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Tuesday, 31 January 2012

the must have ingredients for a Parisian cafe...


Bistro chairs facing the street 
 Waiter in the classic black and white 
 Bicycles parked out front on cobblestone streets
Glowing ambience inside
Old style bar with place to perch
Good coffee (not always a given in Paris)
Tempting menu du jour

Au Petit Fer a Cheval, in the heart of the Marais, ticks all those boxes... Inside behind the bar there are a few small tables to eat at... the food, in particular the salads, are delicious... If you have time... spend some there... it is the perfect vantage point for some Parisian people watching... xv

Another one for your address book...

Au Petit Fer a Cheval
30 rue Vielle du Temple
75004 Paris


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images - vicki archer
on

39 comments:

  1. debra@dustjacket31 January 2012 at 09:20

    Perfect....thanks for the tip.
    xxxx

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  2. Soulful Mama31 January 2012 at 10:33

    Oh! It look simply perfect! I love it!

    ~ Clare x

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  3. Lola31 January 2012 at 11:04

    I wanna go back to Paris :)

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  4. helen tilston31 January 2012 at 11:13

    Hi Vicki

    It is wonderful when all the components are in order and the establishments takes pride in its business. Thank you. I shall add it to my list.

    How kind of you. Wish I could treat you to a coffee at Au Petit Fer a Chaval

    Helen

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  5. This is Belgium31 January 2012 at 11:31

    been there, done it :-) and enjoyed it tremendously, took some great pictures of the waiter, the decor, the menu which unfortunately do not belong in my This is Belgium blog.
    hope you feel better, just the thought of le Petit Fer a Cheval might help !

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  6. The Caledonian Mining Expedition Company31 January 2012 at 11:44

    My heart just leapt when I saw this photo. We spent such a happy evening there in November, 2010. Perfect atmosphere and so very memorable... Phil xxxxx

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  7. hero31 January 2012 at 11:46

    photo taken with good lighting

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  8. martinealison31 January 2012 at 11:50

    L'ambianec de ces petits troquets est toujours charmante...
    Une très jolie photo.
    gros bisous

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  9. quintessence31 January 2012 at 12:04

    I think I need to start making a Paris notebook!!

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  10. Jeanne Henriques31 January 2012 at 12:45

    Heavenly Vicki...to that I would add, a journal, pen and my iPhone to capture my thoughts... :)

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  11. Mary31 January 2012 at 13:23

    That looks like a perfect cafe and it's going on my list for the next Paris visit! The image is gorgeous, makes me want to fly over and grab a bistro chair round dusk....then just sit and people watch with an aperitif and hubby at my side!!! Dreaming again!

    Hope you're feeling much better.
    Hugs - Mary

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  12. Zita - Mlle Magpie31 January 2012 at 13:25

    Loved the Marais when I lived in Paris. I took tap dance classes at a little studio on this street :)

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  13. M.Lane31 January 2012 at 13:29

    Thank you so very much for this tip! I put it on my list of "musts" for my first trip to Paris in April!!

    ML
    mlanesepic.blogspot.com

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  14. Joanna Brazier31 January 2012 at 13:38

    Also enjoyed a few fun nights here last year !
    The waiters are so friendly and the atmosphere is great.
    We struck up a conversation with the folk sitting next to us and were the last to leave
    ( not unusual!)
    Hope you are feeling better.
    Joanna

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  15. Unknown31 January 2012 at 13:44

    Will make a note of it, my daughter travels to Paris this summer and will be staying in the Marais for three nights!
    Wonderful description!
    Thanks,Vicki!

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  16. Karena31 January 2012 at 13:56

    Vicki, a perfect spot to relax after shopping or sightseeing for the weary traveler!!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  17. Karen in VA (was CT)31 January 2012 at 14:21

    .. excellent photo ... thanks for the address

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  18. Dawne Boynton Polis31 January 2012 at 14:58

    Hope you are feeling much better today, Vicki! This looks like a cozy spot in the Marais. And such a wonderful photo, too.
    Thanks for all these great addresses!

