Fika is a Swedish word that means coffee break but more than just that, it’s part of the lifestyle in Sweden, where people take time out to have coffee and pastry with friends, colleagues, and family.
Also, the name of the coffee shop at the Swedish Institute, Fika, in the Marais, is a hotspot in the neighborhood. People patiently line up to savor a coffee, tea, and yummy cookies and cakes including apple crumble, butter cookies, lemon loaf cake, and their specialty, cinnamon rolls dusted with powdered sugar, which are part of the Fika tradition. In addition, open faced sandwiches with various toppings on dark bread are available and other drinks such as fresh lemonade, tea, and fresh squeezed juices.
The pleasant café room has artworks and photos on the walls by contemporary Swedish artists, and the outdoor café in the cobblestone courtyard has benches, chairs, and tables.
The Swedish Institute, formerly the 17th century Hotel de Marle, nurtures cultural and artistic exchanges between France and Sweden, with art and sculpture exhibitions, art residencies, and Swedish language classes. Make sure to check out the lush garden in the rear with cool, contemporary sculptures.
11 rue Payenne, 75004
Open everyday except Monday
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours,Vintage Clothing Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 275€ for up to 3 people, and 90€ for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you, my insiders, Paris.
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