Starbucks Paris

In recent past, you see more and more Starbucks cafés in Paris. Like any good Parisien, of course, I complain about how thetraditional Parisian cafés are slowly disappearing and replaced by thèse cafés that could be found in any city in the world. You could be in Paris, in London, in Jakarta, and the same Starbucks cafés could be found…which seems to defeat the real reason why we travel.

I do have to make an exception for one café, however, that I find capture the Paris expérience even under the sign of Starbucks. This café is more discret than other Starbucks you find around Paris. It is located on Boulevard Haussmann near the métro station Chaussée D’Antin. I love sitting on the outside tables on the wide sidewalk that lines the boulevard on which the café is located. Inthe mornings, especially, the café is less busy than others in Paris….in April, morning sun softly bathes the outside tables while you sip an espresso (about the only thing priced normally…the other coffees, being the fancy or unusual kind, would be double the price). The sidewalk also is very well frequented though not excessively…this means you get to engaged in Paris favorite activity of people watching. Another bonus, Surcouf (a computer store) is just across the street as is Sephora (a perfume store). Of course, the big department stores like les Galeries Lafayette is just mere minutes away.

That said, right next to Starbucks there is a traditional café with enclosed terrace. So, why go to Starbucks ?….well, maybe it’s the friendly young people working there (including an American who speaks French to you with a huge accent), and sandwiches that you do not find in traditional Paris cafés (vegetarian wraps, for instance), or the good ole American sweets like Cinnamon rolls, strawberry cheese cake etc. (though don’t expect American prices !).