Perec's Bench Paris
A place for quiet contemplation
Newly inaugurated as Perec's Bench, this place is thought to be the viewpoint from which author Georges Perec sat and wrote his lesser-known Oulipo text about 'what happens when nothing happens'. Recently translated into English as 'An Attempt At Exhausting a Place In Paris'.
His observations of Place Saint Sulpice from over forty years ago drew me into revisiting the place a couple of years ago (October 2014), and remarkably it remains a time-piece. A notable feature is its original mid-1800s decorative fountain which on approaching hits you with its monumental roar of cascading water; possibly the sound-fix for animating the structure's stunning stone-carved lion figures.
Discovering Paris through literature can take us to places otherwise left untrodden, and this spot fits the brief perfectly. A great spot, where on a crisp autumn day, you can sit and contemplate in the heart of Paris's 6th district. A unique stopping-off point for an eventful day people watching, maybe? Priceless.
There's also a virtual visit which soaks up the sights and the sounds of the place's people and architecture, loosely written in Haiku texts. It's something I put together in homage; retracing Perec's original footsteps, that same October weekend, but 40 years later. So 'what happens when nothing happens'? Check in with 'An(other) Attempt At Exhausting a Place In Paris', an immersive and offbeat tour around Place Saint Sulpice.
About this spot
Perec's Bench, Place Saint Sulpice
- 24 hours daily
€
no-price
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
✓ 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 Art & culture
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
