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Le Consulat Paris: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide

No trip to Paris would be complete without a stroll through one of the city’s most idyllic neighborhoods: Montmartre. It’s renowned for its amazing, historic, Instagrammable AF, charming beyond belief architecture in places like Le Consulat Paris.

Yup, this famous Montmartre cafe is easily one of the cutest cafes in Paris and a great to grab an amazing Parisian brunch if you have the time – kind of like Le Chat Noir Paris.

Plus, added bonus? This thin slice of Instagram awesome is a mere hop, skip, and jump away from the uber-famous, Sacré-Coeur – making a trip here the perfect addition to any 4 days Paris itinerary as you try to find the best brunch in Paris.

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Le Consulat Paris Cafe

The Instagram awesomeness of Le Consulat in Montmartre, Paris.

See, Paris, France is often seen by many as the artistic capital of the world. People cay it’s the center of sophistication – a cultural and culinary cornucopia.

And you know what? They’re not wrong!

Throughout history, thousands and thousands of artists, actors, fashionistas, musicians, and tourists have flocked to this city to be wined and dined at one of Paris’ many cafes, restaurants, and patisseries.

And with good reason! The food here is world-famous – the desserts, the wine, the BREAD, omg don’t get me started! Basically, if you want it, Paris has the best of it. Maybe that explains the truckload of Michelin-starred eateries you can find here!

But with so much choice, where should you decide to go to grab a slice of Paris cuisine? Not everyone wants to grab coffee and cabaret in a big red windmill, y’know!

That’s why I present to you, Le Consulat Paris Cafe!

Le Consulate Paris at Sunrise

This highly Instagramable cafe can be found right in the middle of the Montmartre district of Paris, in the northern area of the city center. It’s situated in a building that’s one of the oldest houses in Montmartre.

Le Consulat Paris begins its life in the early 19th century. That means it has been providing patrons with quality Parisian service for well over 200 years!

Wait, the 19th Century, you say?

Umm, could it be that the19th century in Paris was important or something? Well, that may be because it was when the greatest artists in the world all hung out together in places like Le Consulat Pars!

In fact, Paris throughout the Victorian era was basically a Mecca for artists. So, if you wanted to be part of what was going to be the next big thing in the painting world, Paris was where it was at, y’all (and in some ways, it kind of still is)!

Therefore, cafes across the city would be overflowing, late into the night, with all kinds of creatives, from the up-and-coming to the well-established, all drinking and debating art and philosophy and politics with each other. And Le Consulat Paris was no exception!

But,  Who was meeting up at Le Consulat Paris?

View of Sacré-Coeur from a Montmartre cafe.

Here are a few of the artists who have graced Le Consulat Paris with their presence over the years: Sisley. Díaz. Monet. Toulouse-Lautrec. A Spanish guy who went by the name of Picasso – I wonder whatever happened to him? LOL.

Oh, and Van Gogh.

Van freaking Gogh! One of, if not THE most recognized and beloved people in all of art history was actually here! Regularly! You can literally sit and sip an espresso in the same spot as Van Gogh used to (although he may have been drinking something a little stronger at this Montmartre cafe if you know what i mean ).

Yes sir, that’s quite a collection of names!

But it wasn’t just the cream of the artistic crop that wanted to frequent Le Consulat Cafe Paris!

See, this famous Parisian cafe sits just around the corner from Place du Tertre, which offers visitors unprecedented views of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur – arguably the most famous building in the Montmartre skyline.

Because of this, artists would regularly mosey on over to the Place du Tertre, to set up their easels in view of the prominent white dome of the Basilica and practice their skills.

Afterward, when the light had gone with the sun, they would head round to Le Consulat to wind down after a long day’s painting.

Even today, if you walk around to the Place du Tertre you’ll find modern-day artists busily sketching away. Just make sure to beat the rush at brunch time!

Enough with the artists, Kelly – tell me about Le Consulat Paris!

First off, and this cannot be said enough, Le Consulat is a Montmartre cafe that is GORGEOUS!

