1. 1898–1932 — An Address Comes to Life
In 1898, on Rue Grand-Pont—a bustling street filled with streetcars, shops, and passersby—a new establishment began to make a name for itself: Brasserie Paul. Behind its facade at 77–79 lies a venue much larger than it appears. A passageway leads to the dining rooms located in the heart of the block, between Rue aux Ours and Impasse du Petit-Salut.
People come here for lunch, to have a beer, to play pool, or simply to watch the hustle and bustle of the city. Under the large glass roof, palm trees, benches, waiters in aprons, and marble tables create a setting typical of the Belle Époque.
In 1909, the famous Baedeker guide recommended the restaurant to foreign travelers and even mentioned that it had a live band. By then, Brasserie Paul had become one of the places where Rouen’s residents gathered, socialized, and shared stories.
But in the early 1930s, this great company needed to evolve. Two men would soon breathe new life into it: Köhler and Criblez.
Next Episode: 1933–1944 — The Köhler and Criblez Years
