Le Cornichon: Where Nostalgia Meets French Tradition in Paris
By Zamal Uddin | August 21, 2025
Paris continues to reinvent its culinary and cultural landscape, and the opening of Le Cornichon proves just that. Designed by Claves Architecture, this stylish new Parisian restaurant blends the timeless charm of French cafés with layers of cinematic nostalgia, creating a space that feels both modern and rooted in tradition.
A Parisian Restaurant Inspired by Tradition and Cinema
Located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, Le Cornichon celebrates the rich history of French neighborhood cafés. The design takes cues from decades of Parisian culture—from the 1930s to the 1980s—while introducing a modern twist.
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1930s Influence: Mosaic-style flooring inspired by early Parisian architecture
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1950s Touch: Glossy lacquered ceiling with wave-like patterns nodding to Italian aesthetics
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1960s Vibe: Neon-green lighting reminiscent of space-age design
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1980s Details: Chrome strips and mirrored walls adding retro sophistication
The result is a carefully layered interior that captures the spirit of French tradition while evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Design Details by Claves Architecture
Led by Laure Gravier and Soizic Fougeront, the team at Claves Architecture infused every detail with character. Inside, guests find:
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Custom green velvet banquettes with sculpted backrests
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Black faux-leather and chrome chairs
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Vintage décor items, including a pinball machine and postcard holder
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Textured plaster walls painted in Bordeaux red, bottle green, and cream for a bistro feel
The restaurant’s bar stands out as a centerpiece, combining matte-red travertine-effect surfaces with glossy black walnut-style worktops, a design homage to mid-20th-century French Formica. A glowing pickle-shaped neon light adds a playful nod to the restaurant’s name—cornichon meaning “pickle” in French.
A Cinematic Experience in Paris Dining
Beyond its retro interiors, Le Cornichon is infused with cinematic artistry. Decorative painter Mauro Ferreira created a smoky frieze and a fresco in the restrooms inspired by Cédric Klapisch’s 1996 film Un Air de Famille. These small touches transform dining into a cultural and visual experience, setting Le Cornichon apart in Paris’s ever-evolving restaurant scene.
Paris Dining That Blends Past and Present
By drawing on iconic Parisian cafés featured in INA documentaries, Le Cornichon offers guests more than just a meal—it offers a journey through French tradition. The combination of nostalgia, retro craftsmanship, and modern design makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic Paris dining experiences.
Project Information
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Name: Le Cornichon (@lecornichon.paris)
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Designer: Claves Architecture (@clavesarchitecture)
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Lead Designers: Laure Gravier & Soizic Fougeront
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Location: Paris, France
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Photography: Matteo Verzini (@matteoverzini)
Parisian restaurant Le Cornichon, Claves Architecture Paris, French tradition in dining, Paris restaurant design, nostalgic French café, Paris dining experiences, retro restaurant interiors, new restaurants in Paris.
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