Picture Paris at the dawn of the 19th century: freshly revamped Haussmann boulevards, widened sidewalks, countless cafes lining the streets... all bustling with Parisians eager to watch the world go by from the outside, rather than from the cozy confines of their salons.
Amid this bustling urban environment, marked by social progress and vibrant street life, the tradition of terraces was born. More than just a place to set down a chair and table, it has become a true cultural institution.
The Parisian terrace finds its roots in the opening up of the boulevards and the rise of popular cafés in the 19th century. Before that, drinks were mainly enjoyed indoors, but with the urban expansion, merchants began placing chairs and tables on spacious sidewalks: the precursor to today’s terraces.
They fulfill a need for gathering and fresh air within a city experiencing rapid industrial growth. Here, bourgeoisie, artists, and workers alike seek to blend the comfort of a café with the vibrancy of the street. Terraces quickly become popular spots for social gatherings. People read, debate, watch passersby, and forge connections. These activities gradually transformed into romantic clichés of Parisian life!
Popular among a diverse crowd (from artisans and workers to students), terraces are quickly becoming more accessible. They're no longer the exclusive domain of posh, private clubs, but instead a space open to all social classes.
Over time, intellectuals and artists have become part of the neighborhood's regular crowd. Paris transforms into a stage where outdoor cafés serve as both setting and starring role.
With its pedestrian-friendly streets, broad boulevards, and a climate ideal for outdoor living, the City of Light offers the perfect setting for enjoying terraces as a true way of life. Over the decades, writers and photographers have immortalized these scenes, which seem to encapsulate the very soul of the capital.
Before long, the Parisian terrace becomes a trendsetting example, inspiring cafes and bistros worldwide to recreate that perfect mix of charm, laid-back atmosphere, and lively social interaction.
The legendary restaurants and cafés of artistic and literary Paris, historic addresses
Immerse yourself in the Paris of yesteryear, discovering the mythical and historic restaurants, bistros and cafés where artists, authors and intellectuals met. [Read more]
The legendary restaurants and cafés of artistic and literary Paris, historic addresses
