A Paris Corner
It’s not a famous corner. It is not even that pretty a corner.
But it is my favourite Paris corner.
I first discovered it when renting an apartment around the corner from this corner in the Marais district of Paris.
The intersection of Rue Charlot and Rue de Bretagne.
There are no statues, art galleries, or museums on this corner.
Nor can one see the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe from here.
Yet just about everything else that I love about Paris is at this corner.
Starting with Café Charlot, one of the very best bistros in Paris if I do say so myself. (And I send all my friends there who also rave about it.)
It is lively and friendly and the food is traditionally French.
What better way to start the day than right here with a coffee and a croissant!
Waving to you from Café Charlot is my BF!
Coffee and Croissants at my favourite corner in Paris!
A table is waiting for you/My favourite corner in Paris.
The CheeseMonger
La Fromagerie/A Paris Corner
Directly across the street on the opposite corner is a real old-fashioned Paris cheese shop where the cheesemongers know their customers and entice them with a fresh shipment from Normandie of Livarot, Pont-l’Évêque or Neufchâtel, or a Selles-sur-Cher or Valencay from the Loire Valley. Heaven.
What to choose?/A Paris Corner
I am still rather intimidated by all the choices but I could stand and look at them for an hour.
As you walk a few steps to the west, I arrive at vendors’ stalls selling jewelry, cotton shirts, and leather products, all of which are worth a look.
Le Marché des Enfants Rouges
The gateway into this market. It gets its name from a former children’s charity./Paris corner
Then turning slightly to the left, there is an unassuming passageway opening up to the oldest covered market in Paris, Le Marché des Enfants Rouges (opened in 1615!).
First, you come upon the fleuriste/florist along with other tiny shops crammed with old black and white photographs and postcards for sale.
The florist at my Paris Corner
The market itself opens up to the right with the bright colours of the freshest produce, along with a variety of multi-cultural food vendors selling mouthwatering fare from the Mediterranean to North Africa to East Asia.
The blueberries are to die for!
Exotic fruits
One day one can try the Moroccan lemon chicken and couscous.
Another day, lamb skewers with stuffed aubergine.
A very well-known vendor at the market
Or, you can get in line for a sandwich on fresh focaccia piled high with different fresh vegetables and meats. (Still on my list of to-dos)
Lunchtime is always busy.
You can sit at one of the many picnic or bistro tables right in the market.
Or, you can cross the street and head west to the end of the next block and have your own pique-nique on a bench the most delightful parkette.
Elie Weisel Park in Paris
Le Marais is a traditionally Jewish area of Paris (since the 13th century) and this park was named after Elie Wiesel, the Jewish author, philosopher and humanist who made it his life’s work to bear witness to the genocide committed by the Nazis during World War II.
Fabulous views in this park that is so very welcoming
Paris fans love this park!
There are few places in Paris that envelope me like this little hidden gem of peace and tranquillity.
Circling back, take a stroll along the same side of the street stopping perhaps at the wine store where the merchant is delighted to help pick out a wine for dinner.
And where you will eventually end up where we started at Café Charlot and my favourite corner in Paris.
Do you have a favourite corner in Paris? Please Comment below and see why this might be a good time to do that!
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Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
I love the charming “corners” and parks in Paris. I purchased a book years ago about the secret parks in Paris. My husband and I went to several. They were all very special in their own way. One had a few small rides for children. It was a neighborhood park. It was so sweet. It is a good memory for us. So happy you found a corner that you love.
Paris does invoke memories, doesn’t it. Love yours. Great to hear from you again. Thank you for your comment.
Diana – so enjoyed reading your blog today. Its been many years since I was in Paris but spent time in the Marais and so enjoyed bringing the memories back. Koodoos to you.
Thank you Sherry, I just love hearing from my readers. Put that trip to Paris on your list! I will keep you posted as to the book winner for May. Thanks for the comment. Diana
Just enjoyed a virtual walking tour around your favourite Parisian corner – wonderful! Would love to sit with you and your BFF at Cafe Charlot!
Thank you Gretchen. Shardie loves this resto … and whenever she comes to Paris with me insists that we visit Le Marais. Thank you so much for the comment, Diana
Bonjour Diana,
What a wonderful list of books to read. We are so missing our regular long stays in Paris. With the pandemic and some earlier personal health issues, we haven’t been able to travel since 2017. Still not quite ready for air travel, but hoping for 2023.
Amitiés, Susan
We missed our last trip scheduled for Paris due to Covid. The last time there we stayed in an apt in Le Marais and absolutely loved the neighbourhood and all its vibrant shops. Longing to return.
I always enjoy your Sunday posts snd they have formed my regular Sunday reading for a maybe 3 years or so now, since you started. I am definitely looking forward to the June talk. Paris Real Estate! Whohoo!
Yes, probably a good plan. It is nice there now because fewer tourists and I prefer the off-seasons instead of the summer when it is too hot!!
And being in Canada in summer can be heaven!
PS I have read all of the books on my BOOK CLUB list and keep adding more as they are published. It is the only list of women writers who have published a memoir or related book on Paris.
The appetite for this subject is insatiable. Best to you and thank you for the comment. Diana
It’s been too long since I’ve been to Paris! Your corner is exquisite- it seems that all
The corners in Paris are special in some way. Love that book list!!
Bisous from Montreal
Lucy…Paris is still the draw it has always been. Being there recently was super because there are still not the hoards of tourists. I avoid the summer months now–way too busy and hot.
Hope you are planning your next trip. Keep you posted about this month’s book draw. And thank you for commenting. Diana
I love your favorite corner, Diana! I am saving this for my future, hoped-for trip.
My favorite corner is in the 6th arrondissement – Rue de Furstemberg, at Rue Jacob. This beautiful little tucked-away street is the former home and garden of Delacroix, where you can go inside and see his cozy dwelling nestled among a gorgeous, private garden. All of which was an inspiration for his work. His last paint palette is under glass, for us to see his unique collection of colors. You are allowed to go into the garden and sit in the shade to savor this quiet space in the heart of the city. As you leave, there is a gem called Arty Dandy, where you can find treasured gift and accessories made in France – including a mid-century watch designed by the man who designed the bullet train.
I definitely have to check this corner out — Thank you so so much Bonnie. Thank you for commenting too! Diana
Beautiful – it’s everything I think about Paris – seeing your photo of a croissant makes me drool for a pain au chocolat at Patisserie La Cigogne here in Torontp! … and the book list … I can’t choose only one 🙂
Love your wonderful insights and passion for Paris. I too left my heart there when I first visited 12 years ago. I returned every year until Covid kept me behind closed borders here in Nouvelle Zélande for the last two years. I can’t wait to return to my favourite corner of Paris , Rue Faubourg St Denis hopefully by the years end. Thanks for feeding my soul in the interim Diana. ❤️
Sue — thank you so much for commenting. I never get enough of France and as a soon as I return, I want to go back. Keep you posted about the book draw!
Hi Trudy — I know eh? i have read every one of those books. It took me two and half years. By the way, the next interview on my series is free. I definitely know you will love this guest! So please joing us. Diana
It looks gorgeous and I love your photographs. It’s like being there. Love and Light Christine
Thank you Christine. So so good to hear from you and you did manage to leave a comment– well done! I will be announcing the book winner at the end of the month! Diana
I love it all… especially that quiet corner in the park. I can see myself there with my journal. I so enjoy seeing and reading all your experiences.
I too love to go there to do some writing Karen. I love this comment. Thank you. Keep you posted about the book draw! Diana