Bouillon Racine
An emblematic restaurant since 1906
At the beginning of the 20th century, Bouillon Racine, as we know it today, debuted. The first Bouillons appeared in 1855 thanks to a clever butcher, Pierre-Louis Duval, who proposed a unique meat dish and a broth to the workers of Les Halles. The principle was a huge success, and in 1900 there were nearly 250 Bouillons in Paris.They became the first popular restaurant chain. Some variations of the more "bourgeois" Bouillons offered a reading room or recreational activities.
At the same time, the charm of Art Nouveau spread throughout Europe in architecture, furniture, and decoration. The 1900 Paris World's Fair, served by the Metropolitain with stations designed by Guimard, further accentuated its influence. 1903 saw the appearance of the first Bouillon Gandon-Duval, set up in a former restaurant on rue du Faubourg St Denis by the owner and architect Edouard Fournier.
In 1904, another Bouillon was born on the boulevard de St Germain with a luxurious Art Nouveau decor. It is a Bouillon Chartier. The architect who coordinated the whole thing was Jean-Marie Bouvier. It is with the master glassmaker Louis Trézel that he came out with two other Bouillons Chartier in 1906: the Grand Bouillon Camille Chartier on the rue Racine and the Bouillon Edouard Chartier, boulevard du Montparnasse. These restaurants adopted the style typical of Art Nouveau Bouillons: woodwork and ceramic tiles that set alternating mirrors and glass fixtures with plant motifs.
Nowadays, only a few remain, such as the one on rue du Faubourg Montmartre and the one in this video, which contains the most baroque expression of Art Nouveau.
The complete renovation of the Bouillon Racine took place in 1996 thanks to the Compagnons du Devoir and called upon the know-how of yesteryear with gestures and techniques almost lost. Beveled mirrors, opal and painted stained glass windows, chiseled woodwork, marble mosaics, and gilded lettering with leaves allow the public to enjoy a place rich in beauty and conviviality. It is classified as a Historical Monument.
3, rue Racine, 75006 Paris
Phone : 01 44 32 15 60
Email : bouillonracine@orange.fr
