Our History

Le Pré Catelan: A Historical Gem in the Heart of the Bois de Boulogne

Located in the vibrant heart of the Bois de Boulogne, Le Pré Catelan stands out for its rich and fascinating history. Even the origin of its name is steeped in legends, highlighting its iconic status. The first legend attributes the name "Pré Catelan" to Théophile Catelan, the captain of Louis XIV’s hunts. The second refers to Arnault Catelan, a troubadour of Queen Jeanne of Navarre, who is said to have lost his life in the great forest of Rouvray, a fragment of which now forms the Bois de Boulogne. In tribute to this young troubadour, the queen is said to have erected a stone cross at the spot where his body was found. This cross still stands at the entrance to the Pré Catelan grounds.

Originally, Le Pré Catelan was a simple meadow, which was later converted into a quarry for stones and sand to beautify the paved paths of the Bois de Boulogne. After the quarry's closure, the site was transformed into a lavish amusement park for adults, featuring concert halls, an aquarium, a magic theater, and breweries. The quality of the orchestras and the refinement of the festivities quickly made it a popular spot in the capital. Le Pré Catelan thus became an ideal destination for a walk or bicycle ride, with a refreshing stop at the dairy to enjoy fresh milk.

The Commune’s conflicts in 1870 marked the end of the amusement park’s success: the site was completely destroyed and abandoned until 1905. That year, architect Guillaume Tronchet was commissioned by the City of Paris to build a grand casino-restaurant. Drawing inspiration from the 18th-century "folies," he designed an elegant Belle Époque building in Napoléon III style, with its decor now classified. Although the casino never came to fruition, the restaurant opened a new chapter in Le Pré Catelan’s history. Léopold Mourier, owner of Fouquet’s, made it the most fashionable spot in Paris by 1908. Upon his death in 1923, Charles Drouant took over, establishing Le Pré Catelan as a benchmark in haute cuisine.

In 1976, Colette and Gaston Lenôtre obtained the concession for Le Pré Catelan. They undertook significant renovations to restore the venue’s grandeur, transforming the salons into settings for distinguished receptions with high-end gastronomy. In 1997, the arrival of Chef Frédéric Anton brought new energy to Le Pré Catelan. Under his leadership, the establishment earned one, then two Michelin stars, reaching the pinnacle with a third star in 2007. Le Pré Catelan became a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux and Grandes Tables du Monde. For Colette and Gaston Lenôtre, their dream of making this bucolic haven a premier gastronomic destination was fully realized.

In 2011, Le Pré Catelan joined the prestigious venues and brands of Sodexo. In 2022, major renovations were undertaken to modernize the site while making nature the central theme of this verdant gem on the outskirts of Paris. By 2024, the former Le Pré Catelan completed its transformation into a new destination featuring four spaces dedicated to gastronomy and nature, continuing the legacy of Colette and Gaston Lenôtre. It now includes the three-star restaurant led by Chef Frédéric Anton, La Ferme du Pré, a contemporary bistro that reinvents the old dairy in a bucolic spirit, Le Clos du Pré with its melliferous garden, and the 12 iconic salons of Le Pré Catelan for exceptional weddings and events.

More than 100 years after its creation, Le Pré Catelan continues to blend history and modernity, offering visitors a unique experience infused with refinement and contemporary elegance.

Gastronomy and the Art of Hosting

Organizing a private event or a corporate seminar at Le Pré Catelan guarantees you will experience Lenôtre’s refined and inventive gastronomy, all while respecting seasonal ingredients. Excellence in raw materials, creation of unique products, and the crafting of exquisite menus ensure that every delight is the result of meticulous care.

From reception to coat check, uniformed staff, valet services, and hostesses, Lenôtre brings its 50 years of experience in organizing grand events to enhance your reception.