From eccentric and very lively gay-friendly bars to peaceful tea-shops, from trendy terraces to English-style pubs…there’s something for everyone here!
Le Loir Dans La Théière
3 Rue des Rosiers – 75004 Paris – Métro : Saint-Paul
Are you thinking of writing your memoirs curled in a comfy armchair at the Loir dans la Théière? Well, make sure you’re armed with paper and pens because laptops aren’t allowed in this tea-shop with an international feel, vintage furniture and walls lined with theatre posters! What does that matter, when you can scoff chocolate cake and homemade crumble. We would advise you to avoid their weekend brunch, though. It’s a victim of its own success and is no longer good value for money.
Le Pick Clops
16 Rue Vieille du Temple – 75004 Paris – Métro : Saint-Paul
As soon as you cross the threshold of the Pick Clops you’ll find yourself in an enchanted, fifties-style world. The all-pervading smell of popcorn (that’s served with the drinks), the fluorescent pink decor and the multi-coloured Formica tables mean that you’re expecting the Fonz to stroll in at any moment! The terrace has the advantage of a location on a busy crossroads and the disadvantage, for the same reason, of always being jam-packed. Make sure you try the 11€ bagels.
La Perle
78 rue Vieille du Temple – 75003 Paris – Métro : Filles-du-Calvaire
Take a bar steeped in the seventies, there are plenty to choose from, add a really well located terrace, mix well with a few VIP regulars and a quiet local bar suddenly becomes a fashionable place to be. Try La Perle on a Saturday for pre-dinner drinks and you’ll see for yourself the trendsetting ‘made in Marais’ phenomenon. You’re bound to meet some interesting people on this crowded street-front.
L’attirail
9, rue au Maire – 75003 Paris – Métro : Arts-et-Métiers
This old-fashioned style local port of call, its walls lined with posters and photo-booth pictures, is one of the genuine landmarks for students in this quarter. Once students would gather to enjoy a beer and listen to music. Now there is no more live music but the beer is still good! Happy hour from 3:30 to 8pm.
Les Souffleurs
7 Rue de la Verrerie – 75004 Paris – Métro : Hôtel-de-ville
Les Souffleurs is on the corner of la rue des Mauvais Garçons (Bad Boys’ Street!). It’s well named because this is a good gay-friendly venue! Upstairs you can sip a cocktail in a leather armchair and a cosy atmosphere. Down in the cellar the atmosphere is soon red hot, particularly at weekends when several DJs keep the music going all night long. Not gay? Don’t worry everyone’s welcome here, gay or straight.
