Also known as Chartier for short, Le Bouillon Chartier has been serving authentic French cuisine at an affordable price for locals and visitors alike since 1896. Built on the skeleton of a historic building, Le Bouillon Chartier is steeped in an exquisite Art Nouveau style with a delightful and ample dining space.
On any given sunny day, the waiting line is always very long but it thins out fast. Today, Le Bouillon Chartier is hidden behind an art gallery which is a short walk away from the subway “Le Peletier” on line 7.
If this is your first time to Le Chartier, check out my brief review below for an insight on what to expect and buckle up.
The Dining Space
I came over to Le Chartier around 5 pm for an early dinner and I could already see a long queue lingering all the way from the dining hall out to the street. The good news is that you won’t be waiting too long as the line thins out pretty fast. It took me roughly 10 minutes in line.
Le Chartier has 3 different branches around the city. One is at Gare De L’est, the most visited one is Grands Boulevards, and the other one is Montparnasse. I picked Grands Boulevards to visit, which is just behind a small alleyway on your left side after you exit Rue du Faubourg Montmartre.
As soon as you enter, the waiter will pop out instantly and walk you to an unoccupied seat. While browsing through the epic menu, don’t forget to gaze upon the gorgeous Belle Époque interior wrapping around you.
It was once an old train station dating back to a century ago, and the feeling as you unwind inside of it gives you an irresistible nostalgia that makes the dining experience more enjoyable.
The Best Eats
Escargot
There are some mixed reviews about the snails. Some say it’s one of the best ‘escargot’ they’ve ever tasted. Some say otherwise.
I do think the snails are absolutely worth trying but at the end of the day, it all comes down to what your taste buds desire.
The snails can be a bit messy sitting on the silver plate and you need some decent skills to pull them out and eat them properly. The taste is excellent as the garlic butter delivers such a hearty aroma to your mouth, especially with the parsley infusing the juice.
You can order it in a set of 6 or 12 snails.
Confit De Canard Pommes Grenailles
Washing down with some leftover snails on the plate, the duck main course quickly came into sight. Confit De Canard Pommes Grenailles is a juicy braised duck leg served with baby potatoes. The portion is enough for one person and the tender meat is mouthwatering.
Crème De Marron Chantilly
Last but definitely not least, Crème De Marron Chantilly wrapped up my dinner with a chestnut-enriched dessert. The velvet smooth cream is soaked in a delightful golden hue with a rich aroma bursting on your tongue.
Conclusion
Is Le Bouillon Chartier worth visiting?
Absolutely!
Not only will you have a chance to dine in a historic train station but the food is beyond imagination with a reasonable price tag.
If this is your first time in Paris, then le Bouillon Chartier is a great introduction to authentic, old-fashioned French cuisine even though the space is always flooded with customers.