Cobblestone streets? Check! Neat red and white decor? Check! Old-timey candle lamp stuck on the side? Oh yeah, double-check! It’s cute with a capital C. The building also proudly stands at the end of a row of buildings, looking out onto a mini courtyard-style junction of narrow streets

So, if you don’t look too hard at the more modern-day road signs and the occasional trash can, it’s easy to imagine yourself going back in time to the turn of the 20th century, which many consider being the golden age of Paris!

Pro tip: For those who are Insta-savvy, make sure to arrive early in the morning – like right at sunrise – for the perfect snapshot. There will be few to no pedestrians around at that time, and you can sneak yourself some tourist-free pics, especially if you go during the week.

What’s the vibe like at Le Consulat Cafe Paris?

That depends on when you go (duh, Kelly!) to one of the many restaurants in Montmartre. Spending the afternoon sitting outside on the street, sipping your coffee (or maybe a glass of wine?), and watching the world go by,

Because Le Consulat is a super chill Montmartre cafe. However, if you’re looking for more of a social experience with extra ambiance, evening times can be anywhere from cozy to totally overcrowded.

I mean, Le Consulat may be a lot of things, but spacious is sadly not one of them. The building IS also super old, y’all! So, it’s quite small since I guess people were tinier back then.

Also, please be aware that regardless of whether you stop by for brunch, lunch, or an evening drink, like many other restaurants in Montmartre, the tables are set right next to one another.

Like, I’m talking two inches between them, elbow to elbow with strangers. It’s as if you’re all sharing the same table! So there’s not much room for your elbows.

As a result, you may get to know your new neighbors infinitely better than you initially planned.

What to eat at Le Consulat Cafe Paris

 steak and fries on a white plate on a table

There are plenty of recognizable dishes available at Le Consulat, possibly because many tourists come here from all over the world. But that doesn’t mean any of them are cooked to a low standard. This is Paris, after all!

Mussels, duck confit and duck breast, chicken, steak, and pasta dishes can all be found on the menu here. Even the croque monsieur is super tasty! If you just want something simple, yet cooked to high Parisian standards, salads and omelets are also available too.

Though it might not seem like something to get excited bout, the onion soup is definitely worth checking out. But Kelly, why would I have onion soup when there’s steak on the menu? I guess you’ll have to find out. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! And if you want to keep on the move, why not pick up some crepes to go? Nutella is always a classic after all!

Is there more to see nearby as well?

I know it’s a little off-topic, but the amount of other notable tourist sites near Le Consulat can’t go unmentioned.

So, in addition to the Place du Tertre and the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre is home to Place Émile-Goudeau (former home of Picasso), La Maison Rose, the Square Marcel Bleustein Blanchet, and of course the Musée de Montmartre.

So, get touristing, y’all and live the proverbial Paris dream!

How to get to Le Consulat Cafe Paris

Le Consulat cafe is right in the middle of the Montmartre district of Paris, at 18 Rue Norvins, 75018.

The nearest Metro station is Lamarck – Caulaincourt. From there, head south, cross Rue Caulaincourt, follow Rue Saint-Vincent around to the other side of Saint Vincent Cemetery, and head straight south along Rue des Saules.

Le Consulat cafe Paris will be on your left as you enter the courtyard/junction.

Pro Tip: If you find yourself getting lost, just look to the skyline for the familiar white dome of the Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur and make your way towards that. Place du Tertre is right next to the Basilica, and Le Consulat is just around the corner from Place du Tertre. Find one, and you’ll find the others!

Other Tips for Visiting One of the Best Restaurants in Montmartre

  • Hours of Operation: Le Consulat Cafe is open from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm daily.
  • Prices: Appetizers range between 8 and17 Euros each, while main courses cost between 13 and 23 Euros each. There’s also a selection of crepes, all of which are 6 Euros each. And lastly, salads and omelets are all between 12 and 17 Euros each.
  • When to Visit: Early in the morning during the middle of the week so that you can avoid the crowds and have this place all to yourself.
  • What to Order: Try the Steak au Poivre avec pomme frites (aka steak and fries). It’s supposed to be one of the best in Paris. However, you could always just order a latte and sit outside so that you can watch everyone stroll on by.

Well, that just about wraps up this guide to Le Consulat Paris and one of the most famous restaurants in Montmartre.

Tell me, have you been to Le Consulat Cafe Paris? If so, what did you think? Is it the best Montmartre cafe of them all?

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