These top Parisian chefs have launched their brunch

A fusion of "breakfast" and "lunch", brunch combines the best of both worlds. Invented in the 20th century, this "grand petit déjeuner" in French (or "déjeunette", just as little used) enabled young Anglo-Saxon artistocrats to recuperate from their alcoholic revelry of the previous day. The clientele may have changed somewhat, but the success remains the same, especially in Paris. Here are five brunches by top chefs to discover in the capital.

Madame Brasserie by Thierry Marx

Fancy a brunch 57 meters above the ground? That's what Thierry Marx offers at Madame Brasserie, the restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. The menu begins with a farandole of pastries, followed by cheese and charcuterie. This is followed by a choice between three savoury waffles (blue lobster, endive and fresh goat's cheese, yellow farmhouse poultry) and three eggs Benedict. And last but not least, the dessert and fresh fruit buffet. Sunday only, from 12.30pm, with or without reservation (on the Eiffel Tower website). Brunch and tour cost 57.10 euros.
▶ Where? Eiffel Tower, 1ᵉʳ, 75007 Paris

Vive by Stéphanie and David Le Quellec

Last November, the 1 toque restaurant run by the Le Quellec couple, Stéphanie and David, unveiled a new brunch formula priced at 49 euros from 11am to 4pm. It includes the traditional bread, butter and jam, pastries, juice and hot drink, as well as a choice of savory dish: signature or classic egg, bagel and smoked salmon, or avocado toast. Bloody Mary or Mimosa cocktails included. And for those who love the sea, the chefs also offer a number of iodized dishes, from sea bass and sea bream to fresh oysters and caviar.

• Where? 62 avenue des Ternes, 75017
• Read Gault&Millau's review of the restaurant Vive

La Tour d'Argent by Yannick Franques

La Tour d'Argent recently launched its Sunday brunch! The legendary Parisian restaurant (3 toques) is now offering a 65-euro menu from 11am to 5pm in the Bar des Maillets. On the menu: viennoiseries, travel cakes, yoghurt from the Sainte-Colombe farm, fresh fruit salad, cheeses from Ile-de-France, hot drinks and freshly squeezed fruit juices.

• Where? 15 quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris
• Read Gault&Millau's review of La Tour d'Argent

Pavyllon by Yannick Alléno

Chef Yannick Alléno offers a top-flight brunch at his Pavyllon (3 toques). Salmon and blinis, perfect omelette, warm gougère with white Paris ham, sole cookie, cold chicken... From pastries to hot and cold savory dishes, everything is tasty. Not forgetting the house specialty: the chocolate and hazelnut soufflé crêpe. In short, if you want to discover what a gourmet brunch is all about, you know where to go. 145 euros (excluding alcoholic beverages) and 56 euros for children's brunch.

• Where? 8 avenue Dutuit - Pavillon Ledoyen, 75008 Paris
• Read Gault&Millau's review of Le Pavyllon

Le 19.20 by Norbert Tarayre

Every Sunday, from 12.30 to 3 p.m., all the Prince de Galles dining areas invite you to a gourmet brunch. Norbert Tarayre joins forces with pastry chef Hélène Kerloeguen at 19.20 to offer us the great brunch classics in their own way. Hors d'oeuvres, salads, a multitude of cakes, a crêpe stand, a chocolate fountain... there's something for every age to enjoy! Brunch is priced at 130 euros and 59 euros for under-12s.
▶ Where? 33 avenue George V, 75008 Paris