Griffon

Hidden behind a metal gate at 57 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, the terrace of Griffon is the perfect place to enjoy coffee, a light lunch in the open air, or a drink with friends in the evening. Tree-lined and dotted with antique furniture, it is open all year round.

A paved courtyard steeped in history: in the heart of the Marais de Paris, the Terrasse de Griffon is located in place of the Cour Théophraste Renaudot, which houses several historical remains. On the ground is the outline of the medieval walls of Paris, built under Philippe Auguste in the 13th century and destroyed around 1535.

This relic dating from the Middle Ages is one of the towers of the enclosure of Philippe Auguste discovered in 1880 during the demolition of a house acquired by the Crédit Municipal in 1877.

Paul Gallois, then architect of the Crédit Municipal buildings, disputed the origin of the vestige and wanted to demolish it. However, Théodore Vacquer, a renowned French archaeologist who discovered many of the capital's historical treasures (such as the Arènes de Lutèce in 1869), opposed its destruction by authenticating the identity of the tower.

Paul Gallois kept the tower's base in his construction projects by raising the building a few meters with another decorative tower in red brick. The walls connected to the tower were converted into a staircase linking the Crédit Municipal stores (the current building attached to the tower).

Griffon is a place of life that offers a diversified and regular program: musical moments, meetings with authors, and discussions on creative or innovative initiatives and ideas, their indoor space with cozy couches and living room furniture is an excellent option on a rainy day in the city.

Griffon is an unexpected form of café and bar-restaurant where you can find a selection of recipes made with fresh produce.

The restaurant offers a selection of house salads, oven-baked sandwiches, tapas, and desserts made from seasonal products and cooked on-site. You can also treat yourself to a coffee from the Brûlerie de Belleville, teas, a selection of craft beers and living wines, organic fruit juices, and elaborate cocktails.

Sitting on the terrace and enjoying a view of the historic tower, I recommend going for drinks and a little dessert - the raspberry cheesecake was one of the best I have had in a long time.

All You Need to Know

• Address: 15 Rue de Jouy, 75004 Paris

• Website: https://www.oysterclub.fr/

• Hours:

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: 7–10PM

  • Wednesday through Sunday: 12–2PM, 7–10PM

• Reservation needed? No, first come first serve

• Menu online? No, changes daily based on the fresh seafood catch of the day

• Vegetarian options? No

• Pet Friendly? Yes

• Family Friendly? Yes