Alan enjoys a sublime lunch at Le Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. Doesn’t he look a little French in this photo?
While we loved the bistro experience at Les Papilles when we were in Paris last month (click here for that report), we were just blown away by the food, service and ambience of Le Jules Verne restaurant on the second platform of the Eiffel Tower.
This, for us, was one of those “bucket list” experiences.
The brainchild of superstar chef Alain Ducasse, Le Jules Verne opened in 2007. “Much more than a restaurant, this place is conducive to dreams and wonderful memories,” Ducasse himself said of the eatery. He designed it, he said, “to be the most breath-taking venue in Paris to enjoy contemporary French cuisine.”
His vision is a success. It truly does afford guests the best view of Paris from 125 meters in the air, the equivalent of about 38 stories. Add to that the Michelin-starred cuisine paired with excellently matched wines, and the experience is incomparable.
Alan and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with lunch at Le Jules Verne. Our traveling companions, Dawn and Richard Ford, had taken an excursion to Normandy for the day. Even though we booked more than a month in advance, we couldn’t get in for dinner. But lunch was amazing. Next trip, we’ll try to score dinner. I’d love to see that view of Paris at night.
You simply must go to Le Jules Verne next time you are in Paris. I insist. That is all.
Here’s that impossibly beautiful view of Paris and the Seine River.
We were greeted by this interesting place setting. I wondered how we would manage with those tiny forks and knives! Luckily, they were shortly replaced by regular sized cutlery.
Our meal started with an amuse-bouche that consisted of ratatouille ingredients.
My first course was a meurette farm egg with wild mushrooms and bacon. “Meurette” means it is poached in a red wine sauce. Yum.
Alan chose marinated baby artichokes with barigoule jus, which is a white wine sauce.
The prix fixe menu is $98 euros per person for lunch, which was about $125 per person when we were there. That price did not include the champagne or wine we ordered. But, I’m telling you, it was more than worth it.
There’s no mistaking that you are in the Eiffel Tower!
A window beside the dining room lets you see the inner workings of the elevator.
Alan ordered halibut served with mashed potatoes.
My main course was seared turbot with lightly creamy leeks and black fig sauce. It was a fabulous combination. We both had chablis with our meals.
Alan’s dessert choice was a fig tartlet with black currant granite.
My dessert had two parts: this chocolate from Ducasse’s own factory in Paris was one bit of it.
A “tower” of ice cream and hazelnuts was the other part of the duo.
And then, they wouldn’t stop bringing desserts!
First, a plate of little sweets.
Then, homemade marshmallows!
And more chocolate — deep and dark.
And, as we left, they gave us a sleeve of cookies to take home!
Here’s Alan in the dining room.
And me. Grrr. You know how much I hate to have my picture made!
The view from the elevator going down!
Back out into the bright Paris sunshine!
One more tip: T-shirts, shorts or exercise clothes are not permitted. You will be turned away. Which I, personally, appreciated.
wow! Beautiful food and scenery!
It was awesome, Sara! Can’t wait to go back.
Cynthia that is a beautiful photo of you! Looks yummy and you were so nice to share those treats with us!
We so enjoyed our European adventure with you guys! Glad you could help us finish off those desserts!
My wonderful bride (great photo by the way) and I had a great anniversary lunch way up in the sky. The food was incredibly good and matched the views. I recommend it highly. Reserve ahead.
Your account of two scrumptious meals in Paris certainly made my morning!
Awww, Alan, you are so sweet! Thanks for taking my pic, even though it made me squirm. When can we go back and see that view of Paris by night?
Thanks, Wayne! As you can see, I’m angling to return.
Grrreat photo of the Blue Streak’s principal reporter! Happy belated anniversary to you and Alan.
Oh my, everything looks awesome. The view AND the food. What a wonderful treat for your anniversary. PS: I’m putting poaching eggs in red wine sauce on my TO DO list.
What beautiful photos! Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing.
John, Gay and Kristin: Thanks so much.
Gay: Let me know how those eggs come out. That’s a perfect dish for you, given your fondness for the red stuff! I think I should help you with this project — since I know what it’s supposed to taste like. What are friends for?
Great photos! Happy Anniversary.
What a fabulous way to celebrate your 30th! Congratulations!
Did you know that the Paris Rotary Club operates a free ice rink up on the first level during the holidays? At least they did a few years ago when we were there with our kids. Even the skate rental was free! The rink had the most fantastic laser light show under the ice that was interactive with the skaters movements…hard to describe but simply magical at night. That and the view of the lights of Paris from the top of the tower created a night our family will never forget!
Glad you and Alan have such a wonderful memory, too!
Thanks, Chase. Hope I am around to celebrate your 30th!
Wow, Laura! That skating experience sounds fantastic! Now I am even more intent on going back at night. Very cool family memory. Thanks for sharing.
This makes me want to book a trip right away! What a fabulous experience…thanks for sharing!
Happy belated 30th and thank you for sharing your experience at Le Jules Verne, Cynthia and Alan! The pictures of the view and food are breathtaking and I have now added a visit to my bucket list as well.
Happy belated 30th! Any Alain DuCasse restaurant rocks! Loved the Jules Verne when we were last there — thanks for the update!
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