Do you like secret addresses? Places you can’t find anywhere else? You’re in luck, because there’s no shortage of unusual places in Paris. After unearthing for you a restaurant with an “Années Folles” spirit hidden in a casino, or a magnificent and free rose garden just outside Paris, we take you to discover a truly amazing place: an absolutely charming ephemeral café, nestled in an 18ᵉ century mansion: the Grand Hôtel des Rêves. Known for its immersive theater shows, the latter has opened a charming bucolic tea room in the mansion’s backyard. With its unique decor and relaxing setting, you’ll really feel like you’re somewhere else for a moment…
Café des rêves: an ephemeral bucolic café in the heart of Paris
Nestled in the heart of the 5ᵉ arrondissement, the Grand Hôtel des Rêves is a slightly magical place, where reality intermingles with fiction, constantly blurring the lines. In this unique immersive theater, all your senses will be in turmoil. Here, it’s not unusual to come across Jules Vernes, Georges Sand or even Thomas Edison strolling through eight absolutely sumptuous sets.
But few people know that behind the theater’s stage lies a very cozy place. When the curtain comes down and the performances are over , the café des rêves opens its doors to gourmands. Whether in its shady outdoor courtyard or its cosy lounge, you’re sure to have a great time.
Here, you can drink all the hot beverages you fancy, from classic espresso to café crème or squeezed orange juice. You can also enjoy sweet and savoury treats, such as an excellent banana bread, a gourmet muffin or some of the dishes served at lunchtime. What’s on the menu? A wok of crunchy vegetables or grilled octopus served with broad beans… Simple, delicious dishes that take on a whole new flavor when enjoyed on the café’s sunny terrace.
Indeed, the private garden of the 18th-century mansion is the perfect place to enjoy the fine weather, in a relaxing and romantic setting. Please note that the café is only open when the theater is not performing. So it’s impossible to go there in the evening, at weekends or on public holidays. This ephemeral café is a wonderful place to discover all summer long, until October 2025. It would be a shame to miss out on this nugget, wouldn’t it?
Location: 47 rue du Cardinal Lemoine 75005 Paris
Opening hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – No reservation required.
