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The top 4 brasseries in Paris

France in general and Paris more specifically are well-known for their gastronomy. Yet, in the capital of France the choices for finding reasonable and good places to eat is really wide and not always easy. This is why I would like to recommend you today four famous places and affordable brasserie located in historical areas of Paris. The origin of the word brasserie probably stems from the fact that beer was brewed on the premises rather than brought in: thus an inn would brew its own beer as well as supply food and invariably accommodation too. Today it refers to a restaurant often open continuously, at least until “after-show”, possibly day and night which can continuously receive dozens or even hundreds customers! The four selected here are among the top Parisian ones, as for the decoration, the history and the menus. Racine Bouillon The name Bouillon first appeared in 1855 when Pierre-Louis Duval, a shrewd independent butcher, started serving up meat in a special stew to the people who worked in ParisÂ’ Halles marketplace. His concept was so popular it soon attracted copycats and became well-known throughout the Gallic capital. By the turn of the century, there were almost 150 ‘bouillons’ in Paris. The Racine Bouillon opened its doors in 1906, at the same time as the ‘Bouillon Chartier’ on Boulevard du Montparnasse. The two brasseries adopted the Art Nouveau style so firmly associated with the time; paneling and ceramic tiles interspersed with mirrors and glass reverse-painted with flowery designs. In 1962, the establishment was sold to the Sorbonne University and turned into a canteen for professors and administrative staff. Bouillon Racine It continued to run in this fashion – functionally, but without the preening enjoyed by luxury buildings – until 1993. Then, in 1996, a large renovation project was undertaken by the artisans of the Compagnons du Devoir organisation, calling upon age-old expertise and using techniques and actions that had been all but lost. Chiseled woodwork, opaline and painted glass, beveled mirrors, marble mosaics, and gold-leaf lettering restored a forgotten ambiance to the building. Finding the charm of yore reborn in this restaurant makes it a wonderfully warm place to be. After all the work carried out to restore and improve the ‘Racine’, it became a listed building. The subtle mix of classic cuisine and entirely contemporary dishes is striking, in a setting that is so traditional. This place is well worth discovering, as much for its architecture as for the food on offer. 3 Rue Racine, 75006 Paris +33 1 44 32 15 60 Le Bouillon Chartier The queue barely ever disperses and the influx of tourists is never-ending, which is what makes the place so appealing. In 1896, two brothers, Frédéric and Camille Chartier created a brasserie named ‘Le Bouillon‘ inside a railway station concourse. This establishment, located in a lively area of Paris in the middle of the 9th arrondissement, not far from the Grands Boulevards, the Musée Grévin and the Hôtel Drouot, is firmly entrenched in the capitalÂ’s culinary tradition. Today, after over a century of trade, the restaurant can boast of only ever having had four owners. The buildingÂ’s conservation and Art Deco design enabled it to become a listed building in 1989. Bouillon Chartier One of the two brothers also created the ‘Racine’ soup kitchen. As a point of interest, an old postcard shows another façade bearing the name of ‘Chartier’ on Rue de la Fidélité in the 10th arrondissement, which may have been opened concurrently. The restaurantÂ’s philosophy was to offer a hearty meal at a modest price – a philosophy that continues today. The setting itself has changed very little since its creation, too. After walking through the revolving door and under the vast, magnificent glass roof, you will find the same sideboards where regulars used to store their napkins, tables and chairs typical of old-fashioned bistros, embroidered tablecloths, and copper luggage racks like the ones on trains: in short, everything you need for a perfect bouillon! You can go there for lunch and then enjoy a stroll around the streets and alleys in the vicinity as you digest your meal. Fans of the restaurant will also love its excellent website, where various anecdotes are published. 7 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris +33 1 47 70 86 29 Le Grand Colbert ParisÂ’ brasseries are a part of the capitalÂ’s heritage and continue to thrive to this day. Countless famous men and women have chattered and squabbled in these establishments which have become iconic. Here is the story of Le Grand Colbert. Built in 1637 by Guillaume de Serrant based on plans by Le Vau, the building started out as a private mansion. It was sold to Jean-Baptiste Colbert in 1665, then to Philippe of Orleans in 1719. It was occupied by the stateÂ’s debt repayment body until it was sold again in 1825. At this point, the mansion was torn down to make way for the current building and for the opening of the Galerie Colbert in 1828. At the time, the Galerie Colbert was to compete with the neighboring Galerie Vivienne. Le Grand Colbert Under Louis Philippe, a shop called “Au Grand Colbert” was created, and when the building was turned into a restaurant in 1900, this name was kept. Until its closure a few years ago, it was one of the most affordable bouillons, or soup kitchens, in Paris. It was on the initiative of the National Library, the owner of the premises, that it was renovated down to the tiniest details in 1985 – at the same time as the Galerie Colbert. In the main room of the brasserie, which is impressive in its architectural richness, there are walls six metres high and various relics, including ornate pilasters and console tables. These days Le Grand Colbert is a listed building and has been masterfully run by Joël Fleury and his team of professionals since 1992. Together, they welcome and serve a cosmopolitan crowd including stage and film actors, supermodels, designers, businessmen, tourists and the old regulars. The diversity of the restaurantÂ’s clientele is what makes it a true Parisian brasserie. History is an innate element of the restaurantÂ’s identity, and the moment you step inside, you have the impression that you are part of its ongoing, idyllic story. 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris +33 1 42 86 87 88 Le Café du Commerce In the same vein as Le Grand Colbert, Le Café du Commerce is a legendary highlight of the 15th arrondissement and one of the things that made Le Motte Piquet area renowned. The café opened in 1921 and fits right into the Parisian landscape as a typical brasserie. You used to be able to order a generous serving of beef stew, which is where it got its nickname “bouillon” (“soup hall”).The minute you walk through the door, you feel as though youÂ’ve stepped into a strange little universe, completely closed off from the outside world, where time stands still for a moment. The Bordeaux leather immediately gives the place a warm, muted feel. The green plants strewn around the restaurantÂ’s walls contribute a touch of life and a colorful atmosphere. Look up and youÂ’ll be surprised to see the sky through the immense glass roof that towers over the building. Cafe Commerce The place attracts a constant stream of tourists eager to discover French culinary traditions, but also plenty of faithful locals who, from generation to generation, have continued to choose the restaurant as their “local” since its creation. The food on offer is traditional Parisian brasserie fare: duck tournedos, warm goatÂ’s cheese salad, andouillette, and other local dishes. Another element that makes this brasserie unique, though, is that you can buy oysters at the entrance and have them prepared before your eyes to take home or to enjoy inside. The charm of the establishment is complete and unspoiled, caught between past and present. Come at the weekend with family or friends, and enjoy to your heartÂ’s content. 51 Rue du Commerce, 75015 Paris +33 1 45 75 03 27 Didier Moinel Delalande is a Director at Hotel Mathurin. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Didier Moinel Delalande

