|Famous Restaurants in Paris – Le Procope|
Famous French restaurants in Paris : Le Procope is certainly THE café restaurant in Paris you HAVE to go. Legendary restaurant in Saint Germain, Le Procope is a historic place since 1686 where the greatest men met to talk during the Age of Enlightenment and the French revolution. There are two entrances to this historical restaurant : on the rue de l’Ancienne-Comedie and a “back” entrance called Le Passage de Cour de Commerce Saint-Andre.
Famous French restaurants in Paris
We recommend restaurants with a soul: Legendary restaurants, historical places, with a design, a decoration, an atmosphere, a view of Paris, where great people used to go and of course with delicious French traditional meals. In addition, we recommend the best Parisian trendy restaurants in a quiet and delightful street or district and make reservation for you.
Top Paris Restaurants
Le Procope the most legendary
The front of the restaurant, with its iron balconies, like the roof, were listed as historical monuments by a decree of January 20, 1962. Inside, many documents evoking the Revolution are present on the walls. A hat, said to be of Napoleon, is exposed at the entrance.
- Le Procope offers French traditional cuisine with its specialties
- Lunch, dinner or tea time – just to have a break
- The average meal price with 3 courses is around 65 Euros per person.
A reproduction of The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen of 1789 is on one wall. Nowadays, The Café Procope is in the 18th century style : Pompeian red walls, crystal chandeliers, oval portraits of famous people who had been patrons, and a piano.
Age of Enlightenment most Famous French restaurants in Paris
Café of artists and intellectuals, it was frequented in the eighteenth century by Molière, Voltaire, Diderot and Alembert. Indeed, the café attracts philosophers who have their habits there. The legend says that the idea of the Encyclopedia was born there from a conversation between d’Alembert and Diderot.
It has long remained a meeting place for writers and intellectuals such as Musset, Verlaine, Anatole France, politicians such as Gambetta and the “Tout Paris” meaning the fashionable and affluent elite of the city, who frequent fashionable events and places.
18th Century – Enlightenment Thinkers:
- Voltaire – The famed philosopher and writer frequented Procope.
- Jean-Jacques Rousseau – The philosopher and writer was a known visitor.
- Diderot – A key figure of the Enlightenment and editor of the Encyclopédie.
French revolution most Famous French restaurants in Paris
Another legend said that Benjamin Franklin prepared there the alliance project of Louis XVI with the new Republic during the French revolution and that he would have conceived elements of the future Constitution of the United States there. When Franklin died in 1790, a funeral service was improvised in the café in front of his portrait.
The small masters, court lords, philosophers gave their place away to the revolutionaries. The Cordeliers club met at Café Procope, with Danton and Marat ones of the main figures of the revolution. It quickly became a revolutionary home. Robespierre and the Jacobins also have their habits there. On one of the walls, there is a quote from Camille Desmoulins :
“This café is not adorned like the others with mirrors, gilding and busts, but it is adorned with the memory of Great Men who frequented it and whose works would cover the walls if they were stored there. “
Revolutionaries and Politicians:
- Robespierre – The French Revolution leader was associated with the café.
- Georges Danton – Another prominent revolutionary figure who frequented Procope.
- Benjamin Franklin – He was connected to the French Enlightenment thinkers.
- Napoleon Bonaparte – Reportedly at Procope, he even left his hat.
19th Century Writers and Poets:
- Victor Hugo – The author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
- Honoré de Balzac – He was one of the literary figures to the café.
- Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud – Both poets went to the Procope.
The Café Procope, established in 1686 in Paris, is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and has been a meeting place for many prominent figures over the centuries.
Famous French Restaurants in Paris
Paris offers a remarkable culinary scene where tradition meets innovation. From historic cafés to cutting-edge bistros, the city is home to some of the world’s most iconic dining destinations. Here are a few must-visit restaurants, each with its own unique atmosphere, address, and culinary identity:
Le Chateaubriand
Location: 11th arrondissement (Oberkampf district)
A celebrated modern bistro known for its ever-evolving prix fixe menu, Le Chateaubriand redefines French cuisine with a creative and experimental approach. The chef highlights seasonal ingredients through bold flavor combinations, offering a contemporary, avant-garde dining experience in a relaxed setting.
Café de Flore
Location: 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
One of Paris’s most historic cafés, Café de Flore is synonymous with intellectual and artistic life, once frequented by figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. It serves classic French café fare such as croque-monsieur, onion soup, and pastries, all in a timeless, elegant setting.
Le Fouquet’s
Location: 8th arrondissement (Champs-Élysées)
A legendary brasserie on the iconic Champs-Élysées, Le Fouquet’s embodies Parisian glamour. Its menu features traditional French specialties like steak frites, seafood platters, and refined brasserie classics, served in a luxurious, red-and-gold décor that has hosted countless celebrities.
Café de la Paix
Location: 9th arrondissement (Opéra district)
Located near the Opéra Garnier, Café de la Paix is a true Parisian institution. Known for its opulent Second Empire décor, it offers elegant French cuisine, including classics like beef tartare, foie gras, and seafood dishes, blending refinement with a rich historical ambiance.
Septime
Location: 11th arrondissement (Charonne district)
A Michelin-starred favorite, Septime is a contemporary bistro focused on sustainability and seasonal produce. Its cuisine is inventive and minimalist, emphasizing natural flavors and modern techniques, making it a top choice for food lovers seeking a fresh, creative take on French gastronomy.
Famous French Restaurants in Paris
These iconic restaurants showcase the diversity of Parisian dining—from historic charm to modern culinary artistry—offering unforgettable experiences across different districts of the city. We offer gourmet restaurants recommendations and Michelin Star restaurants to discover the French gastronomy. We also create tailor-made Food tour in Paris for your Paris Trip according to your profile and aspirations.
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