Christophe Monnaye is barely 22 when, together with his wife Anne, he takes hold of the family restaurant, back in 1997. And here comes the fourth generation of Monnayes running the “Café du Métro”, located on the left bank, between St Germain des Prés and “Le Bon Marché” store. The family has ruled here ever since the 1920’s ! (great-grandfather picture below)
Christophe’s dad retired a few years ago but only...to take over another brasserie back down in Espalion, where the family roots more or less belong ! “Bougnats*” never stop !

He can be proud of his son, as Christophe made the Café quite a success in his own way – a success the Café has enjoyed ever since the beginnings. Christophe prides himself to be a true XXIst century Bougnat*, indeed ! He took what’s best from tradition : a belief in quality and innovation at the same time, and a hearty way to treat clients. As for his background, he accomplished renowned “Ecole Hôtellière”, then worked for Michel Bras in his world-wide known, three starred, restaurant in Laguiole.

He sure learned to settle everything at perfection. For instance, the flowers bouquets on the bar had better be of the day... Annie and Christophe rule here, and they made the Café a place true to their hearts. They wanted to renew the place, but keeping in mind its original roots. Christophe personally chose the right kind of floor tiles, ceramics, up to the colour of the lights shining through the luminaries ! “"I couldn't run a place like this without trying to give it some soul - so I gave mine".

Bougnat* : "Auvergne or Aveyron natives who used to come to Paris as wines and coal merchants, and who eventually settled there as café owners (bistrots)".

How to get there.

Since 1920