Monday, January 18, 2010

Cruisin' Cafes: Paris, France

Darlings it was not solely Ernest Hemingway who fashioned a fervor in me to navigate the foreign soil of Paris, France’s aire urbaine; nor is he specifically the individual to point fingers at regarding my ever so slight obsession with the charming haunt – a passion which has begun to spill over into my everyday life as visible via the red berets sitting askew atop my head, and the addition of tops festooned in horizontal black and white stripes speckling my wardrobe.

The truth of the matter is that the classic, effortless luxury of La Ville-Lumière has always lit a fire within my soul; a flame which only flickered brighter with my introduction to Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises and the bewitching character of Brett Ashley. Her flirty elusiveness and penchant for popping up in various coffee shops littering grand old Paris worked as one to make me realize that café cruising is truly incomplete if not experienced along the Champs-Élysées, Quartier Latin, and Montmartre – locations where one can get lost in a handsome stranger’s eyes while daintily downing a demitasse. I truly hope that you’re prepared my loves, for The City of Light…here we come!

L’Autre Café Along the stark white rue Jean Pierre lies a scarlet-shaded structure sitting mere feet from the faded black concrete traversed daily by speeding Vespas and miniature cars on their way to unknown destinations; a topsy-turvy splash of color which freckles the avenue in the same fashion that glistening stars light up the dark as night sky once evening falls. While, by outward appearances, easily mistaken for a playful toy shop proffering porcelain dolls, or a smoky nightclub graced by the presence of sparkling lounge singers; the crimson hue of L’Autre Café is neither. Rather, it is home to an ambrosial bistro brimming with old-fashioned charm!

Upon opening the front doors you are taken from a gritty street into a homey atmosphere full of true Parisian spirit with a splash of Moroccan influences courtesy of the red, orange, and brown color scheme – all of which takes on a golden glow when the light streams through the large front windows. But the true piece de resistance of L’Autre is the picture perfect nooks and crannies harboring cozy tables for two, booths nestled in hidey-hole corners, and vintage coat stands for visitors to hang their hats. Pop in for the café au lait; but don’t leave without savoring the Sunday brunch! 62 rue Jean Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris, France.

L Apparemment Café Kitty cats every so often we stumble upon a diamond in the rough; a splendrous little gem grinning like the Cheshire Cat from its clandestine post concealed from prying eyes and only visible to those with a touch of imagination and the capability to uncover fabulousness. L Apparemment Café is such a place.

One does not know cool until they have sashayed into L Apparemment. The dim lighting instantly creates an abrasive, slightly archaic aesthetic which juxtaposes between a musty, vintage detective vibe and haut monde ambiance – two completely different eras which converge into one saucy stop-off overflowing with brazen attitude. Huddled within walking distance of the Archives Nationales, Musée Carnavalet, Picasso Museum, and Cognacq-Jay Museum, L Apparemment is the trendy little café you’ve always dreamed of visiting.

Lamps cast a glamorous glow upon each table, providing the perfect light source for playing your board game of choice; overstuffed chairs contribute a lived-in aura; and a choice location makes it a must for tourists and residents alike. Enjoy a game of checkers with your croissant; play Monopoly over mochas; or simply shoot the breeze with jam and butter in hand. Chances are, you’ll be spending quite a bit of time in this beauty! 18 Rue de Coutures Saint-Gervais, 75003 Paris, France.

Which of these Paris cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


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