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
Miznon
Boeuf bourguignon in-a-pita
"Miznon" in Paris had the absolute genius idea of combining the traditional pita with a great French classic - the bœuf bourguignon! Great lunch spot.
by
Alix
Mengin
Chercheminippes
Second-hand pioneers!
The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
by
Alix
Mengin
L’Atelier Geneviève
Ceramicafé
"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
by
Alix
Mengin
Land & Monkeys
Mastering the vegan croissant
"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
by
Alix
Mengin
Des Gâteaux et du Pain
The butteriest croissants
"Des Gâteaux et du Pain" was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris. They completely changed my croissant habits...
by
Alix
Mengin
Grand Palais Éphémère
A modular palace
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
Alix
Mengin
Tomo
A Japanese tea house
"Tomo" in Paris serve a variety of delicious Japanese pastries known as wagashi. Try them with the best-selling matcha and black sesame daifuku...
by
Alix
Mengin
Paris Jazz Corner
A corner of jazz history
Paris Jazz Corner is your place to go for getting hold of archive & rare music, as long as it's jazz. The knowledge of the associate owner is also mint...
by
Paul
Wright
Music Avenue Paris
The music drugstore
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Paul
Wright
Le Silence de La Rue
A visual and sonic palace
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Paul
Wright
Les Brutalistes
Architectural leather accessories
Les Brutalists is where you'll find a leather maker's workshop that produces customized leather belts and unique, edgy accessories!
by
Paul
Wright
Vinyl Office
Black artists on vinyl
The records sitting in the racks at Vinyl Office make it seem like someone's prized personal collection, with a special focus on black music!
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
Heading to Paris?
✓ 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:
