La Contrescarpe Cafe

Place de la Contrescarpe where the iconic La Contrescarpe Cafe/Brasserie lives, is not to be missed if you find yourself in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, also known as the Latin Quarter. The Parisian square isn’t overly large and is nearly completely surrounded by lively cafés and restaurants which overlook the flowing rust brown fountain at its center. In the summer, musicians come to play music outside for the visitors. The trees at the center of this plaza provide shade over the beautiful cobblestone streets. It is located along the famous Rue Mouffetard.

Place de la Contrescarpe is perhaps most famous to Americans for serving as the opening setting of Ernest Hemingway’s famous novel, A Moveable Feast. Indeed Hemingway lived not far from the square during the 1920s when he took up residence at 74 rue du Cardinal-Lemoine.

Back to the cafe…La Contrescarpe appears to be an ordinary Parisian bistro with enticing terrace seats to watch the happy street traffic, but step inside and you will happily discover the cozy charm of this little gem. Cozy pockets are to be explored within, which has timber floors, comfy lounge chairs, elegant cane chairs, books lining walls and tucked into little alcoves and warm lamp lighting, highlighting photographs gracing the muted tones of the walls.

A quiet sunken alcove down the back allows for intimate meetings, and the back French doors open out onto a covered heated patio.

Address: 57 Rue Lacepede 75005 - MAP

Metro:  Cardinal Lemoine, Jussieu, or Place Monge

Open Hours: Daily 7am - 4am

Prices: Lunch varies 13-15euros