Rue Allard

Tucked away in the heart of Paris, Rue Allard isn’t just a street. It’s a whisper of time, a stage for stories. Rue Allard is more than just its charming address in the 6th arrondissement. It cradles a restaurant, also named Allard, a culinary portal to a Paris of yesteryear. This isn’t the Paris of bustling boulevards. This is a Paris of quiet elegance, tucked away on Rue St Andre Des Arts. It’s nestled within the legendary district of St.-Germain-des-Pres, a haven for artists, writers, and dreamers. The restaurant Allard has lived many lives since its birth in 1932. It was founded by Madame Marthe Allard, a woman who brought the heart of Burgundian cuisine to the city. Her spirit, her dedication to traditional French country cooking, still graces Rue Allard. From Marthe to her daughter-in-law, Fernande, the legacy continued, a chain of women bound by a shared love for the kitchen. Even after a 20-year reign by a male chef, the restaurant returned to its roots. Since 2015, Chef Fanny Herpin has carried the torch, a Bordeaux native with a passion as fiery as the restaurant’s red banquettes. Rue Allard, the restaurant, whispers of a time gone by. Floral wallpaper adorns the walls. Framed etchings and antique memorabilia dot the space. Tables are draped in crisp white linen. Red leather banquettes stand as silent witnesses to a more formal era. The waitstaff, impeccably dressed in long aprons and starched shirts, adds to the ambiance. But don’t be intimidated. They’re friendly and multilingual, ready to guide you through a culinary journey. The menu is a love letter to French gastronomy, though it has evolved under the watchful eye of Alain Ducasse, who now owns the restaurant. He’s lightened the classic recipes, reducing sugar, salt, and fat without sacrificing flavor. Still, iconic dishes like the Canard aux olives endure. A roasted duck nestled on a bed of green olives, it’s a dish that embodies the essence of Allard. Even with its formal setting, Rue Allard’s restaurant offers a prix fixe lunch menu. It’s a more accessible way to experience the magic. It allows even budget-conscious travelers to savor the ambiance and the quality of this historic bistro. Rue Allard, the street and the restaurant, offers a glimpse into the soul of Paris. It is a timeless reminder of a city that cherishes its past while embracing the future. It is a place where the spirit of Madame Allard lives on. It is a place where every meal is a story waiting to be savored.