Julie Andrieu is back on culinary television, captivating audiences with her return to "Les Carnets de Julie" on March 2, 2025, as she celebrates the rich heritage of French poultry. The show aired on France 3, spotlighting the gallinaceous birds revered across the nation, and aimed to showcase their significance, culinary versatility, and the stories behind them.
This week, viewers were invited to join Andrieu on her culinary adventures starting from Bourgogne, where she met with passionate breeders reintroducing ancient poultry breeds. The episode offered insights on traditional practices and the labor of love involved in maintaining these heritage breeds, as well as the cultural foundations they represent for French gastronomy.
Julie Andrieu highlighted the importance of quality and certification, delving deep as she uncovered aspects of the Red Label designation for poultry—a mark of excellence initiated to promote high-production standards. Her exploration also took her to Auvergne, where she featured the roles of certifying bodies ensuring these products meet stringent quality thresholds. Throughout the episode, Andrieu maintained her friendly yet informative style, inviting viewers to explore the culinary offerings and local traditions.
A key highlight of the episode came when Andrieu had the privilege of cooking with celebrated chef Georges Blanc. Known as one of France’s culinary icons, Blanc shared his insight, showcasing one of his famed creations, the volaille de Bresse aux gousses d’ail confites au foie gras, which was specially prepared for the G7 summit back in 1996. Viewers were treated to not just the preparation of the dish, but also the rich history associated with it, reaffirming the timeless nature of fine cuisine.
Despite the high hopes for Andrieu’s return, ratings presented challenges. The previous week’s episode focusing on citrus flavors, which aired on February 23, 2025, managed to attract 475,000 viewers, translating to only 4% market share. This represented 3.2 points lower than the previous week, positioning France 3 at risk during its prominent Sunday afternoon time slot.
The show's struggles were compounded by stiff competition from the opening rugby match of the Six Nations Tournament. The match drew over 5 million viewers, overshadowing Andrieu's culinary stories as sports enthusiasts opted for live game-action instead. For viewers who tuned out, it meant missing out on Andrieu’s exploration of French culinary gems, showcasing local flavors, and artisan techniques.
Nevertheless, Andrieu's show continues to outshine its earlier Sunday competitor, "En bonne compagnie" with Sophie Davant, which performed significantly weaker earlier this season. It's clear there's still love for Andrieu's warmth and charm as she engages audiences each week.
Every Sunday afternoon, "Les Carnets de Julie" invites viewers to explore the world of gastronomy starting at 15:40 on France 3, presenting challenges and triumphs with every culinary step. Andrieu's ability to adapt and present engaging content will be tested continually, especially as she navigates busy competition from popular sporting events.
With each episode, Andrieu helps preserve the art of French cuisine, giving viewers not just recipes, but stories and connections to their culinary heritage. Whether she's recounting tales of traditional farmers or conversing with acclaimed chefs, Andrieu highlights the cultural richness of her subject matter, sustaining interest even against the odds.
Despite the viability of her audience ratings, Julie Andrieu’s dedication shines through each week, ensuring her signature warmth and culinary passion remain front and center. The show is not merely about cooking—it's about celebrating relationships, traditions, and the art of gastronomy.