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All France Paris Napoleon’s Hat at Le Procope

Napoleon’s Hat at Le Procope

The French leader's hat sits in a glass case at the oldest restaurant in Paris.

Paris, France

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betsyrybarczyk
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Napoleon’s Hat at Le Procope   David Lee Tiller / CC BY-SA 2.0
Napoleon’s Hat at Le Procope   David Lee Tiller / CC BY-SA 2.0
Le Procope in Paris   Jean-Marie Hullot / CC BY 2.0
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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About

First established by a Sicilian chef in 1686, Le Procope has claimed the title of the oldest restaurant in Paris (though it has not been operating continuously for the last three centuries). Over the course of that history, the café in the 6th arrondissement has hosted notable guests from Voltaire to Benjamin Franklin to Napoleon Bonaparte. In fact, you can still see one of Napoleon's iconic bicorne hats at the restaurant.

As the story goes, Napoleon was dining at the restaurant when he realized he could not pay his bill. He left his hat with the restaurant as collateral, but never returned to settle the bill and the restaurant still has his hat. The French leader's headwear is displayed in a glass case at the front of the restauarant.

In addition to being able to see Napoleon’s hat, the restaurant also has incredible primary sources written by Maria Antoinette and Louis XVI. The restaurant has the final letters written by them while they were imprisoned before their executions. This restaurant is a treasure trove of French Revolution history.

Related Tags

Restaurants History Napoleon Bonaparte Hats

Know Before You Go

If you decide to seek out these hidden gems, be sure to either eat at the restaurant or at least ask the hostess if you are able to see these historical artifacts.

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betsyrybarczyk

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Martin, SEANETTA, Michelle Cassidy

  • Martin
  • SEANETTA
  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

July 19, 2024

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Napoleon’s Hat at Le Procope
13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie
Paris
France
48.853064, 2.338823
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Photo of Paris

Paris

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Places 205
Stories 42

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Roger La Grenouille

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Paris

Paris

France

Places 205
Stories 42

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