The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and France, is getting a makeover, and this time, it’s not just about its exterior. The iconic landmark is transforming its culinary scene, welcoming renowned chefs and expanding its food offerings. Get ready to experience a new dimension of French gastronomy, from the bustling forecourt to the breathtaking champagne bar atop the tower.
A Gourmet Journey from Forecourt to Sky
The Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE) is striving to enhance the visitor experience. They envision a comprehensive culinary journey, beginning with the newly revamped forecourt. Here, you’ll find “Cornets de la Tour Eiffel,” mobile booths offering a diverse range of treats from plant-based options to classic waffles and crepes. Delivery tricycles zip around the forecourt, providing a variety of dishes to enjoy throughout the year, including Parisian hotdogs, candy, detox bars, soup bars, and ice cream in the summer.
A Seamless and Personalized Dining Experience
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience, the SETE has partnered with Ubudu, a tech start-up specializing in flow management and geolocation. “Abeilles” (hosts or hostesses) equipped with connected tablets and credit card terminals will roam the forecourt, offering visitors the convenience of placing orders and receiving their meals directly wherever they are. This personalized approach revolutionizes the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for visitors.
Elevated Bistro Fare on the First Floor
The former Buffet, located on the first floor, will close in October 2019 to undergo a transformation and reopen in December 2019 as “Le Bistro,” offering a fresh and modern dining experience. Le Bistro will feature a menu curated by the acclaimed chef Thierry Marx, serving up delicious sandwiches, pastries, and viennoiseries throughout the day. For lunch, savor warm and flavorful dishes like the “Monsieur Gustave” grilled cheese or pasta shells with Prince de Paris ham. In the evenings, indulge in rustic and hearty dishes like beef shepherd’s pie, salt cod with mashed potatoes, or a vegan gratin.
A Gourmet Paradise at Le Bistro
Le Bistro is not just about savoring delicious meals; it’s also a haven for gourmet products, showcasing the best of French artisanship. Choose from a delectable selection of artisanal candies, personalized cookies, caramelized almonds, and peanuts, perfect for enjoying on the spot or taking home as souvenirs.
A New Era for the Brasserie
Thierry Marx will take the helm of the brasserie, located on the first floor, in early 2020. In the meantime, he has begun revamping the menu, which you can experience between March 13 and September 2019. Following a complete renovation in February 2020, the brasserie will unveil a new look and an expanded menu designed to be accessible and appealing to all.
The brasserie will offer a variety of dining experiences throughout the day:
- A Parisian breakfast (7:30 am to 11:30 am): Enjoy a traditional French breakfast on the ground floor.
- A quick lunch (11:30 am to 4 pm): Grab a satisfying and affordable lunch on the ground floor, without reservations or a lengthy wait.
- An elegant lunch (11:30 am to 4 pm): For a more refined experience, indulge in a two-course lunch on the upper floor.
- Afternoon tea (4 pm to 6 pm): Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea with warm or cold beverages and pastries.
- A cozy evening bar (6 pm to 10 pm): The ground floor transforms into a welcoming bar, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
- A bistronomic dinner (6 pm to 10 pm): Enjoy a delicious two-course dinner on the upper floor (reservations required).
A Fusion of Nature and Modern Design
Architects Ramy Fischler and Nicola Delon have been entrusted with the brasserie’s renovation, incorporating natural materials, especially soil from different French regions, to create a unique and earthy atmosphere. They aim to break away from the industrial aesthetic of the Eiffel Tower’s construction and embrace a more natural approach.
The brasserie’s layout has been reimagined to maximize the breathtaking panoramic views. The kitchen has been moved to the ground floor, opening up the space, and the central seating areas have been raised, allowing diners to enjoy unobstructed views without being bothered by their neighbors.
Le Jules Verne: A Culinary Destination
Three Michelin-starred chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Frédéric Anton, has taken over the iconic Jules Verne, the Eiffel Tower’s gourmet restaurant, set to reopen in late May 2019. Anton aims to elevate Le Jules Verne to a pinnacle of Parisian gastronomy, offering a refined and unforgettable dining experience.
The Jules Verne will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, starting in late May 2019:
- Breakfast (available from September 2019): Indulge in a luxurious breakfast, starting at 7:30 am (reservations required).
- Lunch: Experience the best of Le Jules Verne with a three-course lunch set menu (€105 per person).
- Dinner: Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu, available in 5 or 7 courses (€190 or €230).
A Fusion of Elegance and Gastronomy
To redefine the Jules Verne, Anton collaborated with architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, creating a space that embodies French elegance. Their vision is a harmonious blend of decorative arts and gastronomy, resulting in a brighter and more refined setting with hues of blue, gray, and white, evoking a classic photograph and inviting guests to journey among the clouds.
The Jules Verne boasts a stunning ambiance:
- Reflective mirrors: Mirrors reflect light, enhancing the breathtaking views.
- Eiffel-inspired furnishings: Furniture draws inspiration from Gustave Eiffel’s personal apartment in the tower.
- Three panoramic dining rooms: Enjoy breathtaking views from the Champs de Mars, Quai Branly, and Trocadéro rooms.
A Symphony of Sweet and Savory Delights
The counters on the second floor, resembling exquisite jewelry boxes, showcase a curated collection of sweet and savory treats. Indulge in Maison Lenôtre macarons and chocolates, viennoiseries and mini-pastries from the Guilde des artisans, and seasonal collections inspired by Paris’s cultural landscape.
A Champagne Bar at the Pinnacle of Luxury
Nestled 276 meters above the ground, the champagne bar, set to reopen in spring 2019, offers a unique and timeless experience. Enjoy a selection of fine champagnes and French caviar, accompanied by breathtaking views.
The champagne bar’s design is a visual masterpiece, reflecting the best of French style, audiovisual technology, and design. This space is a testament to the Eiffel Tower’s unwavering commitment to excellence.
With its revamped culinary scene, the Eiffel Tower continues to enchant visitors, showcasing the best of French gastronomy and offering an unforgettable journey for all the senses.
