A Friday Night in Paris

Story by Linda Donahue

What’s one to do on a warmer-than-usual Friday night in Paris while in the company of a handsome and stylish friend? That was the question I found myself asking last weekend as I met up with my friend in the 6th arrondissement of the French capital. As it turns out, the answer was a no-brainer.

Begin your evening at Prés aux Clerc

After a long day (and a long week, for some), this Saint-Germain-des-Prés café on the corner of rue Jacob and rue Bonaparte (caddy-cornered from Ladurée) is a popular meeting place for Parisians. Sip an apéro as you anticipate the evening ahead.

Continue to the Café Laurent at the Hotel d’Aubusson

Set the mood with a glass of champagne while enjoying live jazz at Café Laurent on the rue Dauphine. The main bar is where the music happens, but the large lounge, complete with an oversize fireplace, offers the perfect place for quiet conversation while enjoying the music.

Restaurant Le Christine

It’s a rare restaurant where the majority of patrons are from other countries but the cuisine is decidedly non-touristy. Le Christine is located on rue Christine (next to the Relais Christine—a hidden gem of a luxury hotel), and serves a mouthwatering menu of fare that includes Carré d’agneau rôti, Entrecôte, Filet de boeuf, Osso bucco and a selection of poisson. The desserts are equally delicious, and the ambiance is elegant and cozy.

Wrap up with some jazz at Chez Papa

Café Laurent put us in the mood for more jazz, so we headed to Chez Papa on rue Saint Benoit. This jazz club is as real as it gets. We arrived mid-show and were seated at a table right next to the quartet consisting of four men on piano, guitar, sax and a vocalist. The singer, who reminded me a little of Al Jarreau, scatted and sang to American jazz standards, even playfully imitating Louis Armstrong at one point during a duet with a guest performer.

It was a truly memorable evening (even without the four or five glasses of champagne) and, even if you just visit one of these places, you’ll have an enjoyable night out on the town.

Top photo © Paris Tourist Office – Photographer : Amélie Dupont.