Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole, Traditional French restaurant and historical monument in Île de la Cité, Paris, France
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole is a traditional French restaurant and historical monument housed in a 16th-century building on Île de la Cité. The house at 24 rue Chanoinesse sits draped in wisteria vines and contains seven baroque rooms decorated in shades of red.
The building was constructed in 1512 as a residence for canons of Notre-Dame Cathedral and later transformed into a wine bar in 1723. This conversion marked the beginning of its life as a dining establishment that continues to serve guests.
The dining rooms reflect the spirit of old Paris with their red decor and wooden structural elements that tell stories of centuries past.
The location sits in a busy part of Île de la Cité, so reservations are strongly advised, especially during peak hours. Access involves climbing narrow medieval stairs, something to consider when planning your visit.
The building once housed high-ranking church officials, including papal dignitaries, before becoming a dining venue. This spiritual past gives the rooms a character that visitors often miss when focusing solely on the food and decor.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