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  19. Regina 31 January 2012 at 15:07

    Great scene!

    Regards.

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  20. Leslie31 January 2012 at 15:33

    The perfect setting for this lovely cafe! I love all the details - great photograph!

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  21. A Gift Wrapped Life31 January 2012 at 15:35

    You forgot one ingredient...............me. XO

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  22. French Girl in Seattle31 January 2012 at 16:24

    I agree with Martine. Joli troquet. Nice capture, Vicki. I miss French cafes, here in Seattle. Somehow, Monsieur Starbucks does not always cut it, but I am grateful he [and his competitors] are here since I teach at local coffee shops most of the week ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  23. Fara31 January 2012 at 16:34

    That picture should be in a calendar. Love the pop of all the colors on the bikes! Take me to Paris!!!

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  24. Jacqueline @ HOME31 January 2012 at 17:00

    Dear Vicki,
    Want to be sitting there NOW !!!! XXXX

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  25. Heather Robinson31 January 2012 at 18:30

    An absolutely beautiful photo, Vicki--I can't stop looking at it. Please don't take this the wrong way but at first glance I assumed that it was Carla's! It is just kind of perfect--especially the table at the right, empty, waiting for...?

    I am just back from Sisteron and oh the snow! We actually would have stayed longer save that the papers were announcing that the roads would freeze over as tomorrow it could dive to -15°C! Brrr...So sorry to hear from the comments here that you aren't well. Sending good energy your way! And I just bought liquid zinc again yesterday and that stuff is magic!

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  26. French Heart31 January 2012 at 18:46

    Very moving photo that takes me there!

    Yes, speaking to my son on Sunday he said a cold front was moving in and read Orange snow alerts in the Alps etc.

    Fresh juiced wheat grass cures anything. Do they have that in Paris?

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  27. Paris Rendez-vous and Beyond31 January 2012 at 20:11

    Count me in...I'll be there in April.

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  28. Shell Sherree31 January 2012 at 22:10

    Absolutely gorgeous, Vicki, both the cafe and its surrounds. Such a tiny little glowing beacon. I love it ~ thank you.

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  29. Karen31 January 2012 at 22:47

    Vicky,
    I love the location of the cafe...the doors to whatever on either side are impressive. Ahhh, to be in France.
    Karen

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  30. Mary1 February 2012 at 00:08

    I have always loved New York City, but Paris must truly be the most exquisite city on the planet! :)

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  31. Michelle1 February 2012 at 01:21

    love this post!

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  32. peggy braswell1 February 2012 at 01:28

    Another one for my "must visit in Paris" Thank you..Grand image. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  33. Jalon Burton1 February 2012 at 02:31

    Perfect - thank you for the 'little' get-away... (wish I was really there!)
    I will just have to sip my drink here @ the computer with my pjs on!

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  34. Genie -- Paris and Beyond1 February 2012 at 03:56

    Well, how could I have missed this charming place with all the icons of a Paris café? Your photo is lovely and should be the café's postcard! The golden glow and ambiance are calling my name... perhaps it is the wine calling to me

    Bises,
    Genie

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  35. Fifi Flowers1 February 2012 at 04:09

    I keep putting your photos into my inspiration file... I could paint from your site FOREVER!!!

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  36. Marina Saclley @ Iced VoVo's1 February 2012 at 10:04

    Another address to add to my little notes tab on my iphone ... hope you're feeling better Vicki and thank you.
    xx

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  37. Laura Stockett Roberts 1 February 2012 at 15:59

    I dined there the last time I was in Paris!! We love the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais and this is a short walk from there. LOVE it!

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  38. Peonyrose2 February 2012 at 03:43

    Love this picture - we stayed in an apartment which you entered through that door to the right....what a great spot!!

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  39. Char5 February 2012 at 19:04

    Hi Vicki;
    I would just love one of our calligraphy postcards. I hope my name is chosen...Thanks Char

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Thank you for visiting French Essence... I love to read your comments and I hope you will be back often... xv