Le Procope

The story

Founded in 1686 by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, Le Procope became a meeting place for actors, philosophers, revolutionaries and writers. Its salons recall the Enlightenment and French Revolution through portraits, chandeliers, historic objects and richly layered décor.

Why Le Procope is iconic

Few dining rooms can connect café culture so directly to European intellectual and political history.

Selected by Ernst Aben · Information reviewed July 2026