Le Bistro Chair of Paris
"When you spend as much time in cafés as I do, you begin to notice that the typique bistro chair is like a snowflake. They are alike, yet no two are the same" - Janice MacLeod, A Paris Year
I absolutely love this quote by Janice MacLeod, the author of two of my most favourites books about Paris, A Paris Year and Dear Paris. It perfectly describes the iconic Paris bistro chair that we all love, and that is as much a part of Paris as is the Eiffel Tower, fresh croissants and the Louvre. In this blog post we look at the origins of the Paris bistro chair, why we love them and the unspoken rules around what and what not to do when seating yourself at a Parisian bistro. And I've got a wonderful gallery of photos taken from my wanderings in Paris of the different styles of bistro chairs.
More...
Happy and bright bistro chairs in red...
The Design of Paris Bistro Chairs
Some bistro chairs, like these red ones, demand attention adding colour along the pavement, especially on an overcast day. Lining the boulevards of Paris, the bistro chairs provide the framework for French social gatherings and whether you want to catch the sun's rays on your face, shelter from the rain or cosy up under a heater in winter, they are where Parisians and tourists alike, eat, meet up or simply people watch.
The design of the chairs was to ensure they were lightweight and moveable, while remaining sturdy and comfortable. Sitting outside along the pavements, they need to be able to endure sunshine, water and changeable temperatures all year round. They are however not indestructible and do best in a mild climate and most importantly are allowed to dry off inside overnight.
Elegant and sophisticated bistro chairs in classic colours...
What Paris Bistro Chairs Are Made From
The chairs’ natural habitat is the Parisian terrace. They were born when Haussmann built his sprawling boulevards, which would become the new ‘highways’ of Paris and home to the city’s first big brasseries. The bistro chairs were originally woven from rattan, which was a fashionable French colonial import of the early 1900s however today, they are mostly made of rilsan, a bio based, but more resistant substance.
Pretty and delicate bistro chairs in pastel colours...
The Two Original Makers of Paris' Bistro Chairs
Back in the day, there was even a training school for those looking to work in the rattan furniture game. Two of the original makers of Parisian bistro chairs are Maison Gatti and Maison Drucker. Both companies still manufacture bistro chairs using traditional weaving techniques and are well-know for their craftsmanship. Maison Drucker was founded in 1885 and custom design work is still undertaken with clients choosing their own colours and patterns.
Why don't you check the next time you're relaxing on a bistro chair to see if you can find the metal label of Maison Drucker or Maison Gatti. You may just be a part of Parisian history!
Colourful and statement making bistro chairs...
The Do and Don't of Dining at a French Bistro
I'm sure you've noticed and admired the neat way the tables and chairs are set out along the pavements in Paris. Maybe you've eaten at many cafés in Paris already. Have you made the mistake of taking a seat in a busy café before being invited to do so by a waiter? Or tried to change the seating layout by adding another chair to your table?
There are some unspoken rules around dining in Paris' brasseries, particularly if you're wanting a seat along the pavement. Generally speaking the etiquette is, if you see a free table at a not-so-busy café, go and take yourself a seat. Usually locals take a seat facing the street - it's a cultural thing and sitting close to other diners is normal. If it's busy though, make sure you ask a waiter to seat you at the next available table. It's certainly not okay to hang around a table if you think the party might soon be leaving.
The most important rule is around rearranging the furniture - Don't Do It! If you need more chairs, ask the waiter and they can assist you. Or if they decide that your party may be better seated at a larger table inside, accept this graciously and enjoy the ambiance of the brasserie's interior.
Uniquely coloured metal cafe chairs of Paris...
Once seated, be patient. Dining is an experience and the waiter will bring you a menu, your food and eventually the bill (l'addition) in due time. These things are not to be rushed, and the wait staff will not have forgotten you, but rather they expect you to linger and enjoy the environment and dining experience - after all, you are in Paris!
It's best to keep all bags, feet and legs under your table to assist the waiters in safely negotiating the tight spaces as they busily go about helping everyone. And above all, remember that the single most important word in ALL the French language is Bonjour. Greet each waiter with a friendly Bonjour .
Have you loved finding out more about Paris' Bistro Chairs? I hope you've liked some of my photos, and now next time you eat out in Paris, you'll know more about the story behind the Paris Bistro Chair.
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