Who would have thought that Paris could hide such a magnificent place? Located in the 5th arrondissement, the Collège des Bernardins is home to a discreet café, nestled beneath a spectacular Gothic nave that is over 700 years old. With its medieval vaults and soft lighting, the place is as fascinating as it is soothing. A timeless spot that is virtually unknown yet deserves every bit of attention.
A medieval café set beneath a spectacular Gothic nave
Just a stone’s throw from the Seine, in the 5th arrondissement, stands one of the capital’s most impressive medieval buildings : the Collège des Bernardins. Built at the end of the 13th century, this site once housed Cistercian monks who had come to study in Paris.
After serving a thousand different purposes over the centuries, the college was restored and reopened to the public nearly 10 years ago , in 2008. Today, it has become one of the most unique cultural venues in Paris, where you can regularly enjoy exhibitions, attend concerts, and of course, grab a quick coffee!
Nestled within this Gothic setting, with its monumental arches, La Table des Bernardins is a café-restaurant that will leave a lasting impression. With its vaults carved by time, its almost monastic calm, and its soft light, this medieval nave seems straight out of a fairy tale. Here, it’s hard to believe you’re just a stone’s throw from the Seine, where the hustle and bustle of the city is in full swing.
People go there for a quick coffee, to enjoy a pastry, but also to savor gourmet French cuisine at lunchtime, with hearty dishes priced around 15 euros. And the best part of it all? You can enter these historic grounds for free! A timeless break in one of Paris’s most beautiful medieval monuments—don’t wait to treat yourself.
📍 Address: 20, rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (lunch from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM)
🎟️ Admission: free