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Post by geordy on Oct 10, 2007 9:30:09 GMT -5
Favorites for location, people watching, views,,even food! By arrondissement...whatever! To start..Cafe Bonaparte, on Rue Bonaparte, 6th, behind the Famous pricier ones! I've mostly been there at lunch time so don't really know what it is like other parts of the day. I enjoy sitting outside, having a sandwich, salade, assiette, or omelette and/ or some wine! Food is good, service generally friendly, a good spot! I had a lot more, but many are closing and/or modernizing.... Cafe Desporte(?) the one at St. Michel. For the views and hustle-bustle, central location, and that it , as yet, has not changed...sandwiches, tartines, poulet and steak frites, plats du jour...the good old fashioned menu..and yes ice cream!! I have more...maybe some of them are yours too!
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Post by luvparee on Oct 10, 2007 9:43:19 GMT -5
When in Paris, my favorite seems to be the one I'm sitting in at the moment! Next trip to Paris, I'm going to try the one that sits next to the fun sculptures in Beaubourg. That looks like a great people watching spot. I also want to get to La Palette as well as a host of others.
The only one that I got up and left from was Deux Magots -- such snooty waiters and who needs it when there's another cafe always so close by!
Love these types of threads - great information!
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Post by Shoesy on Oct 10, 2007 9:43:47 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I haven't been to Paris as many times as geordy (what an understatement!) so I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing many cafes. However, I fell in love with Angelina's because of the decor. I had been touring alone and decided to take a break there, and I just loved relaxing in such a pretty place. I don't even remember what I had, but it definitely wasn't their famous hot chocolate since that doesn't appeal to me. Highly recommended place for any gal that wants to feel like a princess.
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Post by sistereurope on Oct 10, 2007 9:45:19 GMT -5
I wish that I could jump in here - but despite all of my meal planning, I never really look at the name of a cafe or plan to stop by certain ones. So even though I've been to some good ones, I can't help because I've forgotten the names!!
So your recollections are welcome - any nice ones in the 5th near Place Maubert? We did go to one near there last Dec for a cafe but it was really over-priced and tourist-oriented.
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Post by geordy on Oct 10, 2007 9:55:12 GMT -5
Luvparee...the Beauborg area is great for people watching....in the line of cafes/bistros next to the pond/pool the first one, Paris Beauborg recently re-opened(it was closed when I was in Paris Feb., open Sept.) we had some rose there but they have "modernized" the menu some...Italien? The Crepe place in that line is good! Directly across from the front of the museum I used to really like Le Cavalier Bleu..mostly for a sunny lunch..but they too have "modernized" and have removed two of my favs from the menu..the Chicken Baguette sandwich(huge with fresh roast chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a little side dish of fresh mayo!) and the mushroom omelette(well prepared with loads of assorted mushrooms!) Alas!
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Post by iank9 on Oct 10, 2007 10:09:52 GMT -5
Good thread Geordy, Our favourite is La Palette, 43 Rue de Seine (6th). The place is full of bustle, old paneling, mirrors, surly, efficient waiters with a twinkle in their eye. On an evening the terrace spills out left and right and people standing around waiting for tables. Two doors from our hotel it is always our last port of call before retiring! Two years ago one of the waiters Giroux(?), on finding it was our last night kissed Karen's hand as we left. In April we were remembered and our drinks arrived without being asked: "Un sauvignon et un calvados" - memorable! It will be our first stop a week tomorrow! www.wineterroirs.com/2007/04/la_palette.html
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Post by Jody on Oct 10, 2007 10:15:38 GMT -5
Cafe Bonaparte , Comptoir des St Peres, au Pre Clercs are within steps of the hotel where we always stay, so they are regular stopping places for us.
At 7 Am , you can find me in the cafe across from the Comptoir. I've been going there for years and I don't even know the name of it. At that time of the AM it's mainly regulars , the barman doesn't even ask for orders , he just starts serving! He calls me Madam Florida!!
If we are around Bastille / Marais, we always stop in at Les Philosophes. They do an excellent lunch.
Even though I've walked past La Palette, Ian's favorite, I've never stopped there. But it is a definite this trip.
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Post by Shoesy on Oct 10, 2007 10:28:47 GMT -5
Sometimes I dream of the kind of trip to Paris, which would consist of very little sightseeing........just dining, random strolling and spending lots of leisurely time in cafes. That would include Berthillon of course, but a lot of other places too.
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Post by geordy on Oct 10, 2007 10:41:03 GMT -5
I've rarely been to La Palette...because it is always so CROWDED!!!
Had a wine or cafe on the terrasse a couple of times....maybe if I stay nearby ....what are the hotels you folks favor in the area??
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Post by Jody on Oct 10, 2007 10:52:10 GMT -5
We've stayed at various hotels nearby over the years, the Millesime, Verneuil, d"Angleterre, des Marronniers and the du Danube. I'd recommend any of them. The only problem with the Danube is it is not air conditioned. That makes no diference to us as we only travel Oct-Mar. I think though , next trip we'll rent an apt. because we are trying to make it for a month. I don't know if my marriage would survive a month in a hotel room!!
