Le Procope

The oldest café in Paris, Café Procope, has served as a gathering place for the city's intellectual elite for more than 330 years and is today a popular tourist attraction.

Procope was the first business in France to use the term "café," and it served the public coffee and Italian gelato when it was established by Sicilian chef Procopio Cut in 1686. Chandeliers, mirrors, and marble tables—features now common in European cafés—were cut and installed. Procope attracted Europe's intellectual elite and quickly developed into Paris' first literary coffeehouse after the Comédie-Française theater company relocated to its second theater across from the café

Procope had a significant renovation in 1988 after changing ownership and look multiple times over the ages. With Pompeian red walls, crystal chandeliers, a piano, and servers decked out in revolutionary garb, the café was designed in the manner of the 18th century.

Each room is named after a historical figure who formerly frequented the café, such as Chopin and Voltaire, and oval photographs and plaques honoring prominent past customers now cover the walls. After purchasing a coffee, explore the majestic structure, practically walking in the footsteps of Parisian society's elite over the years.

Location: 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 40 46 79 00

Website: procope.com