When mentioning Café de Paris to Luxemburgish residents, some of them recall memorable and endless evenings there, which dragged on well into the night. About 35 years ago, the Café de Paris was the late night hangout for RTL staff after broadcasting the German programme RTL Télé, as well as a place to talk politics over a beer and a tray of Luxembourg sausages. Some others describe it as an unchanging and reassuring place, a perfect spot to end a day, especially in the spring, enjoying the last sunbeams on their terrace.
This famous café is an institution in Luxembourg. Located at Place d’Armes, a symbolic place in the city, this brasserie brings, for decades now, French gastronomy into the heart of Luxembourg City.
Since 2016, Café de Paris has been taken over by the owners of the hotel “Le Place d’Armes” with a clear idea in mind: no changes shall be made to its DNA that succeeded to remain the same throughout the years. Even though the logo has been modernised, its name hasn’t been changed to retain all its historical dimensions.
“The Café de Paris is the keeper of the French café life in Luxembourg, and we cherish that. This is the real small French café offering tasteful cuisine all day long in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere,” explains Jean-Grégoire d’Amman, manager of the Place d’Armes and of other entities of the group, including the Café de Paris.
You need to enjoy a meal at the Café de Paris to get the true feeling of the place. When entering the main room, which is opened onto the Place, its small size immediately gives you a comfy feeling, emphasised by the warm colour choices, with white and red stripes on the walls and a long booth in terracotta tones. Hanging on the wall, a black and white photo representing the front door of the café, probably dating back to the beginning of the century, is witness to time passing by.
On the small tables, old paper place mats have been replaced by burgundy leather mats setting a simple and welcoming table.
“This is the real small French café offering tasteful cuisine all day long in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.”
Facing the booth, various wine bottles stand on the bar giving the sudden urge to sip a glass of wine at the counter, while discussing matters with the attentive employees. While seated, pay attention, you will probably witness the smiley chef bringing courses to the clients and walking around the tables to discuss the meals.
On sunny days, another kind of experience awaits you on the beautiful terrace surrounded by century-old trees. From April to November – placing the café as one of the last survivors offering tables outside in the winter season – the terrace is the perfect spot to get a true feeling of the Place d’Armes atmosphere, bringing together a diverse crowd.
“We have very diverse customers, with a lot of tourists at the weekends, regular customers in the week for lunches or afterwork drinks, and also families” explains Jean-Grégoire d’Amman.
In the kitchen, the chef Ronyl, who has worked for a long-time side by side with chef Fabrice Salvador, continues to offer traditional French meals, while adding a touch of modernity and creativity. In the heart of winter, you will be able to taste a bœuf bourguignon or a delicious fish blanquette. Iconic recipes, such as cassoulet, croque-monsieur or salads stay permanently on the menu.
Regular customers also like to stop by for a glass of wine. The sommelier, Olivier Schanne , has elaborated a selection with various wines perfect for after work drinks, greatly appreciated with a simple ham and cheese platter.
A careful balance has been made between classic wines (Côte du Rhône, Bourgogne, Syrah) and more “adventurous” ones, such as Viognier or a Rhaïfrensch from Domaine KOX, “to please everyone’s tastes and purses,” as explained by the sommelier.
Café de Paris has evolved throughout the years while keeping its soul, giving it a reassuring immutability.
It is the perfect petit café in which to take refuge surrounded with friends, and to enjoy a good meal warmed up by one (or more) glasses of wine.
Café de paris
18, Place d’Armes — L-1136 Luxembourg
Tel. +352 / 26 20 37 70
www.hotel-leplacedarmes.com/le-cafe-de-paris
Pictures: Café de Paris