Procope: Paris’s Oldest Café Since 1686

Ever wondered which café in Paris has been serving customers continuously since the late 17th century—and who really opened it? The answer isn’t just steeped in coffee, but in revolution, philosophy, and theatrical history. This is the story of Procope, where marble tables, mirrors, and intellectual legacy have stayed in place for over 300 years.

Procope, founded in 1686, is the oldest café in Paris. It was established by Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, an Italian from Palermo, Sicily—not a Frenchman. Though it originally opened as a high-end Turkish bath, it became a café under his ownership and retains much of its original décor, including marble tables and wall mirrors.

From Turkish Bath to Café

When Procope first opened its doors in 1686, it wasn’t serving coffee at all. The original business was a luxurious Turkish bath. After taking over, Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli transformed the space into a café. He introduced elegant features that would become iconic in Parisian café design, such as wall mirrors and marble-topped coffee tables. These mirrors didn’t just decorate—they made small spaces feel larger through reflections and candlelight, creating a romantic ambience copied by cafés across the city.

A Hub for French and American Revolutionary Thinkers

Just three years after Procope’s launch in 1689, the prestigious French theatre troupe Les Comédiens-Français moved into a building directly opposite. Composed of 27 actors handpicked by King Louis XIV, their presence boosted the café’s status. Soon, it became a gathering spot for some of the most influential minds of the Enlightenment. Voltaire, Rousseau, and Denis Diderot debated here. Benjamin Franklin worked on drafts of the American Constitution while sitting in its chairs. Voltaire even installed a royal marble desk as his personal workstation—his words were reportedly found even in the restroom. Later patrons included Napoleon Bonaparte and Victor Hugo.

What Remains Today

Procope is still open for business. Many of its historical artefacts remain on display, making a visit feel like stepping into a working coffee museum. The café’s enduring interior and centuries of famous patronage contribute to its unique atmosphere, where history and coffee culture intersect.

Frequently Asked Questions

When 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?

Procope was founded by Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, an Italian from Palermo, Sicily—not a Frenchman. The café takes its name from him.

Was Procope always a coffeehouse?

No. It originally opened in 1686 as a high-end Turkish bath before being converted into a café by its owner, Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli.

What famous thinkers visited Procope?

Procope hosted Enlightenment figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Denis Diderot, and Benjamin Franklin, who worked on the American Constitution there. Later, Napoleon and Victor Hugo also visited.

What makes Procope’s interior historically significant?

The café features original 17th-century design elements such as wall mirrors and marble coffee tables, which were innovative at the time and widely copied in later Parisian cafés.

Is Procope still open today?

Yes, Procope is still in operation and functions almost like a café-museum, with many historical items still on display.

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