200 year old wine to be auctioned

Paris' famed 16th century eatery, the Tour d'Argent, famed for dishing up more than a million ducks, is putting 18,000 bottles of wine up for auction in December.

Rare vintages common mortals may have read about but never actually seen, such as a Chateau Lafite Rothschild or a 200 year old Fine Champagne, go under the hammer December 7 and 8, expected to fetch up to one million euros ($A1.62 million), auctioneers Piasa said.

Bottles on sale were selected from 450,000 stocked in the cellars of the restaurant variously known as the world's oldest or most famous, and undeniably blessed with one of the best locations in the universe, straddling the Seine overlooking Notre Dame cathedral.

The establishment dating back to 1582 is best known for pressed duck and served up its millionth in 2003.

Bought directly from vintners, none of the bottles have ever been on the market.

Profits from the oldest bottle, a Fine Champagne Clos du Griffier from 1788, will go to charity.