Paris: Favorite Post-Shopping Café

Cantal dreaming at the Café de la Mairie Photos by Theadora Brack

Hustling, bustling Café de la Mairie

By Theadora Brack

I have great mews up my fur-lined sleeve. Recently I found another favorite post-shopping café in Paris. The jumping joint is affordable and historic, too. Can you hear me now? Let’s go!

Shop

Conveniently located in Saint-Germain, kitty-corner to Église Saint-Sulpice, the Café de la Mairie is where I now rest my dogs (feet) during whirlwind bargain shopping sprees along rue de Rennes or in Saint-Germain-des-Près.

Thank my sister Wendy for this discovery. During her recent jaunt to Paris, she’s the one who wisely suggested that we take a much-needed break at the café, and I’m happy to report that the experience was a delectable knockout win-grin.

With both indoor and outdoor seating, the Café de la Mairie rocks a New York coffee shop or Baltimore diner vibe. Big dogs and loud chit-chat abound! It smells great, too.

Bow-Wow in Saint-Germain-des Prés

Eat

I recommend trying a Cantal cheese (which can be difficult to find outside of France) and butter baguette. This substantial sandwich costs €4, and is large enough for two. Just slice it down the middle! Don’t scrape off the mold. Savor each bite.

The coffee is always rich and hot, topped with a thick layer of foam, and the bottled soda pops are served up all old-school with ice, a spoon and a slice of lemon. And the service? It’s consistently swift and friendly. Ask for Jeff. He’s a charmer.

Who else has found inspiration here?

Literary greats like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Albert Camus, that’s who, along with Anaïs Nin, Henry Miller, and Saul Bellow. Let’s also add Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Samuel Becket—just to name a few.

Tip: Pack a notebook and a ball point pen. Perhaps your muse will make a cameo appearance! Hello, best seller.

Pray

Calling all DaVinci-Coders! For the love of Dan Brown, don’t leave without walking the famous Rose Line (which cuts right through the altar). While you’re at it, why not hang with its Delacroix’s inside, too. Added bonus: After fifteen years of restoration work, the church of Saint-Sulpice across the square recently shed its scaffolding, and the view is once more a beauty.

More skinny

Café de la Mairie
8 Place Saint-Sulpice, 6th arrondissement
Métro: Saint Sulpice or Rennes

Tags: Cafés, Food, France, Paris, Shopping, Theadora Brack, Travel

17 thoughts on “Paris: Favorite Post-Shopping Café”

Malou on 01/02/2012 at at said:

It’s almost midnight but looking at the first picture is making me hungry. Great macro shot of this sandwich, Theadora!

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- Theadora Brack on 02/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks, Malou! My sister was so hungry (and experiencing jet lag, too) but I made her wait until I got the shot. The café is fantastic. With a view! By the way, my favorite Annick Goutal perfume house is located next store! It’s also a prime people-watching hotspot! Theadora
  
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gordonmichaelsutton on 01/02/2012 at at said:

Miss Paris very much.

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- Theadora Brack on 02/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Hello Gordon, My guess is that you took fantastical shots of Paris. I’m off to your Red Hibiscus site now. By the way, I love your photography, wit and eye. Cheers! Theadora (Today’s “Blue Bull” was a favorite!)
  
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Lost in Town on 02/02/2012 at at said:

Agree with Malou….”tasty” macro shot!!

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- Theadora Brack on 02/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Thanks! Dear Lost in Town, both you and Malou consistently post beautiful pics on your sites. I love your Rome travel tips! Theadora
  
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Vivian Kelly on 02/02/2012 at at said:

Does Cantal cheese taste like Camerbert or is it stronger, like a Gouda?

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- Theadora Brack on 03/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Vivian, Cantal is a semi-firm cheese with buttery, slightly tangy taste. It’s my favorite, hands-down! Named for a region filled with volcanic peaks, even the Sun King was also a fan! Here’s another historical tidbit! Cantal is one of the oldest cheeses, dates back thousands of years. Locals call it “fourme,” after the wooden form in which it’s made, which eventually gave rise to “fromage.” Food for thought! Enjoy the weekend! Theadora
  
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Martino on 07/02/2012 at at said:

Mmmmm. Time for lunch! I could use a baguette and fromage right now. My mouth is watering.

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Shiney on 10/02/2012 at at said:

That cheese sandwich looks simple and delicious. I’ve been to Paris only two times and your photos and descriptions are making me want to go back for a visit very soon!

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- Theadora Brack on 11/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Shiney! Thanks for your sweet words! Cheers! Theadora
  
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- Theadora Brack on 11/02/2012 at at said:
  
  What kind, delicious words! Merci, Shiney!! Theadora
  
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blisstravelsnews on 16/02/2012 at at said:

Oh, you should have been in Paris with us for our Fromager wonderings… We hit 5 cheese shops and just picked the best of the best for an amazing time! 48 month old comte, 36 month comte, aged tomme de brebis, goat cheeses –ripened –soft and dried, truffled brie…The list goes ON! It was Bliss 🙂

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- Theadora Brack on 16/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Dear Wendy, Thanks for sharing and boasting. My idea of heaven!! Do you have a favorite cheese shop in Paris? My beloved Fromagerie Bocquet is located at 32 rue des Abbesses in the 18th arrondissement. My other favorite is located nearby at 20 rue Lepic. Both are worth a sniff and visit! Theadora
  
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mylochick on 26/02/2012 at at said:

The cantal cheese sandwich looks delicious. It always amazes me how the simplest sandwiches in France and Italy (like a simple prosciutto baguette) tastes ten times better than anything “gourmet” you’d find in London or Sydney. I’ve been to Paris about a dozen times…I wish I had known about your blog before my recent trip! Thanks for popping by my blog too:)

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- Theadora Brack on 28/02/2012 at at said:
  
  Ah, thanks! (By the way, I’ve been enjoying your Sunday Morning Nothings” site. Your recent “Old London Town” film series was a beauty. Very moody-bluesy! And very much like a silent film. Bravo!) Theadora
  
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  - mylochick on 28/02/2012 at at said:
    
    Thanks so much Theadora!
    
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