CAFÉ de la PAIX~ Close to the Paris opera house and built by the same architect, Charles Garnier, Café de la Paix is a Paris institution. Inaugurated in 1862 by Empress Eugenie of France, the Hotel de La Paix and Café de la Paix are famous worldwide and exude elegance. Listed frescoes, sumptuous gilding, extravagantly decorated, an award winning oyster bar, with a pricey menu to match, though more reasonable at lunchtimes on the terrace which faces the Opera Garnier.