Charcoal Cafe, Bar and pub in the 11th arrondissement, Paris, France
Café Charbon is a bar and pub on Rue Oberkampf in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. The interior features very high ceilings, large glass windows, hanging chandeliers, and small wooden booths arranged around a long counter where drinks are served.
The building dates back to 1863, when it served as a café and coal storage space before becoming the bar it is today. Over time, the space kept much of its original look, and it now welcomes new generations in a setting that reflects the history of Rue Oberkampf.
The name "Charbon" is the French word for coal, a direct reference to the building's past use as a coal storage space. Today, the high ceilings, large chandeliers, and wooden booths give visitors a sense of old Paris that is rare to find on such a busy street.
The bar sits on Rue Oberkampf, a street that is easy to walk along and is lined with other places to eat and drink. Arriving earlier in the evening is a good idea if you want to find a seat, as the space tends to fill up as the night goes on.
Although the place has been open for over 160 years, many of the original decorative elements such as old signs and fixtures were never replaced. Visitors who look closely can still spot traces of the building's earlier life hidden in plain sight inside the bar.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
