Cafe Le Procope: Paris’s Oldest Café Since 1686

If you’ve ever wondered which café has been serving coffee the longest—and to whom—you’re not alone. Many coffee lovers are drawn to the idea of sipping in a place where history was written, philosophers debated, and literary giants found inspiration. Paris’s Le Procope isn’t just old—it’s the oldest café in continuous operation in Paris, and possibly the world.

Opened in 1686, Le Procope has hosted legends like Voltaire, who reportedly drank 40 coffees a day while writing there, and a young Napoleon, who once left his military hat as collateral for an unpaid bill. This spot is more than a café—it’s a living museum of European intellectual life.

The Origins of the Café as Social Space

Cafés have long been male-dominated hubs for conversation, chess, music, and reading. In the Ottoman Empire, they gathered artists and writers; in England, they became forums for political debate. This tradition spread from Istanbul to Europe in the 17th century, evolving into the cultural institutions we know today. Many early cafés have vanished, but a few enduring ones remain.

Cafe Tomaselli: Salzburg’s Historic Coffee Spot

Founded in 1703 in Salzburg, Austria—Mozart’s birthplace—Cafe Tomaselli is another contender for Europe’s oldest cafés. Mozart famously favoured the Einspanner: black coffee with cream, served in a tall glass. After WWII, the café was briefly turned into a doughnut shop, sparking local outrage. It reopened in 1950 under the Tomaselli family, who restored its original charm. Today, it stands as a beloved Salzburg institution.

Le Procope: Paris’s Literary and Revolutionary Café

Nestled in a side street off Paris’s Saint-Germain Boulevard in the Latin Quarter, Le Procope claims the title of Paris’s first—and the world’s oldest—coffeehouse. Though its exact primacy is debated, its legacy is undeniable. Since opening in 1686, it has been a gathering place for some of history’s most influential minds. Voltaire drank 40 cups of coffee here daily while writing, and a penniless young Napoleon Bonaparte once pawned his military cap to settle his tab. The café’s enduring presence in the same spot continues to draw visitors from around the globe, offering a tangible link to the Enlightenment and beyond.

Why These Cafés Still Matter

These historic cafés aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving as cultural landmarks. They’ve adapted over centuries but remain rooted in their original purpose: spaces for dialogue, creativity, and connection. Whether it’s Mozart’s favourite drink at Tomaselli or Voltaire’s coffee-fueled writing sessions at Le Procope, these places offer more than coffee—they offer a sip of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Cafe Le Procope founded?

Cafe Le Procope was opened in 1686 in Paris, making it Paris’s oldest continuously operating café and one of the oldest in the world.

Who were some famous patrons of Le Procope?

Le Procope was frequented by Enlightenment figures such as Voltaire, who drank around 40 coffees a day there, and Napoleon Bonaparte, who once left his military hat as collateral for an unpaid bill.

Is Cafe Tomaselli older than Le Procope?

No, Cafe Tomaselli was founded in 1703 in Salzburg, Austria, three years after Le Procope opened in 1686. However, both are among Europe’s oldest surviving cafés.

What drink was Mozart known for ordering at Tomaselli?

Mozart’s preferred drink at Cafe Tomaselli was Einspanner: black coffee with cream, served in a tall glass.

What happened to Cafe Tomaselli after World War II?

After WWII, Cafe Tomaselli was briefly converted into a doughnut shop, which upset locals. It was reclaimed by the Tomaselli family in 1950 and restored to its former glory.

Where is Cafe Le Procope located in Paris?

Le Procope is located in a side street off the Saint-Germain Boulevard, in Paris’s Latin Quarter.

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