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les
Full Member
C'est si bon....
Posts: 163
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Post by les on Oct 10, 2007 11:19:58 GMT -5
I know it's so cliche, but I really like the Deux Magots...good location, good outdoor seating, good people watching and good food (yet expensive).
I also like le Petit Pont, across from Notre Dame.
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Post by Jody on Oct 10, 2007 12:25:54 GMT -5
That's right, Les! I forgot Le Petit Pont! We often stop there for a drink when we are going to Le Reminet for dinner.
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Post by iank9 on Oct 10, 2007 12:27:47 GMT -5
Geordy, Our hotel is the Hôtel Prince de Condé, 39 Rue de Seine, and like I say, no more than 20m from La Palette! There are 12 rooms, so it is quiet in that respect, and the staff are very attentive and helpful. The rooms look out onto the street, and the upper rooms have a small balcony on which you can stand and soak up the atmosphere. We found the hotel about six years ago when it belonged to the Libertel Chain, but it is now privately owned. We were booked at that time into its sister hotel the Prince de Conti (not far away) and our room was not ready due to a late departing guest. We were disappointed at the time but we agreed their offer to relocate and the concierge carried our bags to our new hotel. We have had no reason to look elsewhere and will be returning next week for our seventh visit and are already booked for March '08. On our last visit the hotel had undergone a partial re-decoration and "another site" review suggests this is now finished. The location is ideal as well. A short stroll to the river and the Pont des Arts in one direction, and a short stroll to the Rue de Buci in the other. It has AC, but with the windows open, the street noise is not intrusive, and like I say quite atmospheric! I was going to post a review on our return and will still do that just in case our opinions alter but our hopes are high that will not be the case! Now if I can just sort this strike out!Thanks Truffaut, it does work
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Post by cybee on Oct 10, 2007 13:12:58 GMT -5
I am going to have to add this to my "Paris Ideas" book, so to remember for my next trip! What's your fav dish there, Gitte? I also wonder what Madame Florida usually has for breakfast across from the Comptoir! Is the Petit Pont the restaurant and the Petit Prince a bar then? I have this "Paris Ideas" book from when I went to Paris last...brought it to actually journal in while in Paris...but did not write a thing except when I was in the jet going to and from Paris! ha! I just journaled then about my exciting time in the jet (ha...what a snoozer..but I did wonder in it whether or not I saw Iceland (did we fly over it?)). I felt too busy when in Paris to journal last time....but I hope to be able to do so next time! I did save my receipts so to remember cafes, etc. (to reconstruct my adventures in the journal, which I never did)..but alas I am now at the office (cough, cough) so can't look at them to recall my favs. Anyway, now I use the "journal" to put down great ideas I learn from you guys for my next trip!
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Post by greyghost1 on Oct 10, 2007 14:11:39 GMT -5
We always like Les Editeurs and one we found last visit: Cafe de la Nouvelle Mairie 5e. At the outside tables you can watch the many students congregate at the small park or watch the many professors from the nearby schools wander past. And if you have lunch it is outstanding. One we visited a couple of years ago and which may not be there anymore is: Au Rocher De Cancale, No 78 Rue Montorgueil where we sat and watched the Sat. am market shoppers with their families. Perfect people watching. Near Parc Marceau is Brasserie Valois, 1 Place de Rio de Janiero is also a good people watching place.
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Post by cybee on Oct 10, 2007 14:19:08 GMT -5
Good enough, GitteK! I think just stopping for a glass of wine or a cup of coffee is divine as it is so fun to just take in the atmosphere and enjoy Paris at a leisurely pace!
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Post by geordy on Oct 10, 2007 14:25:40 GMT -5
I like the view at the Pl. Bastille(and there is usually something going on)....but have not a favorite cafe..think I've been to them all...any opinions?
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Post by luvparee on Oct 10, 2007 15:21:21 GMT -5
I love sitting at a cafe catching up on my journaling (or sitting in a square somewhere under a shady tree works!). There's just something about doing it while in Paris, although sometimes it's just rough notes and reminders to flesh out later. However, I don't usually remember to write down the name of the cafe I'm in at the moment and leave the l'addition in the plate when I leave so again don't have the name. I need to change my ways!!!
Has anyone ever stayed in the Hotel Thomas d'Aquin on Pre aux Clercs in the 6th? Looks like it might be a wonderful area to stay. I have previously stayed at Les Marrioniers on rue Jacob and loved that location.
What a fun thread!
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Post by phread on Oct 10, 2007 15:46:57 GMT -5
Le Cosmos, in the 15th, near Metro Emile Zola. Not in my 'hood, but love the decor, the staff and the local scene.
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Post by geordy on Oct 11, 2007 7:30:04 GMT -5
And I Always enjoy Contrescarpe, not sure which cafe though...I think the first one across from Delmas coming from the market part of Mouffetard.
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