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becoming madame, brunch, food, France, french cuisine, french culture, Life in Paris, lifestyle, Paris, paris life, paris restaurants, Travel
For the first few years I lived in Paris I went out to brunch on Sunday mornings religiously. (No pun intended).
Brunch, being a typically American phenomenon, has taken the French by storm. Over the last ten years, one of the most common new food establishments in Paris has been cafés specializing in Sunday Brunch. Other noticeable new trends, by the way, include Subway, Starbucks, and martini bars. I can’t say I’m quite as enthusiastic about seeing a Starbucks on so many Parisian corners, the very spot where traditional brasseries used to reign supreme. But then again Parisians love New York City and all things American almost as much as Americans love Paris. So I suppose it’s only fair.
For the sake of the French tourist industry and all us Francophiles around the around the world, I hope someone clues in rather quickly to the fact that tourists come to Paris to delve into an aura of French-ness, to soak up la vie en rose, to transport ourselves into another life, a Parisian life. Not to eat a foot-long or sip a latte.
But enough of the rant, what about those Brunches.
Brunch in Paris is a little different from Brunch anywhere else in the world, at least where I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. You can count on tea or coffee, orange or grapefruit juice, croissants, baguette with butter and preserves, yogurt, eggs, smoked salmon, a green salad as well as fruit and a selection of desserts, quite often les crêpes. Sometimes you can even get a bagel and the French equivalent of Cream Cheese; yet a word to the wise, the French are fabulous bakers but they can’t do bagels to save their lives! Of course, brunch is served in courses, as are all French meals, even the ones they borrow from us Americans (unless you opt for a buffet). If served to the table, it can take a couple about two hours to meander through a typical Parisian brunch.
You generally have two types of brunch: the buffet or service to the table (servi à table). I have a slight preference to be served, and yet you can always eat more at a buffet. 🙂
Over the years, I’ve had the sheer pleasure of sampling quite a few of the great Brunch establishments Paris has to offer. Of course, as I mentioned, there is an ever-growing list. I propose, however, my top 10 (so far). I hope that if you are in town over a weekend, you are able to take advantage of their hospitality.
Top 10 Brunch establishments in Paris, in no particular order (they all have their unique charm):
1. Le Kong, servi à table, 20-40€/person, with an exceptional view over the Seine. 1 rue du Pont-Neuf, Paris 1er.
2. La Gare, buffet, 30€/person, in an old converted train station at la Muette with a large terrace great for spring and summer. 19 Chaussée de la Muette, Paris 16ème.
3. Sir Winston, servi à table, 25€/person, an old English pub atmosphere close to the Arch de Triomphe. 5 rue Presbourg, Paris 8ème.
4. Les Editeurs, servi à table, 25€/person, a typical French brasserie feel in the heart of Saint Germain. 4 carrefour de l’Odéon, Paris 6ème.
5. Le Ritz, buffet, 120€/person. If you are looking for panache or a large elegant location to hold a business brunch, this is your ticket. By the way, most of the large hotels have a brunch on Sunday. If you’re a couple looking for a romantic spot to eat on Sunday afternoon, I suggest choosing another on this list. To see the Ritz, I suggest going to the bar for a cocktail around 7pm instead. 15 place Vendôme, Paris 1er.
6. Bo Zinc, servi à table, 18€/person. This restaurant is very close to our place, so we are there quite often. It boasts a young, hip atmosphere and is rather reasonably priced. Usually very busy and they don’t take reservations, so be sure to arrive a little before noon. 59, avenue Mozart, Paris 16ème.
7. Boulangerie Heurtier, servi à table, 22€/person, a great bakery in le Marais, the first floor is the shop which bakes fresh loaves for the brunch upstairs. This was one of the very first brunches I experienced in Paris. 2 rue de la Verrerie, Paris 4ème.
8. Le Fumoir, servi à table, 22€/person. Fabulously situated next to le Louvre, the Fumoir offers a sophisticated twist to brunch. You can find Anglo-Saxon favorites like Egg Benedict or specialties such as Truffle pancakes. 6 rue de l’amiral Coligny, Paris 1er.
9. Breakfast In America, servi à table, 16€. If you are in the mood for an all American greasy-spoon brunch that will transport you back home, this is the place. Specializing in burgers and fries and founded and run by a good ol’ American boy, BIA offers a very American alternative to brunch in Paris. Two locations: 4, rue Malher, Paris 4ème and 17, rue des Ecoles, Paris 5ème.
10. Café du musée Jacquemart-André, servi à table, 26€, in one of the most beautiful hôtel particulier in Paris and a gorgeous museum with a great terrace to boot, this restaurant offers a gilded touch to brunch. 158, bd Haussmann, Paris 8ème.
11. Catz Café, all you can eat buffet, two sittings 11am or 2pm, 25€. Reservations are recommended. And Catz will even do a to go menu if you are in the mood for a picnic. 57 rue Rodier, Paris 9ème.
Et voilà, wishing you a fabulous Sunday et bien sûr Bon Appétit!
April 21, 2013 — Republished on Expatica here.
Kimby said:
After all the years I spent on the road, eating quickly out of necessity and/or serving myself, I can’t imagine anything more luxurious (and wonderful) than a leisurely two hour brunch served at the table, course by course. Buffets are often mass produced (and taste like it), an opportunity to overeat (“gotta get more for your money mentality”), and many times unappetizingly cold — this, coming from an American. Trust me, you’re doing it right.
