The Oldest Café in Paris: Café Procope

When coffee lovers think of historic cafés, few rival the depth of history found in Paris’s Café Procope. But what makes it stand out isn’t just its age—it’s the parade of thinkers, writers, and revolutionaries who made it their second home. Want to know which café has been serving coffee since before the French Revolution—and still has the original furnishings? This is that story.

Café Procope, established in 1686, is the oldest continuously operating café in Paris. Founded by Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, an Italian from Palermo, Sicily, it retains much of its original décor and historical significance to this day.

The Origins: From Turkish Baths to Coffeehouse

Opened in 1686, Café Procope began life not as a café but as a high-end Turkish bathhouse. It was Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, an Italian immigrant from Palermo, Sicily, who transformed the space into a coffeehouse—the first of its kind in Paris. He renamed it after himself, and the café quickly gained a reputation for its elegant design.

The interior featured then-innovative elements like wall mirrors and marble-topped coffee tables—features that would become staples in Parisian café culture. The use of mirrors to create the illusion of space and add a touch of drama was pioneered here, influencing café design across the city.

A Literary and Intellectual Hub

Just three years after its opening, in 1689, the prestigious Comédie-Française theatre troupe—handpicked by King Louis XIV with 27 members—moved into a building opposite the café. This brought a wave of actors, playwrights, and intellectuals to the area, and Café Procope became a natural gathering spot.

As political thought in France began to shift toward democracy and enlightenment, the café attracted some of the greatest minds of the age. Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot—key figures of the French Enlightenment—were regulars. Benjamin Franklin even worked on drafts of the American Constitution while sitting in one of its booths. Voltaire was so fond of the place he reportedly used a royal marble table as his personal desk, and graffiti attributed to him can still be found in the restroom.

A Living Museum of Coffee and History

Today, Café Procope remains open for business. Many of its original features—mirrors, furnishings, and decor—have survived intact, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into an 18th-century coffeehouse. The establishment is often described as a “coffee museum” where visitors can enjoy a drink surrounded by centuries of history.

Over the years, the café has hosted other notable guests including Napoleon Bonaparte and Victor Hugo. Its walls have absorbed the echoes of revolutions, philosophies, and literary masterpieces. For anyone interested in the intersection of coffee, culture, and history, Café Procope offers a rare living link to the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Café Procope founded?

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

Who founded Café Procope?

The café was founded by Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, an Italian from Palermo, Sicily. The café takes its name from him.

Was Café Procope always a coffeehouse?

No. It originally opened as a high-end Turkish bathhouse before being converted into a coffeehouse by Francesco Procopio.

Which famous thinkers visited Café Procope?

The café was frequented by Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Diderot. Benjamin Franklin also worked on the American Constitution there, and later guests included Napoleon and Victor Hugo.

What makes Café Procope historically significant?

Its early adoption of design elements like mirrors, its role in the French Enlightenment, and its long list of intellectual and political patrons give it deep historical and cultural importance.

Is Café Procope still open today?

Yes, Café Procope is still in operation today and retains many of its original furnishings and features, functioning almost as a coffee museum.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Historic Cafés

Pair your visit to Café Procope—or your own historic coffee moment—with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, known for its bright citrus, floral aroma, and juicy body. For a deeper experience, try Colombia Huila, offering balanced notes of dark chocolate and red apple. Both beans highlight the craft and clarity that echo the refined tastes of 18th-century Parisian café-goers. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.