A local’s guide to visiting the Belle Epoque Brasserie Vagenende in St Germain des Prés, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Paris with Art Nouveau decor!
Brasserie Vagenende is one of the beautiful Belle Epoque restaurants in Paris that I only stepped into for the first time a few weeks ago.
It is also one of the rare places in Paris where time seems to have stood still, much like at Bouillon Racine or Le Cardinal, where you can almost hear the laughter of decades past.
Located on the Left Bank, this incredible spot is something that lovers of art, Parisian history, and architecture will particularly appreciate.
Brasserie Vagenende, Paris: A Luxe Art Nouveau Restaurant
You can easily reach Brasserie Vagenende since it sits in the very heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in the 6th arrondissement.
In the surrounding area, you will find Maison Sauvage and Taschen on Rue de Buci, the Belle Epoque storefront of La Boissonnerie, and the Cour du Commerce Saint-André.
Close to the brasserie, there are also several unique boutiques on Rue Bonaparte, such as the two Assouline bookstores, Éditions Diane de Selliers, and Lupicia, a boutique for teas and Japanese fine foods.
The fastest way to reach Brasserie Vagenende is via the Odéon station on line 4, though you can also take the bus or arrive after a stroll through the nearby Luxembourg Gardens.
Brasserie Vagenende Paris: The Food and Menu
As I have mentioned in several recent reviews of historic Parisian cafes and restaurants, such as Bouillon Chartier Montparnasse, Brasserie Mollard, and Café Quai 33, I visited Brasserie Vagenende specifically to admire its Art Nouveau decor.
Given the warm welcome from the team, I would gladly return soon to try their typically French gastronomic menu.
Like Brasserie Mollard, Brasserie Vagenende makes a point of serving seafood of exquisite quality.
You can also find iconic Burgundy snails and chocolate profiteroles, served by staff in traditional black vests and white aprons.
Brasserie Vagenende Paris: Foundation, History, and Architecture
A visit to Brasserie Vagenende becomes even more interesting and breathtaking when you speak of its history and architecture.
For example, did you know that the brasserie, founded in 1904, was created by the Chartier family, who were also responsible for several other Parisian bouillons?
It was later bought in 1920 by a man named Monsieur Vagenende, who gave it its current name.
Its history has not always been easy, as the brasserie was nearly turned into a supermarket in the 1960s.
Thanks to the intervention of André Malraux, who was also behind some of the most unique metro stations in Paris, the interior was classified as a Historical Monument in 1975.
The decorative style is typically Art Nouveau, featuring complex mosaics, fixed glass paintings of bucolic landscapes, and, of course, an incredible glass roof.
The woodwork is dark and sinuous, representing natural curves, and you can also admire carved hat racks that reflect infinitely in the large mirrors.
These copper hat racks are original, as are the red velvet benches.
This is one of the beautiful period restaurants that has best resisted the modern evolution of Paris.
Brasserie Vagenende Paris Photo Gallery
Brasserie Vagenende, Paris: A Luxe Art Nouveau Restaurant
Once you have finished enjoying a good lunch at Brasserie Vagenende, you can look into other beautiful restaurants in this style. Paris has many of them.
These include Le Grand Colbert in the fabulous Galerie Colbert in the 2nd arrondissement, Bouillon Julien in the 10th, or the Petit Bouillon Pharamond.
If you want to stay in this Belle Epoque atmosphere, you should head toward one of the many covered passages of Paris with their vintage storefronts and high ceilings.
Among them are Passage des Panoramas, Passage Jouffroy, and Galerie Vivienne with its beautiful bookstore.
If you want to end your meal with a sweet treat, I suggest the Stohrer bakery, another historic spot with richly decorated walls and ceilings on Rue Montorgueil.
For other adventures, do not forget to discover hidden gems like the former Abbey of Port Royal or the magnificent Notre-Dame-du-Travail church with its romantic and industrial decor!
Brasserie Vagenende Paris
Address: 142 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Website: Vagenende