Paris is famous for its café culture. But when did this tradition begin? The first café in Paris opened in 1672. An Armenian man named Pascal established it. This was near the Pont Neuf bridge. At first, it didn’t become very popular.
The real start of Parisian café culture came in 1686. That’s when Café Procope opened. Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, an Italian, founded it. This café still operates today. It’s the oldest continuously running café in Paris.
Why Coffee Came to Paris
Coffee came to Paris through trade. The Ottoman Empire introduced coffee to Europe. French merchants and travelers brought it back. At first, people didn’t like the bitter taste. But soon, they discovered its energizing effects.
Doctors at first recommended coffee as medicine. They said it helped digestion. They claimed it could cure headaches. The French upper class started drinking it for health. Then they began enjoying it for pleasure.
Early Paris Cafés
The early Paris cafés were simple places. They served basic coffee. The drink was new and exotic. People came to try this strange new beverage. The cafés became meeting places.
Cafés quickly became centers of social life. Writers, artists, and thinkers gathered there. They discussed ideas over coffee. The atmosphere was lively. People debated politics and art.
The 18th Century Boom
In the 1700s, cafés multiplied across Paris. By 1750, there were about 300 cafés. By 1789, there were over 800. The French Revolution was brewing in these cafés.
Famous cafés like Café de Foy became revolutionary hubs. Camille Desmoulins gave speeches there. People planned protests over coffee. The cafés were perfect for sharing ideas.
What Made Parisian Cafés Special?
Parisian cafés developed unique features:
- Sidewalk seating: First appearing in the 1800s
- Marble tables: Became standard in fancy cafés
- Newspapers: Provided for customers to read
- Long hours: Stay open from morning until night
The cafés welcomed everyone. Rich and poor could sit together. This was unusual at the time. Most places were divided by class.
Famous Writers and Artists
Parisian cafés attracted creative minds. Voltaire drank coffee at Procope. He reportedly drank 40 cups a day. Other famous regulars included:
- Rousseau
- Diderot
- Benjamin Franklin
In the 19th century, new cafés opened. The Café Guerbois hosted Manet and Monet. The Café de la Nouvelle Athènes saw Degas and Renoir. Writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald later made cafés famous.
Coffee Preparation Evolves
Early Parisian coffee was simple. They boiled ground beans in water. Then they let the grounds settle. This method came from Turkey.
Later, new brewing methods arrived. The French press was invented in the 1850s. Espresso machines came in the 1900s. But Paris kept its traditional ways too.
Café Society Grows
By the 1900s, cafés were essential to Paris life. They served as:
- Offices for writers
- Studios for artists
- Meeting rooms for businessmen
- Living rooms for the poor
People might spend all day at a café. They could order one coffee and stay for hours. This tradition continues today.
Modern Parisian Cafés
Today, Paris has thousands of cafés. Some are historic. Others are modern. All keep the café tradition alive.
Tourists visit famous cafés like:
- Les Deux Magots
- Café de Flore
- Le Select
Locals prefer neighborhood spots. These places maintain the true café spirit.
Conclusion
Parisian cafés began in the late 1600s. They grew with the city. They shaped French culture. Today, they remain symbols of Parisian life. The café tradition shows no signs of ending. It continues to evolve while keeping its historic charm.
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