Didier MOINEL DELALANDE is the owner and manager of the Hotel le Mathurin in Paris near place de la Concorde. He is also the redactor of the blog “Le Rendez-vous du Mathurin” where he regularly provides his opinions and thoughts about hotels, restaurants, art, culture, luxury, parisian life…

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5 Comments

  1. When I was in High School the french club went to Paris in our Senior year and we were taken to Le Café du Commerce on our last night. It still to this day was one of the nicest places I have had the opportunity to eat. It was probably one of my favorite parts of my trip.

  2. Yes, have to say I like Café du Commerce too. One of the waiters is the epitome of a Parisian waiter from a bygone era, which makes it even more special. The food isn’t haute cuisine but just decent French food. The surroundings are wonderful, especially during the summer when the roof is open. There is a real mix of locals and tourists. Tourists eat earlier than the locals, so I would recommend eating around 8-8.30pm. It has a good businessman lunch too.

  3. I cant say that i have eaten at any of these but i really like the look of Le Café du Commerce. i think i might do a little more research on the menu and surprise my wife with a nice dinner there..

    I have found it really hard to find good food in paris if you dont know where to look. a lot of the touristy restaurant in places like monmartre are really mediocre at best. it will be good to try something new like this!

  4. And make no mistake, at Le Bouillon Chartier, they will make you put your belongings (purse, jacket, etc.) on top of those racks – no hanging on chairs!

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