The Atmosphere

Designated as a historic landmark in 1984, the Bistrot du Peintre has strived to keep its distinctive 1900s style intact with its wood moldings and glazed earthenware, its façade and original Art Nouveau décor. In 1987, Robert Schmidt, a bronze-smith who was enamored by the place, and whose workshop was Passage de la Main d’Or (Golden Hand Alley) offered to restore the Bistro in the style of yesteryear.  Away then with the soccer table game and wall-to-wall carpeting! From then on, the interior was adorned with carved wood and glazed earthenware, allegories of spring and summer.  Originally, four glazed earthenware portraits of the same type decorated the walls of the bistro, but those of winter and autumn vanished during World War II.  Upstairs, reproductions of famous paintings from the 1900s, like that of La Goulue, the well-known can-can dancer, confers its distinctive style to the place.  And yet, you will find here neither check tablecloths nor white aprons. No detail is left to chance: the gilded door handles, the painted ceiling, the ornate glazings, the decorated chairs, the wooden staircase...everything helps to immerse you in an authentic and colorful atmosphere.

The Bistrot du Peintre does not lack modernity and comfort either! Its large sunny and heated terrace allows for full enjoyment of the lively Parisian streets.  On the ground floor, at the bar or at a table, you will find the ambiance so typical in bistros: small tables for two or four, waiters bustling about, well-filled plates parading past, glasses of wine sampled at the counter while chatting with the owner... Upstairs, in contrast, the room is ideal for large groups with its round tables and its long wall seat.   And in the evening, you will dine to music without being deafened: conviviality remains the motto of the Bistrot!

Whether with your family or friends, alone or in a group, the Bistrot du Peintre offers a unique setting mixing the charm of a Parisian bistro of yesteryear and the ambiance of today’s modern café.