Tucked away on charming rue Augereau in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, just a short stroll from the Eiffel Tower, a new café is quickly becoming a local favorite, and for good reason! Constant., opened by Ben Constant, son of legendary Michelin-starred chef Christian Constant, is a cozy spot that blends neighborhood charm with culinary excellence.
Paris Perfect founder Maddy recently visited and discovered firsthand why it’s already such a hit. “I stopped by for a quick coffee and a slice of lemon cake,” she said, “and fell in love with both.” So much so, in fact, that she set out to find another version of that lemon cake at two different pâtisseries, with no success. “All the others are poor relatives!” she laughed. “Ben coats the top of each slice with tart lemon syrup, which makes it irresistible.”
And in a heartwarming twist, Maddy spotted Christian Constant himself walking over to the café one morning with three dozen eggs, lending a hand to his son’s bustling kitchen and keeping the family’s culinary legacy alive. So impressed by the lemon cake, Maddy asked him for the recipe, and he graciously shared it. Now, we’re delighted to pass it along to you! It’s bright, citrusy and just the right amount of indulgent. The perfect treat to bake when you’re dreaming of Paris!
Ben Constant’s Lemon Cake Recipe
Oven Temperature: 180°C (356°F) for 10 min, then 160°C (320°F) for 40 min
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 70 g butter (5 Tablespoons)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 190 g flour (1½ cups)
- 4 g baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- 250 g sugar (1¼ cups)
- 100 g heavy cream (7 Tablespoons)
- 3 eggs
- Pinch of salt
For the lemon syrup:
- 100 g water (7 Tablespoons)
- 30 g sugar (2½ Tablespoons)
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Butter and flour a loaf pan, tapping out excess flour.
- Melt the butter gently, strain out impurities, and let cool.
- Grate lemon zest and squeeze juice; set aside.
- Sift flour and baking powder together.
- Beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Gently stir in lemon zest, salt, and heavy cream.
- Fold in flour mixture, followed by the melted butter.
- Pour batter into pan. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 10 minutes, then reduce to 160°C (320°F) and bake for another 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the syrup:
- Boil water and sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Once the cake is cooled, slowly pour the warm syrup over the top, letting it soak in.
Bonus: Another 7th Arrondissement Dining Gem
The deliciousness doesn’t stop there. Just around the corner, Christian Constant has helped bring yet another dining gem to life: Le Bistrot des Fables. This cozy new bistro at 139 rue Saint-Dominique carries on the long-standing tradition of warm, welcoming Parisian spots where the food is comforting and the wine is always flowing. The space, once home to the beloved Café Constant and then Café Lignac, has been transformed by David Bottreau, longtime collaborator and right-hand man of Mr. Constant, who has a deep passion for French cuisine and neighborhood dining.
At the helm in the kitchen is Chef Guillaume Dehecq, who brings a heartfelt, traditional approach to every dish. From the solid wood tables to the lively counter, Le Bistrot des Fables feels like a return to the golden age of Parisian bistros, a timeless spot for a relaxed lunch or a cozy dinner with friends.
With so many culinary treasures popping up around every corner, it’s easy to see why we adore the 7th arrondissement. From cozy cafés and family-run restaurants to world-class museums and iconic monuments, this neighborhood has the perfect mix of food, culture and charm.
Ready to savor this delicious neighborhood? Many of our Paris vacation rentals are just steps from these local favorites. Whether you’re popping out for a morning espresso, indulging in a leisurely dinner or simply strolling the picturesque streets, the 7th offers the perfect home base to live like a local and eat like one too. Bon appétit!
