A brief history of Paris's top restaurants: Le Pharamond, Normandy-style ambience

Tucked away in an alleyway in the 1st arrondissement, Le Pharamond (now Petit Bouillon Pharamond) is one of the oldest restaurants in Paris still in operation.

Since 1832, it has perpetuated a lively Norman tradition in the Halles district, while embodying the soul of bouillons populaires: conviviality, accessibility and comfort food in a listed Belle Époque setting. Discover its rich history.

A Norman origin in the heart of Paris

The story of Pharamond begins in 1832, when the Pharamond family, originally from Normandy, moved to Paris. Their goal was simple: to introduce Parisians to Caen-style tripe, a dish emblematic of the Normandy region. Setting up shop in the lively Les Halles district, the Pharamonds quickly found a following among workers, shopkeepers and regulars of the "belly of Paris". In 1879, Alexandre Pharamond opened his own establishment, À la Petite Normande, at 24 rue de la Grande Truanderie, the address still occupied today by the restaurant now known as Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond.

A transformation for the World's Fair

As the 1900 Exposition Universelle approached, the restaurant was redecorated from top to bottom. It became the Normandy Pavilion, with a sumptuous décor of wood panelling, painted mirrors and pâte de verre, still visible today. This Belle Époque setting is so remarkable that it has been listed as a Monument Historique. In this spectacular setting, customers continue to enjoy the great classics of bistro cuisine, enriched by Norman influences true to the origins of the place.

• To be read
• The history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Pied de Cochon, brasserie canaille since 1947
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: La Lorraine, a brasserie with a taste for the sea
• A short history of the great restaurants of Paris: Gallopin, 150 years in front of the Stock Exchange

Prestigious guests and a popular spirit

Over the decades, Le Pharamond has welcomed some of the most important figures in Parisian life: Oscar Wilde, Georges Clemenceau, François Mitterrand and Ernest Hemingway are all said to have frequented the restaurant's salons. A clientele in the image of the place, combining literary spirit, popular appetite and republican tradition. Even today, the restaurant retains this eclectic mix, welcoming curious visitors, loyal gourmets, young enthusiasts of simple cuisine and lovers ofculinary history.

A resurrection in the spirit of bouillon

With the revival of Parisian bouillons, Le Pharamond has become Petit Bouillon Pharamond, returning to its origins. The cuisine is very affordable, and served continuously. Some of the dishes, of course, pay homage to Norman cuisine (andouillette, tarts and, of course, Caen-style tripe), all in a cheerful, no-fuss atmosphere.

Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond is the story of a Norman family turned Parisian, of a listed setting that never ceases to live, and of a restaurant that has survived the centuries without ever losing its soul.

Our review of Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond:

Le Petit Bouillon Pharamond, mini price, maxi pleasure
We're taking you to Les Halles to discover a new Parisian bouillon, Petit Bouillon Pharamond. A place where you can eat classic Parisian bistronomy dishes, at mini prices, for maximum pleasure! [Read more]