A local’s guide to visiting the Belle Epoque Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris with Art Nouveau decor!
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse is one of those Art Nouveau spots in Paris that I dreamed of seeing for a long time, and my dream was finally answered just a few weeks ago.
Nestled in the heart of the legendary Montparnasse district, this historical bouillon offers a most exquisite aura along with the historical splendor of the Belle Epoque.
Actually, Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse follows the same model as other Parisian bouillons, which were originally established to offer good food at a modest price.
It is one of the most famous restaurants in Paris, where people line up to treat themselves to lunch or dinner, and the bouillon does indeed open at noon and gets crowded very quickly.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, Paris: A Belle Epoque Gem
You can get to Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse very easily via the Saint Placide or Montparnasse-Bienvenue stations, or even Gaite, which is a bit further away.
The service is continuous from 11:30 AM to midnight, 7 days a week, and they do not take reservations.
It is very common to see a line on the sidewalk, but you are served quickly, and this queue is just part of the experience of any bouillon, much like at Bouillon Racine in Saint Michel.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse Paris: The Food and Menu
I didn’t actually go to Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse for the food but rather for its architecture and decor, though I will likely go back soon to complete this review with my thoughts on the menu.
The fact remains that the Chartier philosophy stays the same, with starters at mini prices, good and affordable French main courses, or even homemade desserts like chocolate cream or baked apples.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse Paris: Foundation, History, and Architecture
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse was founded in 1903 by Edouard Chartier and was known for a long time as Bouillon Rougeot, and it was only in 2019 that it regained its original name.
Be careful not to confuse it with Bouillon Chartier Republique or the one on the Grands Boulevards.
Here, you are in one of the most beautiful Belle Epoque restaurants in Paris, with an interior that responds to the codes of Art Nouveau.
This is why you can observe infinite curves as well as many nature motifs, specifically floral ones with ceramics signed by Louis Trezel that represent beautiful scenes of nature.
When it comes to Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, it isn’t just the carved oak woodwork and ceramics that make the experience inside so savory.
It is also its monumental glass roof, and you see this type of glass roof in many of the city’s Belle Epoque restaurants and cafes, like Brasserie Vagenende, which was also founded by Chartier, or Brasserie Mollard.
In fact, the glass roof of Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse and the interior decor have been classified as historical monuments since 1984.
Bouillon Chartier: Why Is It Important for the History of Paris?
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse is one of those historical Parisian sites that best witness the Roaring Twenties.
The bouillon was a place where the bourgeoisie and workers rubbed shoulders, an era focused on pleasure and art that also gave us beautiful places like the Lux Bar in Montmartre or the Lavirotte building in the 7th arrondissement.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse is a witness to the Golden Age of Montparnasse, back when the neighborhood was the center of the artistic world and frequented by Modigliani, Picasso, or Hemingway.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, Paris Photo Gallery
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, Paris: A Belle Epoque Gem
Once you finish lunch at Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, you will find many other historical or unique spots in Paris.
For example, if you want to continue your quest for ancient decors, you will find the historical Stohrer bakery as well as Le Cochon a l’Oreille and the Stohrer bakery on Rue Montorgueil.
You can also find Petit Bouillon Pharamond near Les Halles, as well as Bouillon Racine closer to Saint Michel, and the more secret Cafe Quai 33 near Gare de Lyon.
If you want to dive into beautiful hidden spots of the city, why not head toward the former abbey of Port Royal in the 14th arrondissement, or even the ruins of the Couvent des Cordelières in the 13th arrondissement?
There are also many colorful alleys and secret villages to discover in Paris, which are perfect to visit after a good lunch in a typically Parisian brasserie.
Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse Paris
Adresse: 59 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris
Website: Bouillon Chartier