Le Procope: Paris' Oldest Café & Living History of French Thought
📍13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris (Latin Quarter – steps from Odéon Theatre, Sorbonne University & Luxembourg Gardens) 🕰️ A Time Capsule Since 1686 Founded by Sicilian Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, this Enlightenment-era landmark hosted: Voltaire penned Candide here Rousseau & Diderot edited the Encyclopédie Benjamin Franklin drafted parts of the US Constitution Napoleon left his hat as collateral (displayed in-house!) 🍽️ Signature Dishes with Historical Flair 🥩 Enlightenment Classics: Bœuf Bourguignon (allegedly Voltaire's favorite recipe) Escargots Procope in Provençal herbs (served in 18th-c style crockery) Mille-feuille Napoléon (inspired by coronation celebrations) 📚 Literary Tributes: Fondant Voltaire: Molten chocolate cake with Philosophical Dictionary excerpt Potage Rousseau: Organic veggie soup honoring his "return to nature" ethos 🖼️ Museum-Worthy Interiors Baroque decor with crimson walls, chandeliers & mahogany tables Original artifacts: Voltaire's writing desk, Napoleon's signed bicorne hat Thematic dining: Philosophy brunches, candlelit history dinners 💡 Know Before You Go Hours: 12PM-12AM Budget: €35-60 Book via official website #ParisHistory #FrenchRevolution #LiteraryParis #HistoricEats #Voltaire #Enlightenment