European Heritage Days: Lucas Carton opens its doors in Paris

Mathilde Bourge | 9/11/23

Lucas Carton, located on Place de la Madeleine in Paris, invites the public to discover its historic dining room, built under Napoleon III. Gourmets can even enjoy tea time after the visit.

The 40ᵉ European Heritage Days will be held on September 16 and 17, 2023. This weekend will once again be an opportunity for the curious to push open the doors of emblematic buildings, usually closed to the public, to discover places steeped in history.

Some of these monuments hide legendary restaurants that have marked the history of gastronomy for generations. This will be the case for Maison Lucas Carton, on Place de la Madeleine in Paris, which will be organizing a free guided tour of its historic dining room. The establishment, one of Paris's leading gastronomic restaurants, is a "veritable architectural jewel, with woodwork designed by Majorelle", according to a press release detailing the program for the European Heritage Days.

A visit doubled with a tea time

Inaugurated in 1839 as La Taverne de France during the reign of Napoleon III, the Lucas Carton quickly gained in popularity and became one of the most sought-after places in Paris. As early as 1880, the new owner commissioned Majorelle to decorate the premises with carved woodwork, a job that would last almost four years. Later, between the wars, Monsieur Carton bought the restaurant and put his name to it.

Today considered a "masterpiece of Art Nouveau", Lucas Carton opens its doors to the public free of charge on Saturday, September 16, from 3pm to 6pm, with an exceptional homemade madeleine and a seasonal infusion. Gourmets can book a visit and tea time for 48 euros. Whichever option you choose, you need to reserve your place in advance, by sending an e-mail to the following address: abourny@lucascarton.fr. It is also possible to make a reservation directly via the restaurant's platform, for the "tea time" slot.