A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: La Grande Cascade, former imperial pavilion

In the verdant setting of the Bois de Boulogne, hidden from view, La Grande Cascade embodies a rare and precious version of French luxury. This prestigious restaurant, which was once Napoleon III's hunting lodge, elegantly blendsimperial history, architectural refinement and authoritative gastronomy.

Between foliage, glass roofs and crystal chandeliers, a look back at the history of an exceptional table.

An imperial pavilion in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne

When Napoleon III commissioned Baron Haussmann, Adolphe Alphand and Gabriel Davioud to transform the Bois de Boulogne in the 1850s, he envisioned the area as a showcase for modern Paris. TheLongchamp racecourse and the famous Grand Cascade were among the works of art created for the imperial strollers. At the foot of this artificial waterfall, a rest pavilion was reserved for the Emperor. This charming, functional building quickly became a chic stopping-off point for the aristocracy. In 1900, on the occasion of theUniversal Exhibition, the pavilion was transformed into a restaurant in theBelle Époque spirit.

The elegance of a timeless decor

Today, La Grande Cascade retains the spectacular atmosphere of that era. The glass and metal structure, typical of the "Retro-Metro" style, unfurls around an impressive zenithal glass roof, topped by a trompe-l'œil painted sky. Inside, dark woodwork, gilding, crystal chandeliers and a terrace sheltered by a monumental marquee provide a timeless setting. The restaurant, set on the edge of the woods, seems suspended between two worlds: imperial memory and gastronomic modernity.

• To be read
• The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Coupole, symbol of the Roaring Twenties
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Lucas Carton, imperial Paris at the Madeleine
• A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Drouant, literary temple of the Prix Goncourt

An address supported by the great names in gastronomy

Over the decades, La Grande Cascade has become a major gastronomic institution. Numerous Michelin-starred chefs followed in their footsteps, each bringing their own touch to a refined cuisine inspired by the product, tradition and season. For more than 20 years, the restaurant was run by Frédéric Robert, who trained with Alain Senderens and developed a cuisine that was clear, delicate and rooted in the French terroir. Even today, the menu features revisited classics, elaborate sauces and festive dishes (poultry en croûte, soufflés, game...), served in sober but meticulous crockery.

A gastronomic experience in a natural setting

The very location of the restaurant, in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, contributes to its charm. Accessible by car or public transport, La Grande Cascade offers a bucolic and luxurious interlude, rare in inner Paris. A venue for private receptions, grand dinners and elegant lunches, it attracts lovers of fine dining as well as those in search of a suspended moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its imperial origins, perfectly preserved Belle Époque décor and exacting culinary standards, La Grande Cascade embodies the refinement of French art de vivre.

Our review of La Grande Cascade:

La Grande Cascade, the sublime starred gastronomic restaurant in the Bois de Boulogne
How about rediscovering La Grande Cascade? This gastronomic restaurant, Michelin-starred for 55 years, never ceases to delight us in its exceptional setting, nestling on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It renews its gourmet offerings to our great delight. [Read more]