The Procope

Le Procope, founded in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, is the oldest café in Paris. Located in the 6th arrondissement, it has been a fundamental meeting point for artists, philosophers, and revolutionaries. Among its illustrious patrons are Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, and Benjamin Franklin. During the French Revolution, the café became a hub for revolutionaries, including Robespierre and Danton. Today, Le Procope retains its historical charm with décor reminiscent of the 18th century, continuing to be a place for cultural and intellectual gatherings. Le Procope has seen the birth of ideas that would change the world. In the 18th century, the café was frequented by Enlightenment philosophers like Voltaire, who is said to have drunk up to forty cups of coffee a day mixed with chocolate. Diderot and d’Alembert, editors of the famous “Encyclopédie,” also found the Procope to be a stimulating environment for discussing their ideas. This place has been described as a “cradle of Enlightenment” where intellectuals and thinkers met to exchange opinions and debate revolutionary ideas. During the French Revolution, Le Procope was a meeting place for revolutionaries. Robespierre, Danton, and Marat were among its regular patrons. It was in this café that the Phrygian cap was first displayed, which later became a symbol of revolutionary liberty. This turbulent period in French history saw Le Procope transform from a simple café into a true center of political and social debate. In the 19th century, the café continued to be a meeting place for literary and political figures. Among its patrons were characters like Honoré de Balzac, Victor Hugo, and Anatole France. This period saw Le Procope become not only a center of intellectual thought, but also a place where political and social ideas were discussed and developed. Its importance in Parisian cultural life never diminished, continuing to attract brilliant and creative minds. Le Procope has undergone several transformations over the centuries. After its closure in 1872, it reopened in 1957 as a restaurant, while maintaining its name and historical atmosphere. The interiors have been restored to reflect the style of the 18th century, with original objects and decorations evoking its glorious past. The restaurant walls are adorned with portraits and mementos of its famous patrons, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.