Braseria Le Procope is a renowned restaurant located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris and is considered to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the city. Its rich history and fascinating story began in the 17th century.
Image source: procope.com The Beginnings of Le Procope:
Le Procope was founded in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, an Italian businessman. Initially, the location functioned as a café serving coffee, ice cream, and drinks.
A Meeting Place for Intellectuals:
Over time, Le Procope became a meeting point for writers, philosophers, and intellectuals of the Enlightenment era, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. They gathered here to discuss new ideas and socialize.
Architecture and Interior Design:
The initial design of Le Procope was simple, but over time, the restaurant underwent renovations and modernizations in various stages. Today, the interior retains classic elements such as wooden paneling, decorated mirrors, elegant chandeliers, and upholstered armchairs.
