Paris's Oldest Bar - A Look Back In Time

There's a special kind of feeling you get walking into a place that has seen so much, a spot that has served countless patrons over hundreds of years. Imagine the conversations, the laughter, the quiet moments that have filled these rooms. It's a connection to the past, a chance to experience a little piece of what life was like for those who came before us. This city, you see, really does ooze history from every single street.

Our search for the oldest bar in Paris takes us on a fascinating trip, uncovering places with incredible stories. We'll look at not just bars, but also some of the very first cafes and restaurants that helped shape Parisian life. It's a bit of a winding path, as some places have changed names or purposes, but each one offers a unique window into the city's long and captivating past.

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Table of Contents

• Uncovering Paris's Earliest Drinking Spots
• Is L'Entracte the Oldest Bar in Paris?
• What Stories Do the Oldest Bars in Paris Tell?
• Beyond the Bar - Paris's Ancient Cafés and Restaurants
• How Did Paris's Oldest Cafés Shape History?
• The Longstanding Legacy of Paris's Oldest Restaurants
• Where Can You Find Paris's Oldest Wine Bars?
• A Glimpse Into Other Historic Parisian Hangouts

Uncovering Paris's Earliest Drinking Spots

When we talk about places that have been around for a very long time in Paris, it's not always simple to point to just one "oldest." Some spots have changed what they offer, moving from being a simple inn to a fancy restaurant, or from a coffee house to a meeting place for thinkers. This exploration, in some respects, helps us appreciate how these establishments have adapted and continued to serve people through the centuries. We're looking for those places where people have gathered to share a drink, tell tales, and simply relax.

The city's history of public gathering spots is rich, stretching back hundreds of years. These places were often more than just somewhere to eat or drink; they were centers for ideas, for news, and for social connections. Think about it, they were the original social networks, where people would meet up and chat. Understanding their past helps us see how Parisian life has always revolved around these welcoming spaces, where people could just be themselves and enjoy a moment of peace or lively discussion.

Is L'Entracte the Oldest Bar in Paris?

If you're looking for what might be the oldest bar in Paris, a place called L'Entracte comes up. This spot has, you know, lived a thousand lives, so to speak. It's been open since 1614, which makes it incredibly old. Its past is quite colorful, to say the least. Originally, it was known as La Pissote. This was a gathering point for coachmen, those who drove horse-drawn carriages, and they apparently enjoyed a drink there and, well, a good pee, which is how it got its original name. It's rather interesting, isn't it, how a place gets its name sometimes?

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The history of L'Entracte shows how these places served a very practical purpose for working people. It wasn't just about leisure; it was a place for rest, for refreshment, and for a bit of camaraderie after a long day. The fact that it's still around, having started in the early 17th century, is quite something. It truly has a deep connection to the city's past, and it's a testament to its enduring appeal as a place where people can just come together.

What Stories Do the Oldest Bars in Paris Tell?

These old establishments, like the oldest bar in Paris, are full of stories, not just about their early days but about how they changed over time. Take Harry's New York Bar, for instance. It came into being in 1911, on Thanksgiving Day. This bar was, you know, literally taken apart from a street in Manhattan, 7th Avenue to be precise, and then put back together on Rue Daunou in Paris. The way it looks inside changes every ten or fifteen years, apparently, because it quickly becomes the standard that other places in Paris try to copy.

Unlike some of the more famous historical spots, like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, this particular historic Paris bar, which is near the Grands Boulevards, doesn't always get the recognition it deserves. It's a bit of a hidden gem, you could say. Then there's Le Delaville, which someone recognized had really good foundations, and they restored it beautifully. It started out as a cheese shop and restaurant back in 1845. Later, in the 20th century, because it was right in the middle of literary Paris, it became popular with writers from both France and other countries. These places, you know, really hold a lot of history within their walls.

Beyond the Bar - Paris's Ancient Cafés and Restaurants

While we're looking for the oldest bar in Paris, it's impossible to talk about these historic gathering places without also mentioning the very old cafes and restaurants. These spots often served similar purposes, bringing people together for food, drink, and conversation. Our first interesting discovery in this area is Les Anysetiers du Roy, which means "the king's aniseed liqueur makers." This is a restaurant located at a specific address, and it suggests a connection to royal times, which is rather fascinating.

Paris, often called the city of lights, is well known for its rich past and its way of life. One important part of this cultural heritage is the presence of these very old bars and coffee houses that have been serving customers for hundreds of years. They are, in a way, living museums, where you can feel the weight of history all around you. It's a truly unique experience to sit where so many others have sat before you, over such a long span of time.

How Did Paris's Oldest Cafés Shape History?

When we talk about the oldest coffee houses in Paris, Le Procope stands out. Since 1686, this place has been a true symbol of French cooking and the Parisian way of living. It's a spot where, you know, big names like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot all met up. Le Procope is a meeting point that truly shaped thought and discussion. We almost immediately come upon Le Procope when wandering down Rue Mazarine from Odéon Square, where a sign says it's the oldest coffee house in the world.

