They woke up the Bastille Awakening

On the edge of the Marais district, between Bastille and the Sully bridge, the Réveil Bastille (opposite the Bazar d'Électricité) is experiencing a revival. Not that the establishment has changed its decor. It certainly didn't need to.

On the contrary, this authentic Parisian bistro has so well preserved its "1940s" charm that one almost expects to see Jean Gabin himself walk in. Maigret sets a trap – a black and white film whose action takes place entirely in the Marais district.

Cement tiles, a half-moon shaped tin counter, art deco lighting, dark wood bistro chairs and tables, nothing is missing from this typically Parisian decor which has remained "in its original state" for the greatest pleasure of lovers of old Paris.

Grégoire and Deborah, the new owners for the past year and a half, have just dimmed the lights and added candles to each table (in the evenings). As a result, the intimate dining atmosphere perfectly complements the warm welcome from the young couple.

Clearly, the two thirty-somethings are committed to doing things properly, judging by the classic bistro menu with its beautifully presented dishes served on vintage plates. Eggs meurette, leeks vinaigrette, duck breast (the house specialty), pork chop with fries, salmon steaks. And on Sundays, roast chicken with fries. For dessert, there are Paris-Brest pastries. Homemade, these "madeleines of Proust" are a real treat.

At lunchtime, Réveil Bastille, which is open 7 days a week, offers a starter-main course menu for 19 euros.

From morning to night, you'll find local residents, American tourists passing through, employees who work in the area, and, during off-peak hours, high school students or teachers from the nearby Massillon School.

“Our counter is a bit like the village square,” says Grégoire happily, who, along with his partner Deborah, has certainly given this neighborhood spot a real boost. Better yet: together, they’ve “revived” the Réveil Bastille.