Step into the gilded world of Parisian brasseries, where Belle Époque splendor meets hearty French cuisine. From the legendary Bouillon Chartier to the Art Nouveau masterpiece Bouillon Julien, discover the grand dining halls where Parisians have gathered for over a century. These historic establishments, with their original mirrors, brass fixtures, and bustling atmosphere, offer a taste of authentic Paris.
This route has 5 stops.
Begin at Bouillon Chartier, Paris's most famous bouillon, established in 1896. Step through the revolving door into a soaring Belle Époque dining hall that has served millions of Parisians affordable meals for over 125 years. The original woodwork, brass luggage racks, and uniformed waiters writing orders on paper tablecloths transport you to another era. This is democratic dining at its finest—where students, tourists, and locals share long communal tables beneath painted ceilings.
Walk south to Brasserie Gallopin, a hidden gem founded in 1876 near the old Stock Exchange. This intimate establishment retains its original Third Republic atmosphere with rich wood paneling, ornate stained-glass windows, and Victorian-era light fixtures. Once the haunt of stockbrokers and businessmen, it offers a more refined counterpoint to the bustling bouillons. The elaborate zinc bar and period details make this one of Paris's best-preserved 19th-century interiors.
Continue to Le Vaudeville, an Art Deco masterpiece facing the former Bourse (now transformed into a cultural center). Established in the 1920s, its theatrical interior features geometric patterns, elegant mirrors, and the glamorous atmosphere of the Jazz Age. The terrace offers perfect views of the neoclassical Bourse colonnade. This is where Parisian financiers once celebrated (or mourned) their market fortunes over oysters and champagne.
Walk to Le Grand Colbert, a stunning Belle Époque brasserie near the Palais-Royal. Featured in the film "Something's Gotta Give" with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, this ornate restaurant features soaring columns, intricate mosaics, and an elegant glass roof. The menu offers classic French brasserie fare in surroundings that evoke the glamour of 19th-century Paris.
End at Bouillon Julien, an Art Nouveau masterpiece classified as a historic monument. Dating from 1906, its breathtaking interior features mahogany woodwork, hand-painted murals of peacocks and flowers, and stunning stained-glass skylights. Every surface is decorated—from the elaborate ceiling to the curved mirrors. Like Chartier, it serves generous portions at reasonable prices, proving that beauty and accessibility can coexist. This is perhaps the most photographed restaurant interior in Paris.