A jewel box merchant in the beautiful Galerie Vivienne, Legrand specializes in the great and worthy of vinous France. Many of the shelves are taken up by wines that would be special occasion bottles for most drinkers, and safe bets for tradition-minded lovers of traditional wines. There are some surprises here and there, but this is not a funky natural wine dive. Prices aren’t exactly the lowest in the city, and the ambient temp runs a bit warm, but the space is majestic.
The store (with tables that spread out into the hallway) doubles as a wine bar/light bites restaurant, offering wine by the glass or off the shelf for a reasonable uncorking fee, and it’s worth noting that of all the many places in Paris that offer the same, Legrand has some of the nicest stemware.
Practical information
Address: 1 rue de la Banque, 75002
Nearest transport: Bourse (3), Pyramides (7, 14)
Hours: Closed Sunday; Open Monday 11am-7pm; Open Tuesday-Thursday 10am-7.30pm; Open Friday 10.30am-8pm; Open Saturday 10.30am-7.30pm
Reservations: Reservations not accepted
Average price for a selection of small plates: 20-39€
Telephone: 01 42 60 07 12
Style of cuisine: Small plates
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Reviews of interest
The Financial Times (2014) “The granddaddy of all Parisian wine retailers, Legrand Filles et Fils, near the Banque de France, opened a chic wine bar back in 2002 and this is still a great place to drink fine wine from all over the world by the glass with the cheese and charcuterie that have become de rigueur.”
Le Figaro (2010) “Cœur du réacteur : le grand et digne bar semi-circulaire où les sommeliers servent leur sélection de 5 rouges et 5 blancs (comme les cinq jours de la semaine !) renouvelés régulièrement. Ici est représenté le meilleur des grands classiques du Bordelais et de la Bourgogne, dont la liste ne varie pas.”
Wine Terroirs (2004) “There’s a warm and refined atmosphere at the same time, with the brass and the wood of the floor, the floor-to-ceiling shelves and ladders…While not the cheapest wine bar for its glass prices, it is a good place to enjoy and discover wines…”