Télescope Café Paris
Part of the original coffee revolution in Paris, Télescope Café, tucked away on Rue Villedo near the Palais Royal, is my favorite place to take an afternoon pause. This new-to-Paris style coffee bar was started by Nicolas Clerc, a former high-fashion photographer turned barista who honed his skills in New York before opening the spot--you will find him behind the bar most days, working his magic on the La Marzocco while discussing life with the regulars. Housed in a cosy space with just a few tables and minimalist decor, Télescope is all about the coffee. You will find no WiFi or Frappuccinos here--just a short menu of artfully hand crafted coffees, teas, and a handful of sweet and savory food items. On a warm, sunny day, enjoy your noisette and banana bread out front on the bench. Should nature call and you wander down into the cellar to use the toilette, be wary of the resident ghost. But don't worry, Nicola swears he is very friendly. Next time you find yourself wandering the 1st arrondissement and in need a pick me up, ditch the generally horrible streetside café coffee and head straight to Télescope instead.
