Brunch is now part of French’s food culture and while it could be considered a late breakfast or alternatively, an early lunch, it is actually a mix of the two. This, as far as French gastronomy is concerned, is a way of getting the best of both worlds.
What exactly is a brunch?
The word brunch is a blend of breakfast and lunch. In 1885, English author, Guy Beringer, initially came up with this concept to help him get over his hangover from the night before. He believed that a late social meal which combined breakfast food and lunch food would help shake off the Sunday morning headache. He’s the one who also suggested that this meal could or should be savored with some special energetic cocktails hence the boom of the famous Mimosa, Bloody Mary and Bellini. Thirty years later, brunch is adopted across the UK and the USA and is traditionally served on Sunday between 11 am and 3 pm. However, it’s not before the 80s that it became popular in France.
What you will find in a brunch menu is a perfect combination of breakfast and lunch. It’s a meal you savor and have time for. You will get the traditional French baguette and croissant but also, cereals, bacon and eggs along with a salad, fresh fruits and other delicious extras. It’s a time for healthy foods as well as sweet indulgences.
At Galeries Lafayette, you can find some of the best brunches in Paris.
Galeries Lafayette’s selection of brunch offers
This is a time for relaxing and loading up on energy. You might want to then extend your day with a bit of Sunday shopping in Paris.
1. Angelina’s famous tea room
Angelina’s elegant tea room has established its quarters at the heart of Galeries Lafayette. Along with their signature sweet creations, you can enjoy a nice selection of savory dishes and, why not, a glass of champagne. Created in 1903, Angelina traditional teahouse is one of the symbols of the French “Art de vivre”. Coco Chanel used to come daily only to enjoy Angelina’s famous hot chocolate!
2. Kaspia le bar
Caviar Kaspia is a family run institution established in 1927 when it was opened by Russian owner Arcady Fixon. Launched in April 2018, Kaspia Le Bar has extended its Caviar Culture to the first floor of Galeries Lafayette. Overlooking the store while offering breathtaking views of the Coupole, this exclusive place reminds the refined and hushed atmosphere of its emblematic restaurant. Caviar and champagne along with a selection of the best seafood is certainly a very exquisite way to treat yourself to a culinary break. Kaspia Le Bar offers a delicious brunch on Sunday with, à la carte, the famous caviars of the house.
3. Pastry chef Yann Couvreur’s YC Café
Located on the ground floor of Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, YC Café offers a nice selection of savory dishes which neatly complement Couvreur’s specialties such as the chocolate – pistachio pastry, French brioche and one of the Chef’s special, the Kouign-Amann. YC Café offers a week-end brunch with a menu that reflects the Chef’s values: seasonal produce, fresh products and no artificial preservatives, colors or flavorings. If the weather enables it, enjoy an outside table.
4. Coutume café
Nothing is left to chance at Coutume. Coffee is their area of expertise and is presented here in the same way as wine. Founders, Antoine Nétien – named “Best Roaster in France” by the Comité Français du Café in 2011 – and Tom Clarke are the coffee gurus and only here will you discover some offbeat mixes such as raspberry-and-basil iced coffee or an espresso sprinkled with pepper. Coutume also serves excellent brunch on Sunday where one can enjoy, along with its coffee, some fresh fruit juice, a traditional plate of eggs, a Columbian spread of fried plantain cakes with tomato and garlic sauce and many other delicacies. Coutume is located on the 3rd floor of the store.
