Creation of coffee vers 1830 (≈ 1830)
Foundation under the name *Relay of soldier Napoleon*.
2002
European Title
European Title 2002 (≈ 2002)
Receives the title of *historic European café*.
10 mars 2017
MH classification
MH classification 10 mars 2017 (≈ 2017)
Ranked Historic Monument by arrest.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Le café du Rocher, located 85 rue de Beaune, as tinted with red on the plan annexed to the order (Box BK 109): classification by order of 10 March 2017.
Key figures
Soichot (?) - Grognard tavernier
Original administrator of the "Relay of soldier Napoleon".
Origin and history
The Café du Rocher, located in Marsannay-la-Côte in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, is an emblematic 19th century establishment created around 1830. Its exterior decoration is distinguished by a stone-shaped door frame, while inside, the main hall is decorated with false cement rocks, inlaid with shells, sculptures, and various patterns such as a turtle shell or angelot heads. These elements frame murals depicting landscapes inspired by Napoleonic countryside (Egypt, Alexandria lighthouse) and genre scenes, such as robbers attacking an diligence.
A second room, overlooking the garden, evokes an underwater cave with female characters and an aviary. Originally named Relais du Soldier Napoleon, this café was held by a grognard named Soichot (?), and also served as a post office. Today it is one of the oldest cafes preserved in France, alongside the Procope (Paris, 1686) and the Round Table (Grenoble, 1789), and received the title of historic European coffee in 2002.
Ranked a Historic Monument by order of March 10, 2017, the Café du Rocher is distinguished by its preserved architecture and decor, reflecting a time when cafes played a central role in social life and exchanges. Its official address, 85 Beaune Road, and its status as a protected monument make it a remarkable historic place, testifying to the craft and imagination of the 19th century.
