The Paris Bouillon Restaurant Revival & Art Nouveau Decor

Ever wondered what’s so special about the Bouillon Restaurants in Paris?

Well, I did too, so I decided to investigate and find out more. You see, I live in France and have done since 2016, and spend quite a lot of my time researching the history of this wonderful country.

I’d heard of the Bouillon Restaurants in Paris but didn’t really know what they were, or why they’d become so popular. So, I decided to ask my French teacher for her thoughts, and boy am I glad that I did because the answer was fascinating.

So much so, that on my last trip to Paris, I went to not one but two of these fabulous restaurants. So you’re in the right place if you want to know more about them and which are the best ones to go to.

Let’s dive into all the juicy details of Bouillon Paris Restaurants and how they went from 250 or so establishments in the 20th century to just one at the start of the 21st.

What are Bouillon Paris Restaurants

In simple terms, a Bouillon restaurant in Paris is a dining establishment that offers traditional French cuisine in a fast and affordable manner, often set within historically rich and visually striking surroundings. 

These restaurants are celebrated for their efficient service, authentic Parisian atmosphere, and their focus on providing classic, comforting dishes.

A Brief History of Bouillon Restaurants in Paris

The story of Bouillon restaurants in Paris dates back to 1855 and a butcher called Pierre-Louis Duval. He wasn’t just any old butcher though, he provided meat for the crème de la crème of Parisian society, including Napoleon III. 

This meant his clients expected the best cuts of meat only, leaving our butcher Pierre-Louis with surplus meat. And this is where it all started. He didn’t want to waste all the meat he had left, the stuff he couldn’t give to his fussy clients, he wanted to do something with it.

His idea was simple. He wanted to offer affordable, warm, nourishing meals to the workers of the bustling Marché des Halles using the leftover meat. These meals primarily composed of simple bouillons (hence the name of the restaurants) or broths, so classic peasantry-style French food. 

Needless to say, they went down a storm, leading to the start of what would become the first chain of restaurants in Paris.

Pretty soon, Bouillon restaurants were popping up all over Paris, and competition was fierce. 

But they all had the same things in common. The food was cheap, the menu was simple, similar to what you’d find many people cooking in their homes in Napolean’s time, and the buildings were all large and grand with the unmistakable Belle Epoque décor.

As time progressed, the allure of Bouillon restaurants transcended their original working-class audience, capturing the interest of the bourgeois. 

Unfortunately, after two world wars, and the rise in popularity of fast food joints, and on the other end of the scale, more fancy eateries and brasseries, the Bouillons started to die a death.

They went from over 250 at the end of the 19th century to just one at the end of the 20th century.

Luckily, they’ve recently witnessed a comeback. Today, they stand as a testament to traditional French cuisine, continuing to draw both locals and tourists alike, eager to experience a slice of Parisian culinary history.

The Belle Époque and Bouillon Paris Experience: What to Expect

If you love the Belle Époque era, you’re in for a treat, as the Bouillon restaurants are steeped in the grandeur of this period. Art Nouveau interiors feature intricately carved woodwork, vibrant painted glass, and ornate details.

High ceilings, mirrored walls, and brass elements add to the sense of splendour and spaciousness. 

I fell in love with them, which is why I ended up going to another one. They really embody everything about the era, and it takes your breath away as you sit there and drink in the architectural beauty of your surroundings.

The ambience in these restaurants is buzzing with a mix of locals and tourists. And if you go on your own, don’t be surprised to be sat at a table with someone you’ve never met before, it’s all part of the experience.

For me, with the waiters in their black trousers, white shirts and aprons, I felt like I stepped back in time to a bygone era one hundred years ago.

The service is fast and efficient with no long waiting times. This goes along with the original intent of Bouillons, to offer good food quickly and affordably. 

But the heart of the Bouillon experience lies in its cuisine, as you would expect, with traditional French classics like pot-au-feu, boudin noir, and boeuf bourguignon, alongside yummy desserts such as mousse au chocolat and baba au rhum.

It’s simple dishes that reflect the soul of French home cooking, offering a taste of the nation’s culinary heritage at affordable prices. 

3 Iconic Bouillon Paris Restaurants to Visit

From the historic charm of Bouillon Chartier to the vibrant energy of Bouillon Julien, these eateries are not just about the food, they’re about experiencing a piece of Parisian history.

No 1 Bouillon Julien

This restaurant was top of my list of Bouillon restaurants because it’s where Edith Piaf used to sit and wait for her lover, the boxer Marcel Cerdan, at Table 24. 

My Dad was a massive Edith Piaf fan, and we often listened to her together, so she became a favourite of mine too.  

Bouillon Julien first opened its doors in 1906 as Gandon-Fournier, designed by the French architect Edouard Fournier, and it quickly became a quintessential part of Parisian dining culture. It was later taken over by Julien Barbarin in 1924, giving the restaurant its current name.

The Décor

The decor is something else. The walls are “Céladon” green, a colour typical of Art Nouveau, but for me, it was the stained glass ceiling that really took my breath away. The windows are designed to allow the light to pour in, and you almost don’t know where to look. 

