Image Source: Jean-Marie Hullot from France, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The oldest café in Paris is Le Procope, which boasts a fascinating history dating back to 1686. Imagine a time when coffee was considered a rare and exotic drink. Le Procope was the first place in France to offer coffee and Italian gelato to the public, establishing itself as a hub for the city’s intellectual and artistic community.

This Parisian café wasn’t just a place to grab a quick cup of joe. It was a gathering place for some of the most influential figures of the Enlightenment era, including Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau, and Benjamin Franklin. Think of it as a brainstorming space where ideas were exchanged, debated, and shaped.

Le Procope played a vital role in the development of the Encyclopédie, a monumental work that aimed to compile all human knowledge. It was also where the Phrygian cap, later adopted as a symbol of liberty during the French Revolution, was first displayed.

Today, Le Procope still retains its charm and historical significance. While it’s not a café in the traditional sense, it operates as a restaurant that offers a taste of traditional French cuisine. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by elegant décor, a grand piano, and portraits of past patrons. It’s like stepping back in time to experience the ambiance of a Parisian café during the Enlightenment period.

References

1. Café Procope
2. Le Procope
3. Le Procope – History and Facts
4. Do you know the history of Le Procope, the oldest café in France?

Explore More

• What other historical cafés are there in Paris?
• How did coffee become so popular in Europe?
• What were some of the key ideas discussed at Le Procope?
• How did Le Procope influence the development of Parisian culture?
• How did Le Procope change throughout history?