In the Latin Quarter, around the corner from the offices of the eponymous Dr. Guillotine and across the street from the original Comédie Française, sits the venerable Le Procope. Opened in 1686, this is said to be the oldest restaurant in the world. Le Procope is renowned for more than its age; it is most famously linked with eighteenth-century revolutionary ideas and thinkers. Here, Benjamin Franklin discussed liberty and worked on the U.S. Constitution. The restaurant hosted Marat, Danton, Robespierre, and a young Lieutenant Bonaparte. However, intellectuals, artists and literary figures of several ages have been habitués. A long row of windows invites you into the warm red and gold interior. There is much polished wood, and bookcases line several walls, but the décor tends more toward elegance than homeyness, with crystal chandeliers, gilt mirrors and oil paintings of famous past patrons. The food is classic French, more solid than haute, including coq au vin, spiced ducklingor filet of beef with peppercorns. Seafood is another popular choice, with hilled oysters or acidulé de cabillaud aux oranges, a sort of French seviche, on offer. For dessert, crêpes flambées au Grand Marnier are standouts. Reservations are a must, as the history of this restaurant almost always guarantees a crowd.