Just when I thought I knew most of the hidden spots of Paris, another one luckily comes into my radar. Amidst the congested and seedy area near the Gare de l'Est, lies Cafe A, a calm respite away from the hubbub of the train station.
I was invited by a friend to Cafe A last month on a Friday night, when his friend would be DJing. I had no idea where I was going or what this place was, but usually the events that my friend Patrice invites me to always have a cool vibe with an interesting mix of people.
I arrived at about 8PM to Maison de l'architecture, a quiet, foreboding building. A burly, intimidating doorman/bouncer was out front questioning people. We were escorted to a beautifully appointed outdoor space with a stone wall surrounding it with high trees in full bloom, white pebbled walkways, an ancient well, square white canvas umbrellas, modern black wire outdoor furniture, an a relaxed atmosphere of people chilling out after work with a drink. I was hungry so I browsed the light food menu and chose a chicken salad, which was tasty and fresh. A live jazz duo started playing some soothing music. We relaxed for about an hour outside until it started getting chilly.
The DJ was playing inside, so the party started to move there. We grooved to the DJ's eclectic mix of French and American music including jazz, rap, rock, and disco from the let four decades.
I later found out the Maison de l'architecture, an architecture school, was formerly a convent built in 1603 with a Franciscan order called Le Recollets, and after that a hospice, military hospital, and army barracks.
It was a fun and unexpected night and I recommend Cafe A for a drink and snacks if you are looking for an out of the way outdoor terrace.
Cafe A
148 Fbg St-Martin, 75010
75010 Paris
Métro: Gare de l’Est
Open 10AM to 12AM everyday
Tel. 09 81 29 83 38
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It does, indeed, look inviting!
Posted by: Starman1695 | July 09, 2012 at 07:29 PM
I'm adding this to my "next time" list! It looks lovely!
Posted by: Cheryl | July 09, 2012 at 07:37 PM
Thanks for the tip, Richard. Right in our neighborhood and we'd never heard of it. Going to check it out soon!
Posted by: Elisa | July 10, 2012 at 10:42 AM