Café Procope

Le Procope 1, Paris 2010

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Voltaire and Diderot at the Café Procope

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Inside Le Procope

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Le Procope Cafe Procope

Café Procope is a historic restaurant located in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, France. Established in 1686 by the Sicilian chef Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, it is considered to be the oldest continuously operating café in Paris and one of the oldest in the world. Throughout its long history, Café Procope has been a meeting place for intellectuals, artists, and political figures, playing a significant role in the cultural and political life of the city.

History

The café was opened in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, close to the Comédie-Française, attracting a clientele from the theater and the literary world. In the 18th century, it became a hub for the Enlightenment, frequented by figures such as Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Denis Diderot. Voltaire was known to drink up to 40 cups of coffee a day at the Procope, engaging in vigorous debates and discussions.

During the French Revolution, the café served as a meeting place for revolutionaries. Notable figures such as Maximilien Robespierre, Georges Danton, and Jean-Paul Marat were known to frequent Café Procope, which became a center for revolutionary ideas and discussions.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the café continued to attract literary and artistic figures, including Alfred de Musset, George Sand, and Oscar Wilde. It underwent several renovations over the years, each time updating its decor while preserving its historic character.

Cultural Significance

Café Procope has played a significant role in the cultural life of Paris. It is not just a café but a symbol of the intellectual and political ferment of the city over the centuries. Its walls are adorned with portraits and memorabilia of its famous patrons, serving as a museum of French intellectual history.

Today

Today, Café Procope continues to operate as a high-end restaurant, offering traditional French cuisine. It remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors interested in its rich history and its role in the intellectual and political history of France.

In Popular Culture

Café Procope has been featured in numerous novels, films, and television series set in Paris, often depicted as a meeting place for intellectuals and revolutionaries.

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