes to her own heritage and personal stories. France represents her deepest culinary obsession yet, driven by her enduring love for the country and its unmatched food traditions.
The actor admits her passion for French cuisine runs profound. She has visited France countless times and remains deeply connected to the nation. Her ex-husband, French-American basketball player Tony Parker, introduced her to French culture years ago. Though they divorced, Longoria says she stayed in love with the country and now considers it a second home deserving of exploration at the highest level.
Eva Longoria’s Searching for France premieres Sunday on CNN, exploring Paris & Provence
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From Royal Courts to Regional Tables
Longoria travels to some of France’s most storied culinary regions, sampling iconic dishes that shaped global fine dining. In Paris, she indulges in fresh oysters and explores the art of pâtisserie with world-class pastry chefs. She punts along the River Seine for a special episode featuring seven dishes that trace French cuisine’s conquest of the world’s tables.
In Provence, she tastes authentic bouillabaisse while investigating Mediterranean seafood traditions. Burgundy showcases the region’s prized Bresse chicken and braised beef bourguignon. She even participates in truffle hunting near Dijon, discovering these prized fungi from soil to plate.
| Region | Signature Dishes |
| Paris | Oysters, pâtisserie, Seine riverside cuisine |
| Provence | Bouillabaisse, Mediterranean seafood |
| Burgundy | Bresse chicken, beef bourguignon, truffles |
| Alsace | Frog legs mousseline, cheese making |
| Brittany | Blue lobster specialties |
| Bordeaux | Bordelaise sauce, caviar, blue lobster |
“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, Series Star and Producer
Legacy and Royal Heritage Behind Every Bite
Longoria’s journey unpacks centuries of French gastronomic excellence, from royal courts to monastic vineyards and family-run kitchens. She asks profound questions about each dish’s origins. Why does Bresse chicken matter? How did bouillabaisse emerge from Provence’s fishing villages? The series reveals that France’s culinary dominance isn’t accidental but rooted in rigorous tradition, innovation, and regional pride.
Each episode features conversations with chefs, artisans, and family food guardians who maintain these traditions. Filming included collaborations with renowned chefs and a memorable boat ride with chef Alain DuCasse off Brittany’s coast, where blue lobster’s stunning color became the perfect visual moment for television.
What Viewers Can Expect from This Culinary Adventure?
Production began this spring with Cris Abrego’s Hyphenate Media Group and CNN Original Series, the team behind previous Emmy-winning seasons. The series arrives newly edited and ready to captivate audiences hungry for travel escapism and food storytelling. Fans of Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy and previous Longoria seasons will recognize the signature approach: celebrity authenticity meets deep culinary investigation meets visual splendor.
Two episodes will premiere back-to-back each Sunday at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET/PT. CNN app subscribers can stream episodes the following day. The series is sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reinforcing the premium travel storytelling at its heart. After April 12, Sunday nights belong to Longoria’s France once more.
Sources
- CNN Press Room – Official announcement of Searching for France premiere date and production details
- Condé Nast Traveler – Behind-the-scenes reporting on filming in Burgundy and Longoria’s approach to French cuisine
- Hollywood Reporter – Coverage of Longoria’s exploration of French culinary heritage and current dining scene