Lots of mirrors on every wall with peacocks on the back wall that certainly draw your eye.

All this is offset by the dark wood tables and chairs, and I absolutely love the frosted glass orb lights that sit on the pedestals. It’s just so fabulously decadent.

The Menu

Chef Christophe Moisand leads the team, and the menu is full of all the traditional French favourites you’d expect, such as escargots and demi-coquelet roti sauce champignons (a small roasted chicken with mushroom sauce). 

I didn’t worry about an entree and went straight for a main and decided to go with the house dish, Julien Bouillon (Beef broth flavoured with coriander and lemongrass, fregola pasta and beef macer), and I wasn’t disappointed. It was seriously good.

Dessert was a hit too, hot Chocolate soup with Gingerbread Croutons. If you’ve never had hot chocolate soup, you don’t know what you’re missing, and when you add in the gingerbread bits, it is like Christmas in a cup.

The nearest Metro Station is Strasbourg-Saint-Denis.

📍16 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris | ⏰ 11.45 am to Midnight daily

No 2 Bouillon Chartier Restaurant Montparnasse

If you’re in a hurry and want to eat somewhere full of character for a reasonable price so you can get on with the job of sightseeing, then Bouillon Chartier is the place. The service is fast, and they turn over tables quickly.

This is one of those places where waiters live off tips and profits rather than a living wage, so I guess it’s in their interest to serve as many covers as possible.

And when the waiter takes your order, it’s written on the paper tablecloth rather than a waiter’s notepad.

The Bouillon Chartier opened its doors in 1896 under the baton of Frédéric and Camille Chartier. It was one of the first original Bouillon restaurants and the only one to survive.

I came here on a recent trip to Paris when I only had one day and needed a quick lunch that wasn’t going to cost the earth.

The Décor

The ceilings are really high, and the skylights cast a lovely light over the whole place. It’s another traditional Belle Époque dining room.

The walls are lined with large mirrors framed by intricate woodwork carvings, which not only amplify the sense of space but also reflect the bustling activity and vibrant ambiance within the restaurant.

The tables and chairs are wooden and most have the traditional style red and white bistro paper tablecloth to allow for a quick turnover. It really was a feast for the eyes and as I was near the front of the restaurant I had a birds eye view.

You can’t make reservations here, so there is often a queue outside, but it goes down quickly, and it was full to bursting when I went. There was a lovely buzz in the atmosphere with everyone chatting and the waiters dashing around.

The Menu

Again, I didn’t bother with an entree but went straight to my mains and ordered Boeuf bourguignon coquillettes. I’ve had this meal many times here in France, and it’s a favourite of mine because of all the wonderful flavours marinated together.

One thing to note is if you want sides to go with your main, you have to order them separately. Although, as it comes with the obligatory basket of French bread you don’t really need them.

Dessert was a completely different matter altogether. I ordered The Chartier Profiterole, and it was just what I’d hoped for. A huge profiterole covered in chocolate sauce and filled with vanilla ice cream.

I’ve never been able to eat profiteroles before because, in the UK, they’re filled with cream, and I don’t like cream. But here in France, they substitute the cream for ice cream, and they are seriously good.

The nearest Metro station is Montparnasse-bienvenue.

📍59, boulevard du Montparnasse 75006 Paris | ⏰ 11.30 am – Midnight daily

No 3 Bouillon Racine Restaurant

I’m yet to visit Bouillon Racine, and it’s on the list for my next trip to Paris. But, what I can tell you is it was the second restaurant opened by the Chartier Brothers in 1906.

You’ll find it in the Latin Quarter in Paris, and although it changed hands several times, including belonging to the University of Paris, it was finally restored to its former glory in 1996.

The building was classified as an historic building in 1995, so the work was carried out by the Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France. These are skilled tradesmen and artisans who understand what’s required to restore buildings of this type.

The décor is full of chandeliers, mirrored walls, stained glass and green ceramic tile, as you would expect. The mosaic floor tiles look beautiful, and if you go up onto the second floor it’s filled with little details, such as a lovely gold phonograph player. 

It really is like stepping back in time to the Golden Age of Paris. Many people have said that Bouillon Racine is the most beautifully designed restaurant of this type left in Paris, and I can’t wait to find out.

The nearest Metro station is Odéon.

📍3 rue Racine 75006 Paris | ⏰ 12 pm – 11 pm daily

You should also add these to your list of Bouillon restaurants to try in Paris.

• Bouillon Pigalle – 22 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris
• Bouillon République – 39 Bd Du Temple, 75003 Paris
• Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond – 24, Rue de la Grande Truanderie. 75001 Paris

Map of 6 Bouillon Restaurants in Paris

FAQS on Bouillon Restaurants in Paris

Final Thoughts on Why The Bouillon Restaurants are a Must-Visit

If you want to experience a little bit of Parisian culinary history and step back in time to the Belle Epoque era, you’ll love eating at a Bouillon restaurant. The food is simple, the service is fast, and the decor is stunning. And the best part is it doesn’t break the bank to eat there.

I still have more to explore and will keep you updated with my ultimate favourite in Parisian Bouillon.

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Paris you might find this article helpful as it breaks it all down for you.

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