Paris, capital of gastronomy: night-time exhibition at the Conciergerie - photos

In France, eating well is a true art. Even more so in Paris, which boasts a host of Michelin-starred restaurants, sought-after patisseries and exceptional chefs... Gastronomy is an integral part of our savoir-vivre, and has been for a long time. That's why the Conciergerie is offering us a short historical and gourmet journey through the history of gastronomy.

From April 13 to July 16, 2023, come and discover the exhibition Paris, capital of gastronomy, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibition takes us through the centuries, from grand banquets to markets, restaurants and patisseries. The exhibition also showcases the region's culinary professionals and products.

The exhibition is almost finished... If you haven't visited it yet, or if you're ready for a second tour, good news! La Conciergerie is offering an exceptional evening visit on Sunday, July 16, to bring the exhibition to a close in style. Until 10.45pm, enjoy this fascinating tour. Guided tours are available throughout the evening, please ask at the monument reception desk.

Theexhibition opens in the Salle des Gens d'Armes, the former refectory of the Conciergerie. It's the perfect setting to discover the famous banquet of Charles V, and the gastronomy of the Middle Ages. Along the way, we admire the distinguished feasts of France's rulers, and get to know the great figures who have marked the history of gastronomy: chefs, cookbook creators, restaurateurs...

Paintings, illuminations, works of art, manuscripts, original menus, videos, photos, archival documents, as well as tableware and culinary creations allow us to relive the different periods, and learn more about the evolution of standards and traditions in the world of gastronomy.

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3D reconstructions on an augmented reality tablet also enhance the experience. Despite advances in technology, nothing is as real as the products featured in the exhibition! In the chapter devoted to the provisioning of Paris, the Conciergerie has recreated a grocery store, allowing visitors to visualize the region's produce, from field to plate. Mushrooms, watercress, cherries, cheese, asparagus... Local products take pride of place! The culinary professions are also honored: market gardeners, delivery drivers, restaurateurs, cooks... There's a whole world behind a meal.

And while we're on the subject of restaurants, did you know that these establishments are a Parisian invention? They revolutionized customs and habits, further affirming Paris's importance in the world of gastronomy. A whole section of the exhibition looks back on this incredible epic. Of course, we're not forgetting pastries, which have also contributed to the renown of the French capital. Macarons, croissants, baguettes, Paris-Brest: this culinary heritage is enough to draw crowds...

Yes, gastronomy attracts and brings people together: it's a language in itself. The exhibition addresses this intercultural dimension, this notion of sharing intimately linked to food. Gastronomic tourism, the training of young chefs from all over the world, the blending of cultures on the plate... If Paris is a world city, it's also thanks to gastronomy!

This richly themed tour, which takes us from the Middle Ages to the present day, teaches us as much about the history of France as it does about gastronomy. It's even an opportunity to put an end to a few preconceived ideas, and shed light on some great, forgotten figures... Did you know, for example, that pastry used to refer to all kinds of dishes made with pasta, whether sweet or savoury?

The exhibition at the Conciergerie is a real treat for food lovers and history buffs alike. Be warned, however, that this exhibition may make you hungry... And it's forbidden to munch on any of the works on display! To satisfy those cravings, here are a few suggestions for restaurants to discover after the exhibition.

Gastronomic restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Looking for a good gourmet restaurant in Paris? We've put together a list of the best places to eat in Paris. [Read more]

Passion monuments, the subscription of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux
Passion Monuments gives you unlimited access to more than 80 exceptional monuments in Paris and throughout France for one year. Abbeys, castles, palaces, modern villas, archaeological sites... there is something for everyone, near your home or on the road to your vacation. [Read more]