History of the restaurants
For the Universal Exhibition of 1889, four majestic wooden pavilions designed by Stephen Sauvestre decked the platform on the first floor. Each restaurant could seat 500 people.
Gourmet rendez-vous on the first floor
For the Universal Exhibition of 1889, four majestic wooden pavilions designed by Stephen Sauvestre decked the platform on the first floor. Each restaurant could seat 500 people. The kitchens were attached to the underside of the platform and, until 1900, the restaurants relied on gas lights.
- Trocadéro side: A bar dubbed the “Flamand” (the Flemish) instead served Alsatian cuisine, and the waitresses wore regional clothing. It was then transformed into a very popular theater. During the Exhibition of 1900, however, it did become a short-lived restaurant again, and described as Dutch this time. The theatre resumed its activities up until war broke out in 1914.
- Between the Eastern and Northern pillars: A typical Russian restaurant welcomed visitors.
- Champ-de-Mars side: Visitors were offered French fare at Brébant, which was for a long time considered a chic restaurant.
These four establishments were demolished for the International Exhibition of 1937, which led to a complete overhaul of the Tower's first floor. Only two restaurants were then rebuilt, one where the Russian restaurant had been, and the other where the Dutch one had. The architect Auguste Granet, who was married to the granddaughter of Gustave Eiffel, headed the 1930s-style construction.
In the early 1980s, these restaurants were replaced when the Tower underwent major renovations. The brand-new "La Belle France" and "Le Parisien" became the two not-to-be-missed gourmet restaurants on the Eiffel Tower. In 1996, “La Belle France” and “Le Parisien” were transformed into one huge brasserie. Decorated by Slavik and Loup, with a hot air balloon inspired theme, its structure emphasized the view of Paris. It was named the “Altitude 95,” a winking reference to aerial navigation, owing to its location 95 metres above sea level.
In the late 2000s, the First Floor brasserie was named 58 Tour Eiffel, as a reference to its altitude in meters.
Now, in 2022, after two years of renovations, Madame Brasserie is born. It’s a new, 100% Parisian experience, with chef Thierry Marx at the reins. In a bright setting, with unique panoramic views of either the Tower’s central structure or Trocadero, Madame Brasserie offers a fresh experience for your tastebuds with contemporary cuisine using local, seasonal products.
Gourmet cuisine 125 metres above the capital
By 1983, the construction of the Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor was finished, an homage to the famous novelist and spokesperson for literary, scientific, and industrial progress. Customers enjoy privileged access via the South pillar elevator, reserved exclusively for use by the restaurant.
The restaurant earned Michelin-Stars with its successive Chefs, Alain Reix, and Alain Ducasse. Since October 1st, 2018, Triple Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton has taken the helm of this legendary restaurant where the view is always unique, both day and night. After some significant renovation et refurbishment works, the mythical spot reopened to the public in summer 2019. It has already become, since then, a "must see and taste" spot in the gastronomic Paris.
Discover Le Jules Verne Restaurant