During the 1789 revolution, people like Robespierre, Danton, and Marat, who were all revolutionaries, used Le Procope as a place to meet. The Phrygian cap, which became a French symbol of freedom, was first shown at Le Procope. This coffee house also became a central spot for the Parisian art and writing community in the 18th and 19th centuries. Le Procope was the first restaurant in Paris to bring in coffee and make it popular by serving it at tables in porcelain cups. Its coffee room is open from Monday to Friday, from 3 PM to 6 PM, and you don't need a reservation. It's, you know, a very important part of the city's story.

The Longstanding Legacy of Paris's Oldest Restaurants

The iconic La Tour d'Argent has a history that goes all the way back to 1582, making it a contender for the oldest restaurant in Paris. According to the restaurant's official story, a person named Rourteau opened La Tour d'Argent in 1582. He wanted to set up an inn that would serve important people. Rourteau gave his new establishment a name that has stuck for centuries. It is said that kings have made it a custom to dine here since 1582, starting with Henri III, who, it's rumored, discovered the fork at a meal held in honor of his English counterpart. The Sun King, Louis XIV, would travel there with his court from the Château de Versailles to taste the finest foods. At that time, it was the biggest restaurant in Paris, which is quite something, you know?

Another restaurant that says it's Paris's oldest is La Petite Chaise, dating back to the time of the Sun King, Louis XIV, around 1680. The way it looks inside, with old candle holders and old pictures on the walls, supports this claim. This place is known for its beautiful and old-fashioned look, as well as its really good traditional French food. Yet another restaurant saying it's Paris's oldest, this one might be one of its very finest. It started as the Café de Chartres, meant to make wealthy people comfortable. The menu is varied, with traditional food and original recipes that are medium to high in price, and it's known for its excellent hot chocolate served in the afternoon tea room. Le Procope is also considered the oldest restaurant in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris. They opened their doors in 1686 and have seen many famous people eat there, including Voltaire and Diderot. Like many of the oldest restaurants, it's changed many times over the years. La Tour d'Argent, Paris's oldest restaurant, is set to get a refresh in 2023, which is interesting, you know, to see such old places continue to evolve.

Where Can You Find Paris's Oldest Wine Bars?

When you think about the history of drinking in Paris, wine bars are a very important part of the picture. The city has a deep connection to wine, and some places have been serving it for a truly long time. The Réserve de Quasimodo, for instance, is certified as the oldest wine bar in the whole of Paris. This place, you know, holds a special spot in the city's drinking history. It's a place where you can really feel the tradition of French wine culture.

These wine bars are often smaller, more intimate places, where the focus is truly on the drink itself and the simple pleasure of sharing a glass. They offer a different kind of historical experience compared to the grand cafes or large restaurants. It's about finding those quiet spots where, you know, the walls could tell stories of countless toasts and shared moments over a good glass of wine. They are, in a way, just as much a part of the city's fabric as the more famous landmarks.

A Glimpse Into Other Historic Parisian Hangouts

Beyond the claims for the very oldest bar in Paris, there are other places that have a significant history and offer a unique look at the city's past. Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, for example, gives you a sense of the oldest restaurant in Paris, even if it's not the absolute oldest. This was one of the city's original "bouillons," places that offered simple, traditional dishes at low prices. It's considered one of the best deals for a historic restaurant in Paris. It was first started in 1858 and then bought by a person named Bouillon Baron Edouard Chartier in 1903. It's a very practical and charming place, you know, where you can still get a good meal without spending a lot.

Then there's La Coupole, a huge Art Deco brasserie and dance hall in the middle of bohemian Montparnasse. It opened its doors in the "roaring twenties," on December 27, 1927. On its opening day, 3,000 guests arrived and quickly drank 1,200 bottles of champagne. It was designed by people from Auvergne, René Lafon and Ernest Fraux. At the time, it was the largest restaurant in Paris, which is quite a feat. You can find it at 49, Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris, and it's open every day from 8 AM to 11:45 PM. It's a place that really captures the spirit of a specific time in Paris's past.

Also, consider the bar at Hotel Edouard 7, located at 39 Avenue de l'Opéra, just a short walk from the opera house. You go through the elegant doors and straight into the hotel bar. This was the home of the Prince of Wales, Edward VII, Queen Victoria's son, when he visited Paris, which he apparently loved very much. It's a place with a royal connection, offering a different kind of historical experience. All these places, you know, add layers to the city's story, each one contributing its own unique part.

In summary, our exploration of Paris's long-standing establishments has taken us from L'Entracte, a strong contender for the oldest bar in Paris, with its history stretching back to 1614, to other notable spots like Harry's New York Bar and Le Delaville. We've also looked at the very old restaurants and cafes, including La Tour d'Argent, dating from 1582, La Petite Chaise from 1680, and Le Procope, which opened in 1686 and played a big part in the city's intellectual life. The Réserve de Quasimodo stands as the oldest wine bar, and we touched on Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse and the grand La Coupole, each offering a distinct piece of Parisian history.