The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Fontaine Gaillon, a former private mansion

Just a stone's throw from Drouant, another Parisian institution , La Fontaine Gaillon is an elegant Parisian brasserie housed in a former 17th-century mansion, once home to duchesses and dukes before becoming a popular bouillon and then a refined table frequented by personalities from the worlds of art, literature and cinema.

Today, it combines history, elegance and bourgeois vegetal cuisine , in a redesigned setting that respects its aura.

A historic setting in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement

Built in the 17th century, the building is attributed toarchitect Jules-Edouard Mansart, nephew of the famous François Mansart. It first became the residence of the Duchesse de La Vallière, then of the Duc de Richelieu. Already at this time, the Gaillon fountain in front of the entrance was the talk of the town, and the whole place exuded a discreet aristocratic charm. The building is even mentioned in literature - Émile Zola mentions it in Au Bonheur des Dames.

From popular broth to celebrity address

Transformed in the 20th century into a bouillon, like many accessible and lively restaurants of the time, the address then took the name La Fontaine Gaillon and gained in prestige. In the 2000s, it became the property of Gérard Depardieu, who turned it into a chic address, where diners came as much for its traffic-free terrace as for its classic dishes based on noble products. It was then entrusted to chef Marc Veyrat.

• To be read
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Select, in the rhythm of the Roaring Twenties
• A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: La Rotonde, the hustle and bustle of the Belle Epoque
• A brief history of the great restaurants of Paris: Prunier, a century of marine prestige

A contemporary renaissance

In 2024, La Fontaine Gaillon was reborn under the management of the Fitz Group, who gave the place a complete overhaul of its decor and menu, while preserving its historic soul. Designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán imagined an interior combining dark woodwork, golden light effects, plant frescoes and hushed furniture, in a resolutely chic yet welcoming spirit. The large terrace, lined with plants and opening onto the historic fountain, becomes a popular spot as soon as the weather turns warm; an island of tranquility in the heart of Paris. On the plates, gourmets enjoy great bourgeois classics, sometimes revisited in a plant-based way.

Our review of La Fontaine Gaillon:

At La Fontaine Gaillon, chef Marie-Victorine Manoa reinvents gourmet elegance
This iconic address, taken over this summer 2024 by the Fitz Group with Marie-Victorine Manoa at the helm in the kitchen, offers a classic menu boldly revisited in a hushed atmosphere. Immerse yourself in an experience where terroir and creativity come together. [Read more]