And speaking of details—behind the unique atmosphere of this venue lies a meticulous choice of furniture. On the terrace, which offers breathtaking views stretching between the Champs-Élysées and the Petit Palais, you’ll find armchairs that seem as though they have always belonged there. These rattan armchairs, quintessentially Parisian in style, feel obvious—yet they are the result of a highly deliberate selection.
Interior architect Joseph Dirand, entrusted with bringing this space to life, made a bold decision: to champion French craftsmanship by choosing Maison Louis Drucker to furnish this already iconic venue. A choice that speaks volumes about the trust placed in this century-old manufacture—and about the refined instinct of the designer behind the décor.
Grand Café Paris quickly became one of the capital’s most sought-after spots. Located within the Grand Palais, it has already built a strong reputation—and for good reason. Its exceptional setting in the heart of a historic monument attracts both tourists and Parisians seeking a unique experience.
Behind this success is the talent of Joseph Dirand, the interior architect who envisioned the space. Trained at the Beaux-Arts de Paris and later working with Christian Liaigre, Dirand developed a distinctive signature over the years: creating a dialogue between heritage and contemporary design without ever forcing the contrast.
His specialty? Transforming historic spaces into vibrant, welcoming environments. An approach perfectly suited to designing a venue inside the Grand Palais. For this project, he aimed to create a place where everyone feels at ease—a space that is both a destination and a thoroughfare.
When crafting such a delicate balance between history and modernity, furniture becomes one of the first details that cannot be overlooked. Maison Louis Drucker’s rattan armchair embodies that precise blend of French tradition and timeless elegance.
When it comes to exceptional rattan furniture, the Haussmann armchair by Maison Louis Drucker stands as an absolute reference. Created in the manufacture’s workshops at the beginning of the 20th century, the model takes its name from Baron Haussmann, the man who reshaped Paris. The tribute is no coincidence: like the grand Parisian boulevards, this armchair transcends eras without ever going out of style.
What makes it so charming? First, its perfectly balanced proportions. Neither too imposing nor too discreet, it fits equally well on a café terrace or in an elegant private salon. Its Manila rattan structure—robust yet lightweight—makes it easy to move while ensuring remarkable durability.
For Grand Café Paris, Joseph Dirand selected a very specific version: olive green with a decorative braid (known as the “collerette”). This small ornamental band framing the seat is the model’s signature detail. It adds a subtle sophistication that makes all the difference. The olive green was a clever choice—neutral enough to harmonize with the Grand Palais architecture, yet distinctive enough to lend character to the setting.
The result? These rattan armchairs instantly create that quintessential Parisian café atmosphere. They tell a story—that of a French art de vivre that never fades.
Since its recent opening, Grand Café Paris has continued to attract attention. This new restaurant inside the Grand Palais has already caught the eye of leading publications such as AD Magazine and is generating significant buzz on Instagram.
Along the 75-meter terrace, the Haussmann armchairs blend seamlessly into the exceptional décor. Joseph Dirand placed his trust in Maison Louis Drucker to create custom rattan furniture tailored to the venue’s specific constraints: preserving that iconic Parisian elegance while meeting the demands of intensive professional use.
The technical challenge was real. How do you furnish a terrace of this scale with rattan armchairs that maintain their beauty despite heavy daily use? The solution: adapting the classic Haussmann model with a specially selected olive green finish designed to complement the lush vegetation curated by landscape designer Thierry Boutemy.
The choice of the decorative braid was equally deliberate. This signature detail subtly echoes the moldings and ornamental features of the Grand Palais, demonstrating how well-designed custom furniture can elevate the overall experience of even the most prestigious venues.
For this semi-outdoor installation, the Haussmann armchair—with its rattan frame and customized weave—proved ideal. It preserves the authenticity of natural material while benefiting from fibers specially developed for professional durability.
Furnishing a venue like Grand Café Paris requires a distinctive approach. Maison Louis Drucker’s bespoke expertise perfectly met the project’s demands: delivering exceptional, reliable rattan furniture on schedule, with the flexibility that has defined its reputation since 1885.
This collaboration with Joseph Dirand perfectly illustrates the manufacture’s philosophy: enabling designers and decorators to fully express their creativity through exclusive pieces. The Haussmann armchairs created for Grand Café Paris exist nowhere else in this exact form.
Does your project require custom-made furniture?
Maison Louis Drucker adapts to all aesthetic and spatial requirements—adjusted dimensions, color selections, weaving options, and specialized finishes.
Each creation becomes the unique signature of your establishment.
Discover the full range of possibilities offered by the Haussmann model and draw inspiration from this exceptional realization in the heart of Paris.
