Step back in time and indulge in a feast for the senses. Paris, a city steeped in history and romance, boasts a unique treasure trove of Art Nouveau interiors. These architectural gems, with their flowing lines, delicate details, and nature-inspired motifs, transport you to a bygone era of elegance and artistic expression. While this style might seem a touch delicate for a modern world, these restaurants, with their beautifully preserved spaces, offer a glimpse into a captivating past.
A Forest of Delights: Maxim’s
Maxim’s, a name synonymous with Parisian glamour, invites you into a world of pure Art Nouveau wonder. Built in 1893, this iconic restaurant’s interior is a celebration of the style’s signature elements. Candelabra, resembling exotic trees, illuminate the space, while night-blooming flowers, captured in the lampshades, cast a soft, enchanting glow. Murals depicting playful nymphs, lush floral carpets, and a botanically decorated stained-glass ceiling complete the picture. This opulent space has attracted a dazzling array of patrons, from literary giants like Marcel Proust to the legendary Brigitte Bardot.
Maxim’s moody lighting and decadent garnet-and-gold details create a dark, sensual atmosphere, earning it a reputation as a haven for mistresses, as depicted in the 1958 film Gigi. While it’s no longer solely the domain of Parisian society, Maxim’s remains a popular destination for tourists and those seeking a luxurious dining experience. Be warned, though, the prices reflect the grandeur of the setting.
A Resurrected Jewel: Beefbar
Beefbar, housed in the former Langham Hotel, boasts a stunning winter-garden-style restaurant dating back to 1898. This historical gem survived World War II, carefully hidden away for protection from the Nazis, only to be rediscovered in the late 1970s during renovations.
Now classified as a historical monument, the restaurant’s Art Nouveau room is a testament to the enduring beauty of this style. To ensure you’re seated in this spectacular space, be sure to make a note in your online booking or call directly to request a table.
A Parisian Treasure: Brasserie Vagenende
Brasserie Vagenende stands as a hidden gem on Boulevard Saint-Germain. Its unassuming façade belies the opulent Art Nouveau interior that awaits inside. Founded in 1904, the restaurant has remained a treasure through the years, thanks to the Vagenende family’s dedication to preserving its beauty.
Gleaming mirrors, curving woodwork, painted glass panels, a magnificent stained-glass ceiling, velvet curtains, and bronze coat racks all combine to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. The menu, too, reflects a bygone era, offering classic French dishes like mimosa eggs, onion soup, hearty homemade mains, and Gallic desserts.
A Culinary Time Capsule: Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse is another magnificent example of Art Nouveau design. This establishment, the second in a chain founded by the Chartier brothers, embodies the spirit of the classic Parisian bouillon.
Built in 1896, the restaurant was designed with the principles of Art Nouveau in mind, creating a space that catered to the upwardly mobile while maintaining the essence of a bouillon. The interior remains largely untouched, having been declared a historical monument in the 1980s. Stepping inside feels like entering a vibrant hothouse. A glass ceiling, adorned with painted flowers, floral wall mosaics swirling around mirrors, and glowing orbs creating a golden effect, all combine to create a truly immersive experience.
The menu, too, hearkens back to the original vision of the Chartier brothers, offering traditional French fare like terrine, snails, leeks with vinaigrette, roast chicken, pork trotters, duck confit, and a selection of cheeses and classic desserts.
A Restored Splendor: Bouillon Racine
Bouillon Racine, originally a Bouillon Chartier, has witnessed a fascinating journey through time. After serving as a canteen for the Sorbonne for several decades, it underwent a much-needed restoration, returning to its former glory.
The bevelled mirrors, painted opaline, stained glass, carved woodwork, and marble mosaics all contribute to the restaurant’s beautifully preserved Art Nouveau interior. The menu features a modern twist on classic French cuisine, offering a refreshing take on tradition.
A Parisian Jewel Box: Brasserie Julien
Brasserie Julien, another testament to the Chartier brothers’ legacy, dates back to 1906 and embodies the spirit of their original vision.
This impeccably preserved landmark features gleaming woodwork, a mahogany bar crafted by Louis Majorelle, exquisite mouldings, soothing pale green walls, murals, and stained-glass details. The atmosphere is one of pure Art Nouveau elegance, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a luxurious jewelry box.
Experience the Magic of Art Nouveau in Paris
These Parisian restaurants offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of Art Nouveau design while enjoying delicious French cuisine. From the opulent grandeur of Maxim’s to the timeless elegance of Brasserie Vagenende, each space transports you to a bygone era of beauty and artistic expression. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, these Art Nouveau gems are sure to leave a lasting impression.
