Paris welcomes Le Grand Café, a new brasserie situated inside the newly restored Grand Palais, one of the city’s most iconic Belle Époque landmarks. Interior Designer Joseph Dirand took on the responsibility of transforming the vast Beaux-Arts space into a setting that balances grandeur with intimacy. Dirand achieved this by integrating low-level lighting beneath the soaring ceilings, creating a warm atmosphere that complements the building’s historical architecture. The café opens with a refined aesthetic and a commitment to making the monumental space feel inviting, with acoustic adjustments ensuring comfortable conversation.
Run by siblings Gilles and Claire Malafosse of the Loulou Group, the café combines classic French cuisine with thoughtful service. Executive Chef Benoît Dargère presents a menu rooted in French culinary tradition, featuring dishes like salmon with sorrel and tomato tart, while renowned Bartender Colin Field curates a bar experience modeled on at-home hospitality. Le Grand Café includes a terrace with a view over the Champs-Élysées, an oyster bar, chefs’ tables, and evening jazz performances. This thoughtfully crafted restaurant not only invites locals and visitors to dine in elegance but also marks a significant moment in Paris’s cultural and gastronomic scene, restoring the Grand Palais as a lively and welcoming destination.