Over the past few weeks I've been struggling to find quiet corners around Paris with a reliable wireless connection to allow me to work in an efficient and enjoyable way in a place that is neither a home nor an office.
You may think this web friendly city would allow you such a wireless liberty but ends up, it's not that easy after all...
Here are a few peaks:
Le Sanseveria - A door away from the famous English WH Smith book store on rue Rivoli in the 1st Arr., this modern coffee house with its red tables, big lamps hanging from the ceiling. A menu made of the traditional one pasta dish, the hot soup, salads and sandwiches you may find elsewhere. Average price of 15 €. Cafe au lait for 5 €. Quite a touristy spot. The service is rather young and friendly. Magazines at your disposal and 2 spots to plug your computer in.
Wireless connection: Somewhat disappointing. You need to ask for a card with a wifi code, Renewable each hour. That is, when you actually get to surf over 10 consecutive minutes without being disconnected all the times.
Note: 3 / 10
Les Philosophes - In the bobo area of the Marais, on rue Vieille du Temple, the café that made history with its fashionable washrooms. A must for every tourist. The menu hasn't changed in years and has meat, fish dishes, salads, and cheese and ham plates with the Yiddish dessert cup for the connoisseurs. The tomato tarte tatin is not bad at all. All in all, it's not the place to look for culinary extravaganza, but rather a simple and enjoyable spot. If you wish to plug yourself into a wall, there is only one table pushed into the corner by the stairs leading to the staff dressing. Comfortable spot in a silent corner. Not bad if you wish to work in ultimate concentration.
Wireless connection: A proper Internet operator and free connection. Works like a charm. No sudden disconnections (or maybe the occasional one to live up to the French operator standard).
Note: 7 / 10
Les Grandes Marches : A cosy café / restaurant in the centre of the Bastille place. A big plus point: 2 large sofa's by a fire place with a TV screen right above.
Wireless connection: A bit struggly. A Free-Hotspot connection needing to be rebooted every half hour or so. Signal slightly weak so don't hope to make the most of your time and learn patience!
All in all, nice place to work in, comfortable and I have to say, the sofa thing is a killer!
Note: 5 / 10
Le Fumoir: The martini bar in the centre of Paris. A walk away from the Louvre, from the Pont des Arts, and from absolutely anything else, it is a fabulous spot. Drinks are fantastic (try to keep away from the cocktails till at least 17.15) the very light menu is not the most exciting but is ok I suppose. The goat cheese sandwich is quite good and the fresh carrot juice makes you want to come back for more!
Wireless connection: A Free-Hotspot connection needing a reboot every half hour but the signal is strong and rarely fails! Take the little couch at the entrance and you can plug your PC in while chilling in that old Chesterfield chair.
Note: 7 / 10
Etienne Marcel: A Costes brothers' creation but with lower prices than many of their other restaurants, the Etienne Marcel combines a creative menu with hip interior design and musical ambience. The staff is adorable and friendly and spending several hours plugged in can be quite enjoyable. A few good spots to get plugged into. One with a view, the other for ultimate calm.
Wireless connection: A Free-Hotspot connection working quite well with few interruptions.
Note: 8/10
DeLaVille Café: The coffee house that once used to be a brothel. Yes, a brothel. Although today you may only find food and drinks and unfortunately no sexy madam’s to welcome you properly at the door, the place is still worth the experience.
It’s a good office spot if you are, like me at the moment, office-less.
Wireless connection: Adael-Gratuit Free connection renewed each 20 min. Can be slightly infuriating at times but all in all works quite well.
Note: 7/10
