Comptoir Général Paris
Friendly strangers
If I'm feeling eccentric in the afternoon I'll head down to Le Comptoir Général in the 10th neighbourhood. It's a warm and inviting place and arriving around 17:00 there's space enough to get comfy on one of the beaten-up looking sofas.
I've a reservation about the place that's worth sharing. And that is, although I really buy into the idea of the west-African decorations, the place feels like it's at the tipping-point of cool meets high-concept idea. It feels in some way deliberately fashioned as if from a flatpack-shabby-impoverished-African aesthetic. But that shouldn't detract me from sharing my overwhelming curiosity of the place where everyone I meet there is super sociable.
The last time I was there for instance I went allied with my Jazz singer mate Liv. We took up a shared sofa space (resting our Ti-Punch cocktails on our knees). And within minutes struck up a conversation with a couple of guys beside us. They seemed to want to practice their English chitter-chatter.
So on that social level I imagine Le Comptoir Général as a place much like an expat-departures lounge, one typical of the African continent from generation ago. The beauty of the place is that the aesthetic allows relative strangers to relax enough to get chatting to one another.
About this spot
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Paris
St. Genevieve Library
Amazing place to see
The "St. Genevieve Library" in Paris is a university library anyone older than 18 can access for free by getting a membership card. It's alive & active!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Shakespeare and Company
Charming English bookshop
"Shakespeare and Company" is an English-language bookstore in Paris, right next to Notre Dame! I love coming here for an hour or so to take in its charm...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Doll House
Erotic accessories
"Doll House" in Paris is an atypical erotic shop. Specialized on very original lingerie, the ladies that run it since '05 are really helpful. Don't be shy!
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
MOKUS Pizzeria
Pizza champion
"MOKUS Pizzeria" is not the cheapest pizza in Paris, but it can certainly be considered one of the best. I like it for the quality & the informal setting.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Au Metro
Best tartar steak in town
"Au Metro" in Paris is a French Basque restaurant I go to when I'm in need of carnivorous energy -- their steak tartare is truly the best in the city...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Le Bistrot de Longchamp
Portuguese restaurant
"Le Bistrot de Longchamp" in Paris has an amazing positive atmosphere. I recommend visiting this small Portuguese restaurant on Tuesdays & Fridays...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Venus sur Cour
Ancient erotic shop
"Venus sur Cour" in Paris is a special, hidden erotic shop that's unlike others. This one has actually a fascinating selection of antique sexual objects...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Les Mots à la Bouche
LGTB bookshop
"Les mots a la bouche" is an LBGT-themed bookshop in Paris. It's nice and quiet. I strongly recommend you drop by -- you will discover interesting things.
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
La Belle Iloise
Canned fish, top quality
"La Belle Iloise" in Paris, next to Les Halles, does top quality canned fish . I very much like tuna & sardines and how they even have fish sandwiches...
by
Constan
Longares Barrio
Nomade
Beyond just great coffee
Cafe "Nomade" is based in an ex-tapissier. It's a perfect morning stop-off ofr a combo of filter coffee, pressed juice and a croissant or pain du chocolat.
by
Paul
Wright
Music Avenue Paris
The music drugstore
Music Avenue Paris is my local soul/funk/hip-hop specialist. The place has been going since 1995 and every year they really celebrate record store day!
by
Paul
Wright
Le Silence de La Rue
A visual and sonic palace
Entering "Le Silence de La Rue" in Paris you fall silent yourself, in awe of the copious racks of cataloged vinyl & merchandise from indie to rock...
by
Paul
Wright
Heading to Paris?
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Paris
Get to know our other Spotters from Paris
As featured on:
