Author: paris-bistro

Few people know the art living of the French Guinguette. These taverns located along the banks of the rivers are mostly open-air restaurants with dance-floors as seen in the colourful paintings by the Impressionists. Guinguette (pronounced ‘gang-ETTE ») exist since the end of the 18th century when Parisians ventured outside the city limits in order to avoid a tax (octroi) on incoming merchandise and especially those placed on wines being brought into Paris.  They were outdoor café-restaurants, often on the meandering banks of the Seine as evoked by the luminous plein-air paintings of Renoir, Manet, and Monet.   Zola and…

Very close to the bustle of the Arc of Triumph, Le Petit Acacia is a genuine small Parisian bistro. Frédéric Boulanger (see below), Chouchou, his wife and their team create such a great ambiance that you won’t forget the occasion. They will introduce you to the best traditions of French gastronomy. The genuine products are coming straight from Auvergne such as an “auvergnate tartiflette”  served with St Nectaire cheese.  In summer one can choose a salmon tartar or a limousin beef tartar ;  or a salad from the varied selection. During the summer at “le Petit Acacia” customers wait in…

You won’t forget « Au petit Chavignol ».  As a matter of fact, the « Petit Chavignol » proves to be one of the best places in Paris’ 17th arrondissement . It stands as one of those wine bistros without which Paris would not be Paris. A tiny proof that the town still resists the invaders – no Romans anymore, but fast-food restaurants, and large chain stores…This bistro is a place where the mythical social melting-pot is being cooked together with some of the best products of France. The french capital, the french culture, remain to true to themselves thanks…

To hell with the diet! this is one bistro where you can live! Le P’tit Musset is a traditional French restaurant. Denis Musset, the Chef, knows its products. This son of a butcher from Champagne -grandson of a farmer- does not forget its origins region. He knows how to choose and prepares its products. He has a passion for the pig he loves cooking it in all its forms. He proposes on his menu one of the best black pudding of France signed by the chef Basque Christian Parra. And its hams are coming from the other side of the…

The Guersant is an authentic bistro close to the Palais des Congrès Porte Maillot. Since its birth in 1936 nothing has changed in this vintage bistro…except the flat screen useful on match days.Dominique and Gigi are the bosses who run the Guersant Bistro with an astonishing energy. You can have a drink at any time up to 23 hours to write memoirs sitting on the benchs, to flirt … and of course, but also savour pleasure to make vibrate his taste buds with a cooking that does not deny its traditional roots. Just a hint but it is important. Here,…

Au Métro is a beautiful and large bistro near Montparnasse that has been around for many years, and is one of the best values for the money. It is the choice of the locals, who gather here day and night. “Nouf” has been at the helm of Au Métro since 1996. This native of Burgundy first made his mark in the kitchen of the famous 3-star Michelin restaurant “l’Espérance”, run by Marc Meneau, and is meticulous about serving a quality product. You will never be served an industrial meal that’s been heated-up in the microwave at Au Métro; even the…

La Closerie des Lilas: The heart of intellectual and artistic Parisian life.La Closerie des Lilas: The heart of intellectual and artistic Parisian life. In the second half of the 19th century, the impressionists Claude Monet, Frederic Bazille, Auguste Renoir began to abandon Montmartre and its crowds in order to come and replenish themselves in this place. Surrounded by lilacs, the terrace of the Closerie des Lilas with its shade trees has many enticing features. Situated on the route from Paris to Orleans, the Closerie also served as a stagecoach stop, and the owner rented out rooms to passing travellers.…

In 2017… La Coupole celebrates its 90th anniversary but it seems to have forgotten the spirit of its founders… The inauguration of La Coupole on December 20, 1927, on Boulevard Montparnasse was one of the most celebrated events in Paris during the Roaring Twenties. The 1500 bottles prepared for the 2500 carefully chosen famous guests wasn’t even enough. Anecdotes and stories of happenings in the place spread around Paris and soon a legend was born. This favorite hangout of artists was created by two Auvergne natives, Ernest Fraux and René Lafon. Their great idea was to buy an old wood and…

Lipp is an integral part of French history. It’s a legendary place that has attracted Parisiens and tourists alike. It is, in itself, the center of the story of 20th century Paris, when Saint-Germain des Prés was at the top of the world in ideas and politics.    Even integrated in a large group, Lipp is still the quintessential Parisien brasserie. The French still make pilgrimages there in order to catch a glimpse of a well-known political figure or a star. Many governments have raised and have fallen at Lipp’s. Lipp owes much of its glorious fame to its owners during…

In 1880, on the terraces and boulevards of Montmartre and the Latin district, there was a time called “the green hour” that went on every evening at about 6 p.m. Men and women, young and old, from the chic saloons of the grand cafés to the worker’s cafés, participated in the green hour, which was the time to drink absinthe. Absinthe in Paris In order to taste absinthe properly you have to follow a particular ritual in preparation, which the French of this magnificent era adopted with pleasure. You put a measure of absinthe in a shot glass and place…