Bouillon Julien, one of Paris' finest restaurants in affordable mode

Bouillon Julien, located in Paris, is a celebration of Art Nouveau and accessible gastronomy. Founded in 1906, this restaurant plunges you into the ambiance of the Années Folles. Its décor, restored in 2018 in original celadon green tones, is a beautiful nugget to (re)discover, whether you're a Parisian or just passing through.

In 1787, the site first housed an inn, the Cheval Blanc, which later became one of the first café-concerts in Paris. The current building, designed by architect Édouard Fournier between 1901 and 1902, is in the Art Nouveau style. Decorated by artists such as Louis Trézel,Armand Ségaud and Hippolyte Boulenger, the restaurant opened in 1903 under the name"Gandon-Fournier". In 1924, Julien Barbarin inherited it, giving the restaurant its current name.

Its panels, painted by Armand Ségaud, depict peacocks, while the Cuban mahogany bar is the work of cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle. The frescoes by Louis Trézel, inspired by Alfons Mucha, depict women on pâte de verre.

The tiled floor, byHippolyte Boulenger in Choisy-le-Roi, illustrates a wild meadow of columbines and daisies. The large glass windows, which illuminate the room with their zenithal light, were designed by Georges Guenne, with drawings by Charles Buffet, father of painter Bernard Buffet. The restaurant has been listed as a historic monument since 1997, as have its facade and roof.

The Bouillon concept, with its simple, seasonal dishes, is beautifully embodied here. The Bouillon Julien menu features dishes such as Œufs Durs Mayonnaise at €4.30 or 6 Escargots de Bourgogne at €9.80 as starters. Main courses, such as Saucisse Aveyronnaise - purée et jus de Sarriette at 11.90€ or Hampe de Bœuf sauce Stroganov at 12.60€, offer an authentic taste experience at a reasonable price.

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The restaurant's setting, with its velvet banquettes and period moldings, completes the culinary experience. Each meal is an immersion in history, enhanced by simple, effective and affordable dishes. A variety of tempting desserts, such as Baba au Rhum at €6.90, Crème Brûlée à la Noix de Coco at €3.10 and Gaufre Liégeoise au chocolat chaud, round off the meal perfectly.

Bouillon Julien isn't just a restaurant; it's a journey back in time. Its affordable prices, bistro-style cuisine and historic atmosphere make it a must for gourmets and Paris lovers alike. It's worth noting, however, that it's best to have some time to spare.