The Golden Dove

This unique restaurant has a history that few restaurants can boast.

It all started in 1920 when Paul Roux opened a small café, bar and restaurant where there was dancing on weekends. Back then the place was called “Chez Robinson” – at Robinson’s.

The locals quickly fell in love with this cozy place and later in 1931, the café was expanded into a three-room inn and changed its name to Le Colombe d’Or – The Golden Dove.

The sign outside the restaurant with the golden dove was painted by the late Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon, who was also responsible for the decoration of the beautiful chapel – today called the Folon Chapel .

La Colombe d’Or evolves over time

The restaurant has evolved continuously over time since its start in 1920. The facade of the building is assembled from stones from an old castle in Aix en Provence. Architect Jacques Couelle designed the fireplace, which bears the handprints of the people who helped build the facade.

At the end of World War II, a more international clientele arrived and Paul Roux’s son Francois made friends with the new visitors, including Yves Mortand. Later, Yves Mortand met his future wife Simone Signoret at La Colombe d’Or in 1951 and in 1952 they were married in Saint-Paul.

Became a mecca for famous artists

Paul Roux and his wife Bapstitine, also known as Titine, were very hospitable people with a genuine interest in art. This combination of personality and interest created a foundation that would attract artists from all over the area – artists of a very special kind who became very loyal customers of the restaurant.

The close relationships that Paul Roux formed with the visiting artists created the foundation for the outstanding success that Le Colombe d’Or has achieved over its 100 years of existence.

The greatest celebrities in a row – from Picasso to Schwarzenegger

During the golden period of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, some of the most famous artists, actors and personalities frequented Le Colombe d’Or, including Picasso, Miro, Leger, Braque, Chagall, Chaplin, Liz Taylor, Paul Newman, Yves Mortand, Mel Brooks, Peter Ustinov, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Clint Eastwood, Michael Caine, Roger Moore and many, many, many others.

A city-must-see – Great art collected at Colombe d’Or

Over the years, the Roux family has amassed a unique private collection of art from some of the world’s most famous artists.

Visit La Colombe d’Or and experience the history in every corner of the restaurant and enjoy great food. Enjoy your meal!

Special dates for Colombe d’Or

1920 – Paul Roux opens café-restaurant called Chez Robinson

1922 – Paul Poux meets and marries Bapstitine

1929 – Son Francis Roux is born

1931 – The restaurant is expanded and changes its name to La Colombe d’Or

1941- Scenes for the movie “Visiteurs du Soir” are shot at La Colombe d’Or

1951 – Simone Signoret and Yves Mortand hold their wedding at Colombe d’Or

1952 – Grandson Francois Roux is born

1953 – Paul Roux dies

1976 – Simone Signoret publishes her biography on La Colombe d’Or

1978 – Folon paints the iconic blue company sign with the golden dove hanging above the discreet entrance door to La Colombe d’Or

1986 – Baptistine Roux dies

1994 – Francois Roux (Paul’s grandson) joins the company

1997 – Bernard-Henri Lévy and Arielle Dombasle move into the hotel permanently

2005 – Yvonnes Roux (Francois mother) dies

2008 – Architect Jean Nouvel installs himself on top of Cafe de la Place (annex to the restaurant)

Treat yourself to lunch or dinner

It’s certainly not cheap, nor Michelin-starred, so the opportunity to invite yourself and your loved ones to Colombe d’Or is definitely there.

When you visit the website to book a table, it clearly gives the impression that you have to perform before you can enjoy!

Contact us: Restaurant Colombe d’Or

By Tommy Sverre – 2022