Coffee & tea

I live in the 14th district of Paris, down in the south, between Porte d’Orléans ans Denfert Rochereau, where you can see a beautiful copy of Bartholdi’s Belfort Lion, Bartholdi is the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty and this is a copy because the original is, of course, in Belfort, in France!

And when I come back from a walk with my family in the Montsouris Park (check out the article, or if I want to share a good moment with some neighbors-friends, I like to go and have a brunch (on Sundays only for € 18) or dinner in a bistrot called “Le Verre Siffleur”, located rue d’alésia, very close to the eponymous underground station.

This place is relatively new, about three years old, but it brought a sort of fresh air in the quarter, with the rehabilitation of a very affordable bistrot spirit. Besides, this concept has already been copied with the opening of a new, and not really good “Bouquet d’Alésia” just near the cinema Gaumon Alesia.

But “le Verre Siffleur” is never empty, and even if you come to eat Burgers, Salads or pastas, the place is so nice that it is recommended to book a table, otherwise you will be “obliged” to have an “apero” at the wonderful bar, just in the center of the room.

Besides, it is also a French café with a small terrace, where you can have a coffee or a tea in the afternoon.

Just minutes from the Sacre Coeur this interesting art gallery is a great place to stop if you want to see something a bit different during your visit to Montmartre. A gallery, bookshop and café all rolled into one. The best time to visit Halle Saint Pierre is at weekends when it’s particularly lively and they often run special events.

The art exhibitions tend to focus on contemporary art from across the globe, the current exhibition focuses on Italian artists. Make sure to leave time to check out the cute bookshop too, unfortunately most of the titles are in French but they also sell a cool line of unusual postcards.

However, much as I enjoy the exhibitions I have to admit the café is probably my favourite part of this spot! Bright and spacious it’s a really wonderful spot to while away a few hours with friends or alone. They do a good range of light snacks and also a fantastic selection of cakes for those with a sweet tooth!

P.S. You can go to the café without having to pay to visit an exhibition!

This pretty café on the northern side of the Butte de Montmartre is a popular neighbourhood hangout. Not so many visitors stray over this side of the hill but it’s definitely worth the detour, you’ll find a more authentic feel on these cobbled streets compared with those that surround the tourist-friendly Place des Abbesses on the south.

L’étoile de Montmartre is a great spot to soak up the local vibe, whether it’s just for a quiet coffee or for a spot of lunch or dinner. The prices are very reasonable and the menu features mostly traditional French fare. One thing I really like about this place is the staff, every time I’ve come they’ve always been really friendly, unfortunately that’s not always the case in Paris so I really appreciate it when I find it!

The best metro to get is Lamarck Caulincourt (line 12) and then the café is just 2 minutes down the steps opposite the metro exit. 

This is a very difficult subject to treat on this blog as the opinions on the restaurants of the Place du Marché St-Honoré can really vary depending on the places we talk about. Let’s focus on the good ones, among them you’ll find Razowski, which claims to make the best burgers in the City. And it is probably true. At lunch, it is not really expensive, as you can eat for less than € 15, but do not try the double cheese burger, unless your jaws are stretchable.

If you are looking for French cuisine, you have to go to “L’absinthe“, which is the “bistrot” of the 2 Michelin Star chef, Michel Rostang. This restaurant is excellent, and the prices are affordable for this kind of quality. Try the soft shell crab or the fish and taste the roast potatoes, just unbelievable.

You can also have brunch in “Le Pain Quotidien”, a spot you can find in several places in Paris, and which I find okay for a brunch even if you think that it’s expensive for what you eat. 

I also tried the new restaurant, Très Honoré, and it is quite affordable for honest food. Besides, the decor is very impressive and the waiters are very professional.

Finally, you will find a lot of wine bars just around the area! Cheers!

The café Chéri(e) is superbly dilapidated. Gleaming in red fairy lights it seems at once a very seedy Scout hut and a modestly trendy watering-hole for Belleville’s trendy types.

Characteristic of the neighborhood, it’s busy morning till night with sleepy students, artists and locals seeking peace and coffee in the morning and a louder more raucous crowd of party-goers later on. 

DJs play at the weekends, but don’t expect international names, in keeping with the generally low-key style, the DJs appear to be locals and friends.

During the day the terrace, consisting mainly of old school desks with rickety lids and inkwells packed in together, makes a great place for a rest in the sunshine with an aperitif, weather permitting. You can also buy rice and noodle dishes which are made at the restaurant next door.