In the heart of Monte Carlo, on the prestigious Place du Casino, is one of Monaco’s most recognisable venues – the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo. Part of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ together with the Hôtel de Paris and the Casino de Monte-Carlo, this legendary café has a rich history dating back more than 150 years.

Last year, after a long, intensive renovation, the Café de Paris reopened its doors, retaining all its historic charm, but in a modern and larger-than-life setting.

How it all began

The history of Café de Paris dates back to the 1860s, when the Hôtel de Paris and the Casino de Monte-Carlo were established in Monaco and the Société des Bains de Mer group was founded. These developments attracted wealthy tourists to the region, who came to admire the beauty of the Principality and the majestic Mediterranean coastline. In 1864, the area opposite the emerging hotel and casino was used as horse stables and coach houses, where the carriages of wealthy guests were protected from the vagaries of the weather.

However, there was a lack of a place where hotel guests could rest and relax with a coffee or a meal. In response to this demand, in January 1868, François Blanc opened the Cafe-Divan in the style of an Alpine chalet. This café, which was located on the site of today’s Café de Paris, offered a tea room, a small restaurant, a billiard room, a tabac and a perfumery called Parfumerie du Soleil.

Already in its first year of existence, the Café-Divan became extremely popular. It was expanded and renamed the Grand Café de Monte-Carlo. In 1890, a new building was constructed, but this was quickly replaced by another structure, the Café de Paris, completed in 1897. The opening of the café coincided with a fascinating event – the Rallye Marseille-Nice-Monte-Carlo car rally, which ended in a spectacular accident when André Michelin drove his car into the windows of the café. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Development and Change

Between 1890 and 1893, international customers began to call the Café de Paris the ‘American Bar and Grill Room’ or ‘Leo’s Bar’, in honour of its manager, Léo Engel. In 1897, the architect Henri Schmit, inspired by the Orient and Africa, decorated the café with minarets and domes, and the walls were decorated with brightly coloured ceramic friezes. An elegant gallery surrounded by a wrought-iron balustrade added to the charm of the place.

In 1913, the architect Léon Blois transformed one of the café’s rooms into a grand magnificent hall inspired by the Louis XIV style. In the 1930s, the Café de Paris adopted the Art Deco style, abandoning minarets and colourful ceramics in favour of friezes decorated with rosettes, referring to modern decorative art.

During the Second World War, the terrace of the Café was transformed into a stage with a back room, where jazz concerts, theatre performances and ballets were held. After the war, further changes were made – a bowling alley and a Scotch Club nightclub were created. Sadly, the bowling alley burnt down in 1964, but the Café grew in popularity with new attractions such as gaming machines and stylised interiors.

During its long history, the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo has hosted countless celebrities, artists and personalities from all over the world. It has become synonymous with luxury and elegance, a symbol of Monte-Carlo.

Now and Then – The New Reveal of CAFÉ DE PARIS

The new iteration of the legendary café took place in 2023 after almost two years of renovation work, which cost more than €50 million. The restaurant has opened its doors to visitors, presenting a modern, vibrant interior that nevertheless retains all the charm of its historic heritage. The modern Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, designed by Studio David Collins, extends over the ground and first floors, with an impressive 280 m² roof terrace.

Architects Alexandre Giraldi and Alain-Charles Perrot ensured that the new interiors respected the style and atmosphere of the café. Today, the Café de Paris MonteCarlo is bigger than ever, and its opening has started a new chapter in the long history of this legendary venue.

Meeting and Entertainment Centre

Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is not only a place to enjoy delicious food, but also a true centre of social life. The Café has an extensive terrace that offers a breathtaking view of the Place du Casino. It is here that major events and business meetings take place, as well as informal evenings with live music.

In the evenings, the terrace becomes a stage for a variety of artists, from pianists to jazz bands, which adds to the venue’s unique charm. Celebrities from film, fashion and sport can be found among the guests, which only confirms that the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a prestigious venue, attracting the most prominent figures from all over the world.

Watching the Races from the Terrace

One of the unique experiences offered by the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is the opportunity to watch motor racing from the café’s terrace.

Thanks to its convenient location on Place du Casino, guests can enjoy spectacular views of the racecourses that take place in Monte Carlo, including the famous Monaco Grand Prix.

This is an unforgettable experience for motorsport enthusiasts, who can enjoy refined dishes in the adrenaline rush of racing.

You can read a further article about the legendary Café de Paris Monte-Carlo in Luxury Boutique magazine on the Issuu platform. Click HERE…