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But it is well known for a number of things including the
signature dish of canard au sang, which is
often just known as Caneton Tour d'Argent and this is literally pressed duck, where the
duck is actually cooked in its blood and every duck is numbered.
Upon entering you are greeted by the doorman and first of all experience the ground floor
where there is a small museum all to do with gastronomy and fine table art, which is
called the Tour d'Argent Musee de la Table.
This is also where there is a bar and you are served your aperitifs prior to going in the
lift to the main dining room and is a great area to experience more about the history of the Tour d'Argent.
One reason this place is so popular is due to its location, as the restaurant is situated
on the sixth floor with fabulous views of the Notre
Dame Cathedral and the River Seine, plus from certain
windows in the evening you can see the lights shimmering on the Eiffel Tower in the distance.
This has always been one of the best gourmet restaurants
in Paris where you can get to see letters and comments from some of the very famous
clientele that have visited in the past, which includes presidents such as Bill Clinton
and Franklin D Roosevelt, through to royalty such as Queen Elizabeth II and famous
celebrities like Charlie Chaplin.
Another major point is that the Tour d'Argent has one of the best wine cellars in the world with around 400,000
bottles, along with some very rare vintages and treasures that were saved from the German
occupation during World War II when owner Claude Terrail bricked up a section of the
cellar.
The ambience is very romantic and very traditional, where the waiters and other staff are
dressed in tails, the silver cutlery is by Christofle
accompanied by fine china and Reidel stemware. There are Murano glass ducks that are
positioned on the tables and made especially for the Tour d'Argent you can also purchase
them in the boutique, which is across the road.
When presented with the menu's, this is very traditional with the lady receiving the plain
menu and the gentleman receiving the one with the pricing! The wine list is another
story and like reading a book as there are so many references with not many selections for
under 80€!!
But the wine cellars at the Tour d'Argent is another fantastic experience if you are lucky
enough to have a tour, and this is usually provided to those that have experienced some of
their finer vintage wines.
Obviously, by now you have probably gathered that this is not a cheap place for eating in Paris, but lunchtime is a more
reasonable option than the evening, yet whatever option you choose, this is a fine dining
experience that you will never forget.
Restaurant Guide Key Points
The Tour d'Argent is open from on a Wednesday to Sunday from noon until 2.30pm. They
are open in the evening for dinner on a Tuesday through to a Sunday from 7pm until 10pm,
however they are closed all of Monday and for two weeks during August.
The dress code is very smart and for the men a Jacket and tie is required and it advisable
to wear your best clothes possible.
They provide a Dejeuner or lunchtime menu that is 75€ per person not including any
drinks.
However, if you wish to sample the duckling there is a supplement of 26€ extra per
person and the cheese board is an additional 18€.
An evening meal is around 200€ per person not including drinks depending upon your
choices with seasonal choices such as foie gras, truffles, scallops, lobster, etc.
Reservations are required and we would suggest booking at least a month or so in advance
and if you would like a table next to one of the windows, then it would be advisable to
book at least a couple of months or more in advance of your visit to Paris.
The nearest Metro station is the Pont Marie.
Address & Contact Details:
La Tour d'Argent
15-17 Quai de la Tournelle
75005
Paris
France
Telephone: 1 43 54 23 31
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