Comptoir Général Paris
Friendly strangers
If I'm feeling eccentric in the afternoon I'll head down to Le Comptoir Général in the 10th neighbourhood. It's a warm and inviting place and arriving around 17:00 there's space enough to get comfy on one of the beaten-up looking sofas.
I've a reservation about the place that's worth sharing. And that is, although I really buy into the idea of the west-African decorations, the place feels like it's at the tipping-point of cool meets high-concept idea. It feels in some way deliberately fashioned as if from a flatpack-shabby-impoverished-African aesthetic. But that shouldn't detract me from sharing my overwhelming curiosity of the place where everyone I meet there is super sociable.
The last time I was there for instance I went allied with my Jazz singer mate Liv. We took up a shared sofa space (resting our Ti-Punch cocktails on our knees). And within minutes struck up a conversation with a couple of guys beside us. They seemed to want to practice their English chitter-chatter.
So on that social level I imagine Le Comptoir Général as a place much like an expat-departures lounge, one typical of the African continent from generation ago. The beauty of the place is that the aesthetic allows relative strangers to relax enough to get chatting to one another.
About this spot
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
Rue Mallet-Stevens
A bit of modern architecture
"Rue Mallet-Stevens" in Paris is notable for the 'villas' designed by the aforementioned, and the works by Le Corbusier...
by
Alix
Mengin
Rue Férou
A celebration of literature
"Rue Férou" in Paris has a mural of Rimbaud's Bâteau Ivre on what is now a tax center. It's all written by hand by calligrapher Jan Willem Bruins.
by
Alix
Mengin
Coutume Café
Proof that Paris has good coffee
"Coutume Café" is THE place in Paris you should take any sceptic who still believes it is impossible to find a good cup of coffee in the French capital...
by
Alix
Mengin
Chapon Chocolat
Chocolate mousse bar
"Chapon Chocolat" in Paris is the only high-tier chocolatier that has a chocolate mousse bar! The owner drew inspiration from picking ice cream flavours...
by
Alix
Mengin
Assemblages
Woodcrafting & wine tasting
"Assemblages" is a wine bar in Paris you should definitely visit if you're walking through Place des Vosges. The owner is a cabinet maker - and it shows!
by
Alix
Mengin
Rue du Montparnasse
Crêpes galore!
"Rue du Montparnasse" in Paris is THE place to be to try authentic French savory crêpes, aka galettes, just like they make them in Brittany.
by
Alix
Mengin
Jardin Catherine-Labouré
Orchard turned garden
"Jardin Catherine-Labouré" in Paris was an orchard that belonged to the Filles de la Charité convent; today, it's the perfect place to take your kids!
by
Alix
Mengin
Les Copains du Faubourg
Egg & bacon roll bliss
"Les Copains du Faubourg" with its English bulldog mascot makes a perfect egg & bacon roll that never fails to draw me in...
by
Paul
Wright
Maison POS
A pleasure pantry
"Maison POS" in Paris is a fruit & veg seller is focused on organic fresh produce. It's a pleasure pantry where you can discover local tastes!
by
Paul
Wright
Chez Antoine
An on-the-go eating experience
"Chez Antoine" in Paris is great any time of day! It's the kind of place they always remember my order - a Pizza Sicilienne usually...
by
Paul
Wright
La Kabane
Doggies and cookies
"La Kabane" in Paris is a go-to place of mine for citron, coconut, triple chocolate and granola cookies! I love their dog...
by
Paul
Wright
Refuge BD
Click & collect
"Refuge BD" in Paris is a local comic book or BD shop where I've been doing 'click & collect' during the lockdown...
by
Paul
Wright
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
