For a glass of fine wine after a tough day of shopping in Le Marais, head over to La Belle Hortense on Rue Vieille du Temple. This unusual spot, half bookstore, half wine bar, is a very welcoming and pleasant place to chat with regulars or meet fellow travelers at the authentic “zinc” bar counter.
A small room behind the bar offers you an even quieter setting to absorb yourself in a good book. If you left your reading at home in order to save space for souvenirs, don’t worry, you can borrow book from one of their well-stocked wooden shelves. Indulge in a glass of wine—they have an excellent sommelier’s selection—and nibble on a plat du jour from one of the neighboring restaurants. And if it’s too early for a glass of wine (is it ever, really?), they also offer a wide range of teas and delicious pastries.
The literary café organizes exhibitions, readings, and book signings each month, so be sure to check their calendar to see what cultural events they are hosting during your stay in Paris. For lovers of art and literature, or just wine, La Belle Hortense is an absolute must.
In search of a more typical French café to read or write while sipping wine? Try one of these Top Literary Cafés in Paris.
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