EL said:
Thank you for such a wonderful read! I can’t wait to visit Paris.. but I’m sure I will never want to leave..
love & light
EL
savannahbeginnings said:
I would love to be able to try one of these brunch locations. If I was in Paris I would go tomorrow! Glad you are trying them out for us!
Natalia at Hot, Cheap & Easy said:
So interesting! I lived in Paris many, many years ago and this reminds me so much of its special magic!
Cinnamin said:
I think American sunday brunch has taken the world by storm! It’s becoming quite haute in India as well…and we all love to get dressed up for it too!
Andrew Petcher said:
You forgot to mention McDonalds – The French love McDonalds!
Becoming Madame said:
Oh, I know, the horror! 🙂
pussonalamp said:
The first time ever I was in Paris, back in the mid mumblies, they took me to a McDonalds in Pigalle. But I had had a proper brasserie lunch earlier, so had been inoculated.
BelRedRoad said:
Looks like wonderful food and surroundings!
pedmar10 said:
La Gare is my favorite, doing it for years there. And yes America loves Paris and Paris loves America.Good article.
Judy said:
Yum! I’m ready to sit down and eat! Thanks for a great post!
Mandy being Mandy said:
Hi! You had liked one of my blog posts last week, so I was looking around on your blog…love it! I just went to Paris for the first time in November, and it was incredible. Keep up the great work!
lightbox3d said:
Great post, can’t wait to visit again. Where do you get your images?
Becoming Madame said:
Thanks! I can’t take credit for all the pics. The interiors are mine. The rest are from magazines, etc. I love your work! Especially your lastest Paris shot.
June said:
We’re hoping to make it to Paris in September–I’ll have to check out more of your posts as well as these brunch spots! Yum!
carolbiederman said:
Ohhh this so makes me want to go back to Paris! I have only been there once, about 15 years ago, and loved every minute there. I can’t wait to bring my boys now. Though not quite “gourmet” both my husband and I fell in love with crepes from the street vendors!
jrliggettsblog said:
I don’t know if I will ever make it to Paris, but thank you for consistently taking me there through your blog posts! The photos are always beautiful, and the food so tempting. I would be happy to stop in at any of the brunch establishments! (oh, wait, except the greasy-spoon one!)
Theadora Brack said:
Yum !! Enough said. Fabulous post ! Descriptions are delicious and photos are picture perfect, too. Bravo ! Theadora
Debby said:
Wow! Amazing. Paris is beautiful. Love your photos too! 🙂
crumpetkitchen said:
Merci Madame !
This is so well timed: I have a voucher for the train with strict instructions to head to Paris for a “journée gourmande”. The brunch lady of Lausanne will have the pick of the brunch in Paris. Marvellous!
Michi said:
Oooooh, I adore brunch and D-Man tried it for the first time in San Francisco years ago and hasn’t been able to shut up about it since. I’m ecstatic to hear Sunday brunch has become popular in France, we might just have to hop on a plane to Paris and make it a point to have an entire Sunday there. (Though I’d probably never leave what with the heavenly croissants, baguettes, and infinity list of delectable pastries).
Anyluckypeny said:
I love your blog!! I’ve been to Paris 5 times! It’s such a wonderful city 😀
-Adri
Shrey said:
Very very nice….:-)
1visionmultimedia said:
Very Nice!
T Hollis said:
Decided to check in after exercise, before breakfast – great, now I’m starving for all the wonderful things you mentioned. Where to begin? Eggs Benedict, pancakes or a Subway footlong… uh, no! Coffee! That’s the ticket!
smidtten said:
Yumm… I want to go to Paris! I love brunch but even more, I just love French breakfasts!
Graeme Kemlo said:
Magnifique! Takes me straight back to the city of light and all the wonderful memories. Thanks for your acute observations.
G
blisstravelsnews said:
Wonderful write up and oh so true. I started noticing the brunch a couple years ago –and it seems to have taken over –along with Starbucks, as you so aptly point out. But, right you are about the French twist to the meal –and thank God for that. I enjoyed your reviews very much!
Jewelie Dee said:
Si triste! Starbucks where brasseries used to be! Pretty soon there will be nothing French in France! Yes, please get a clue, dear French people!
Jewelie Dee
http://www.anearringaweek.wordpress.com
Barbara Garneau Kelley said:
This is a lovely blog. Thanks for liking mine too.
estherzs86 said:
the places look exquisite!
24/7 in France said:
Having visited Paris many times, and then living there for a short while, it is absolutely my favorite city — Delicious in every aspect!
babso2you said:
Lovely post! One day I will make it there….
Rhonda Sittig said:
Love you blog!! Wish I had a yearly trip to Paris in my plans!
Lou said:
love your blog and we are planning a trip to Paris in the spring so it’s also very helpful
Becoming Madame said:
Oh thanks, Lou! I’m so glad you find it useful! Check out this post for some ideas on what to do while you’re in town. Hope you have a fabulous trip!!
lyda172 said:
I know it not a place for brunch but I lived in Paris for a year and one of the most amazing bakeries I visited was called “le pain des idées Et de la créativité”. I did a big business project on it and was really impressed by the dedication of the owner. Definitely visit next time you are there!
Thanks for liking my recipe! Let me know if you try it!
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