Paris’s Oldest Café: Procope Since 1686

If you’ve ever wondered which café in Paris has been serving coffee—and ideas—since before the French Revolution, the answer is clear: Procope. But what makes this place more than just a surviving old shop? Why have figures like Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin chosen this exact spot to work, debate, and imagine the future of democracy?

Founded in 1686 by Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, an Italian from Palermo, Sicily, Procope is the oldest continuously operating café in Paris. Its elegant mirrors, marble tables, and historic legacy have made it a cultural monument where great minds gathered for over 300 years.

The Origins: From Turkish Baths to Coffeehouse

When it opened in 1686, Procope wasn’t a coffeehouse—it was a high-end Turkish bath. Its founder, Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, transformed the space into a café, introducing Paris to a new kind of social venue. He redesigned the interior with then-innovative features, including wall mirrors and marble-topped coffee tables. These mirrored walls didn’t just look stylish—they made the space feel larger through reflections and candlelight, creating a romantic ambience that soon became standard in Parisian cafés.

A Literary and Revolutionary Hub

Just three years after Procope’s opening, in 1689, the Comédie-Française theatre company—a group of 27 actors selected by King Louis XIV—moved into a building directly opposite. This brought a wave of intellectuals and artists to the area. Soon, Procope became a meeting point for France’s Enlightenment thinkers. Thinkers such as Voltaire, Denis Diderot, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau gathered here. Even American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin worked on drafts of the U.S. Constitution while sitting in one of its chairs. Voltaire reportedly took over a royal marble desk and treated the place like his personal office—even carving quotes into the bathroom walls.

Historic Artifacts and Enduring Legacy

Today, Procope remains open and functions almost as a “coffee museum.” Many of its original furnishings and decorations are still in place. The café proudly displays historical artefacts, making a visit feel like stepping back into the 18th century. Over the centuries, it has hosted other legendary guests, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Victor Hugo. The mirror-lined walls, marble tables, and centuries-old atmosphere continue to draw both locals and tourists seeking a connection with Paris’s intellectual and cultural past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Procope, the oldest café in Paris, founded?

Procope was founded in 1686, making it the oldest continuously operating café in Paris.

Who founded Procope and where was he from?

Procope was founded by Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, who was from Palermo, Sicily, in Italy—not France.

Was Procope always a coffeehouse?

No, Procope originally opened as a high-end Turkish bath in 1686 and was later converted into a coffeehouse by its founder.

Which famous historical figures visited Procope?

Procope was frequented by Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Denis Diderot, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Victor Hugo.

What decorative features in Procope were pioneering for its time?

Procope introduced wall mirrors and marble coffee tables to Parisian café design. The mirrors made interiors feel larger and more romantic, influencing the style of many future cafés.

Is Procope still open today?

Yes, Procope is still in business and functions almost like a living museum, with many original furnishings and historical artefacts on display.

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