A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Bouillon Julien, a popular Art Nouveau gem

Located at 16 rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, in the 10ᵉ arrondissement, Bouillon Julien isn't just a restaurant: it's an architectural masterpiece and a true Parisian institution. Opened in 1906, this historic bouillon embodiesBelle Époque elegance and the accessibility of popular cuisine served in spectacular surroundings.

With its flower-filled stained-glass windows, Majorelle furniture and bistro-style recipes, the restaurant has stood the test of time without losing its soul or its loyal clientele.

A broth born in the Belle Époque

When Bouillon Julien was launched in 1906, it was part of the great Parisian bouillon movement - establishments designed to offer affordable, fast meals in a Paris undergoing rapid industrial transformation. But unlike some of its more austere competitors, Julien opted for artistic elegance, calling on the greatest names of the Art Nouveau movement to design its breathtaking decor.

A listed decor, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau

The interior of Bouillon Julien is simply spectacular. Created by a constellation of masters of their time, each element contributes to a unique visual harmony. Master glassmaker Louis Trézel, inspired by Alfons Mucha, created four sublime"flower-women" representing the seasons. Ceramist Hippolyte Boulenger designed a floral carpet floor mosaic of geraniums and daisies. The monumental bar in Cuban mahogany, still in place, is the work of renowned cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle, a figure of the École de Nancy. The stained glass windows adorning the glass roof were designed by Charles Buffet, father of painter Bernard Buffet, and created by Georges Guenne, a local glassmaker. In 2018, a restoration by designer John Whelan returned the stained glass to its original celadon-green hue, revealed by a stratigraphic study of the paint.

• To be read
• A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Maxim's, the crème de la crème of the Belle Epoque
• A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: L'Escargot Montorgueil, an institution at Les Halles
• La petite histoire des grands restaurants de Paris: Bouillon Chartier, a century of modest cuisine

A popular restaurant with unchanging elegance

While the décor is impressive, the menu remains true to thespirit of bouillon: traditional French cuisine, generous and accessible. Eggs mayonnaise, blanquette de veau, andouillette, chocolate mousse and baba au rhum are served with simplicity and efficiency. Value for money and fast service make this a lively, popular and cheerful place, always frequented by Parisians and tourists alike.

A Parisian address rooted in everyday life

Bouillon Julien isn't just a postcard of the Belle Époque, it's a restaurant that's still in business, open every day without reservation, where you can enjoy a quick lunch or dinner with friends in a listed setting. It is the perfect embodiment of what Paris does best: making beauty accessible, blending history and modernity, and preserving a unique art de vivre. An address to be included in the heritage of taste and the eye.

Our review of Bouillon Julien:

Bouillon Julien, one of Paris' finest restaurants in affordable mode
Le Bouillon Julien, an Art Nouveau gem in Paris, offers an affordable culinary experience all year round. Discover its history and accessible menu. [Read more]