Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

CREPERIE LE CASTELLET

A small piece of France in Paraty

• 
• 
• 
• 

Yves Lepide was born in Marseilles, France, and has lived in Paraty for since 2003. The town captivated him from the day he saw it, chiefly due to the sea close by and access to fresh produce such as fish and shrimps, key ingredients in his recipes, whereby everything is cooked on the spot. The extremely welcoming creperie et boulangerie is a small piece of Provence within Paraty’s historical town center. The charming house with stone walls and Provençal decorative items has been open for almost 11 years and has a faithful following of customers. His masterpieces are the marvelous sweet or salt open crepes, worth an entire meal.

The à la carte menu also provides a variety of dishes from French cuisine. Some of these are prepared to order, such as the typical petite bouillabaisse, a seafood broth with shrimps, fish, crab and seasoning. Among the desserts, the creme brulée is outstanding and the caramel is prepared by Yves at the table, before the customer’s eyes. As for beverages, there is an extensive wine list in addition to the fruit caipirinhas.

Besides the creperie and restaurant, there is also a boulangerie artisanale on the same premises, selling divine home-made bread such as the pain de campagne, and the astounding chocolate brioches that captivate customers by their aroma. The time of bringing out the baked goods is noted on an old-fashioned blackboard, and those who do not hurry run the risk of doing without the much requested and freshly baked bread.

Yves brings flour and a number of spices from São Paulo. He himself prepares the mustard and the balance of herbs and spices, as well as several types of oils, which are not only sold but provided for tasting with the home-made bread in the couvert. Our host is in full charge here, with the assistance of only his wife. His great differential is the preparation of the dishes and the personal service to each customer. If that were not enough, he also makes home deliveries to order. Yves’ bicycle has also become a creative item of decoration by the restaurant’s entrance, adding charm to the venue.

The Le Castellet restaurant served as a backdrop for the film Gabriela and Yves attended Casa Cor São Paulo in 2012, accompanied by his cart replete with crepes and bread. Such events and many others in conjunction with interviews and material published over the years are documented with photos, clippings and printed matter displayed in a charming nook inside the restaurant.

This venue is for many reasons sought out by romantic couples who wish to dine by candlelight or by those who enjoy quality French cuisine and personalized service. It is advisable to reserve one of the few tables available, especially on weekends, as the house seats only 18 people who will certainly feel privileged in enjoying this corner of France in Paraty.

Information