If you love places with stories, cafe Le Procope Paris should be at the top of your list. It’s not just another pretty restaurant in Saint-Germain — it’s the oldest café in France, serving guests since 1686. For more than three centuries, this Paris icon has been a meeting place for writers, thinkers, and dreamers. And somehow, it still feels just as alive today.
Stepping Into the 18th Century
Le Procope sits on Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, a charming side street just off Boulevard Saint-Germain. From the outside, it looks like something out of a painting — blue-and-gold signage, warm light spilling through the windows, and that unmistakable Parisian hum.
Walk inside, and it’s like stepping straight into the 18th century. Chandeliers shimmer above red velvet booths, antique portraits line the walls, and waiters glide between tables carrying silver trays. It’s easy to imagine Voltaire or Benjamin Franklin at one of these tables, deep in discussion over coffee. Franklin actually did spend time here — some say he even worked on ideas that would shape American independence while sipping at this very café.
A Menu That Honors Its History
But history alone doesn’t make Le Procope special — the food does, too. The menu is full of French classics that never go out of style. Start with the Normandy beef tartare, prepared right at your table. The waiter mixes the hand-cut beef with capers, mustard, and just enough spice to make it right. It’s rich, fresh, and exactly what you want in Paris — traditional and something new you haven’t tried before.
Then there’s the risotto with mushroom cream and summer truffle. It’s silky and aromatic, with just the right balance of earthiness from the mushrooms and luxury from the truffle. It feels indulgent without being too heavy, like the perfect Parisian meal you never want to end.
Pair either with a glass of Bordeaux or a crisp white from the Loire Valley. The staff is happy to help you find the right match — and they do it with that effortless French charm that makes dining here feel personal.
The Magic of Le Procope
One of the things that makes Le Procope stand out is how real it feels. It’s not a tourist trap or a museum. Sure, it’s famous — but it’s still a neighborhood favorite where locals come for lunch, business dinners, or late-night coffee and dessert.
When you sit down here, you’re part of a story that’s been unfolding for over 300 years. The walls have seen revolutionaries, artists, and philosophers — and now, you.
If you have room for dessert (and you should), go for the crème brûlée. Crack through the caramelized top, and you’ll understand why this dish is a French classic. Or order a café gourmand — espresso served with a trio of tiny sweets. It’s the perfect ending, especially if you’re lingering over conversation.
A Walk Through Saint-Germain
After your meal, wander the neighborhood. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of those parts of Paris that feels both historic and effortlessly chic. You’re surrounded by old bookstores, flower stands, and cafés that spill onto the sidewalks.
Take a slow walk toward the Luxembourg Gardens, or stop by Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore — two other legendary Paris spots. But there’s something about Le Procope that stays with you. Maybe it’s the way it bridges the past and present. Maybe it’s knowing Benjamin Franklin once sat here, dreaming of a new world. Either way, it’s unforgettable.
A Café That Never Ages
Paris has no shortage of beautiful restaurants, but few have the soul of cafe Le Procope Paris. From its candlelit rooms to the delicate scent of truffle in the air, everything about it feels like a celebration of the city’s history and its appetite for life. So next time you’re in Paris, skip the rush and sit down where time slows and stories linger. Order the tartare. Try the truffle risotto. Raise a glass to Benjamin Franklin, to Voltaire, and to all the dreamers who came before.
Because here at Le Procope, you’re not just dining in Paris — you’re dining with Paris. Among the many old treasures inside Le Procope, one stands out the most: Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous two-cornered hat. Legend says the young officer, short on cash, left it behind as a promise to return and pay his bill. The café decided to keep the hat, turning it into a piece of history. Over time, it became a symbol of Napoleon’s early ambition and confidence — and one of Le Procope’s most famous keepsakes.
The Scott & Thomas Touch
When you plan ahead with your Scott & Thomas concierge, you can make your evening at Le Procope even more special. Your concierge can secure the best tables, plan a private walking tour through Saint-Germain, or build a day of luxury experiences around your dinner reservation.
It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that turns a meal into a memory — and a trip into something truly extraordinary.
Ready to experience the heart of Paris?
Let your Scott & Thomas concierge handle the details — from reservations at Le Procope to private tours of Saint-Germain and beyond. With plan ahead travel, every moment becomes part of your story.
