Le Beaumarchais is a contemporary bistro that just opened right next to the whirling bustle of the Place de la Bastille, and I was lucky enough to be invited to discover it very recently. Which is a very good thing, as great restaurant spots are a bit scarce in the neighborhood…
The establishment, housed in the former carriage and coach garages of the Hôtel de Sagonne, is bathed in light by large glass roofs that provide modernity and conviviality to the whole space.
All materials are raw and authentic: wood, exposed stone, industrial metal, Carrara marble, and the ceiling is studded with industrial lights. All of this gives the place a clever blend of New York and Northern European atmospheres (in some respects, it reminded me a bit of Amsterdam).
A little history:
Personally, I really enjoy eating within walls steeped in history, so I like knowing the story behind these old stones. Indeed, the Hôtel de Sagonne is a former Parisian townhouse, a youthful work by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, a very renowned architect, built between 1667 and 1670.
After becoming the King’s chief architect and soon ennobled as the Count of Sagonne, Jules Hardouin-Mansart lavishly furnished his hotel starting in 1686 to live there, and hired Michel Corneille the Younger and his brother Jean-Baptiste Corneille, as well as Charles de Lafosse for the interior decoration, assisted by the sculptor Martin Desjardins.
Later the property of Ninon de Lenclos, who held her salon there, the mansion and its garden have been classified as a historic monument since 1943.
The extra touch of the place is its original structure, divided into several spaces and atmospheres that adapt to your mood:
- “The Workshop (L’Atelier)“, in reference to the original function of the premises, with beautiful, majestic ceilings.
- “The Islet Bar (L’Îlot-bar)“, a vast cathedral space organized around the bar, a place for socializing and exchanges, evoking New York canteens and the large bars of the docks of Amsterdam or Antwerp.
- “The Cabin (La Cabane)“, located on the lower half-level, a plant-inspired space, almost hidden, with alcoves conducive to more intimate meetings.
- On the 1st floor, the mezzanine and the splendid “Ninon’s Apartments (Appartements de Ninon)” (in tribute to Ninon de Lenclos, who once owned the place).
- The terrace, which unfolds along the entire facade, in full sun or under large black awnings on sunny days.
As for the food (where presentation is always meticulous), you’ll find refined and inventive bistro cuisine proposed by Chef Yann Devarieux.
This young chef, who has worked with Cédrik and Alexandre (the owners) for many years, is a true cooking enthusiast, and you can feel all the love he pours into creating his menu, which truly gives Le Beaumarchais its gourmet soul.
The menu offers fresh products, daily specials based on the market and the seasons, as well as a bistro menu. Special mention for the Truffle Risotto, as risotto is really one of my favorite dishes, yet it is often very difficult to find a good one outside of Italy.
The sweet notes are also worth discovering, especially the succulent lemon cheesecake.
As for the wine list, it is particularly well-suited to the dishes offered (don’t hesitate to ask for help to best pair your wine with your meal), and furthermore, it caters to all types of budgets.
In short, a place with a very beautiful setting where you eat well, so inevitably a very good address that I recommend if you are in the area.
The plus: the restaurant is open 7 days a week and at all hours,
The insider tip: on weekdays at lunch (from Monday to Saturday), there is an inspiration and market menu for €15.50 (with appetizer & main course, or main course & dessert), a formula that I recommend because the value for money is unbeatable!
Another insider tip: the “Heures de Folies” (Crazy Hours) from 6 PM to 8 PM with drinks at friendly prices like cocktails for €7…
Le Beaumarchais
21 bd Beaumarchais - 75004 Paris
Price: in the evening expect between €15 and €28 for a main course and between €7 and €9 for a dessertPhoto credits: Mademoiselle Bon Plan Photos are not royalty-free, photographer authorization mandatory before any use
