At Hamilton, I became used to spending a good 70 percent of my time at Cafe Opus 1. In many instances, I wouldn’t even order a drink, nor have anything to eat from the cafe. What I ended up loving so much about the space was its soft lighting, the students’ playlists which vary depending on who is covering which shift, its comfy couches, view of the Kirkland Glen that I especially appreciate during those extra rainy days, and proximity to Babbitt, my then-residence hall. Of course, I love their iced chai latte, chai cookies, and pesto tortellini (among other things.) But, there is so much more to a cafe or restaurant than what they serve, and it’s the right ambiance, in addition to delicious food and drinks, that keeps me coming back to a certain place.
I have always found it essential to find places outside of my home that I can escape to to find the kind of atmosphere that is fitting for the different tasks that make up my college routine, such as working on my creative writing, doing homework, editing photographs, working on my personal reading, and hanging out and revising with friends. Thankfully, Opus was able to fulfill this necessity of mine. It has become my favorite hang out and study spot on campus, and I am confident that, after graduation, I will be leaving Hamilton associating a few of my best memories to the lounge. Upon my arrival to Paris, naturally, I had to explore a bit and try different things out before finding the right spots, but ultimately, I was able to end up with a few places I haven’t been able to keep myself from coming back to every once in a while.
Binici
Located at: 18 Rue Chapon
Which arrondissement: 3rd
WiFi? Yes
Personal favorite: their matcha chocolate latte (over ice or hot), and matcha cake
I discovered Binici at the very beginning of my time here. My friend Nadiya created a list of coffee shops prior to her arrival to Paris with the intention of trying them out during the semester. One day, after class, I joined her and another friend there to do some homework and fell in love with it. The place is rather small, but not cluttered. The decorations are bright and pastel colored; they compliment the simple white walls and different plants, giving the cafe a modern yet cozy feel.
I come to Binici whenever I want to get some work done before my dance classes at the Marais Dance Center, located about 10 minutes away by foot. There is a bar by the window (great for people watching) and a bigger table towards the center of the space to do work when you have company. The place does close pretty early (7pm) so if you are looking for a late night study spot this might not be the best option; however, definitely hit up Binici if you are looking for the salon de the experience as they have the cutest little cakes to go with a nice cup of tea.
Centre Culturel Pouya
Located at: 48 bis Quai de Jemmapes
Which arrondissement: 10th
WiFi? Yes
Personal favorites: their rose petal and quince tea, platter of assorted pastries, and eggplant with salad
Pouya is Paris’ Iranian cultural center located about five minutes away from the Republique metro and RER station. They host different events, and offer yoga and middle eastern dance classes, but it is their tea room/restaurant that I am familiar with. There is such a ridiculously large variety of teas, many of them containing ingredients originally from different parts of Asia and Africa that are hard to find at a regular grocery store, and that, if you do not have a personal link to the culture, you might not typically have the chance of trying.
There is also the option of ordering actual traditional Iranian dishes at any time of the day, or something to snack on like a cheese platter, so if you choose to hang out at Pouya for most of the day you’ll be good to go if and when you eventually get a little hungry.
Some of the things I love the most about the space are its beautiful decorations that transport one to a place far from the hectic, urban reality of Paris, the possibility of just sitting on the floor, its genuine feeling of community, and its dreamy, low-key lighting.
La REcyclerie
Located at: 83 Boulevard Ornano
Which arrondissement: 18th
WiFi? Yes
Personal favorite: their hot chocolate, a glass of their organic red wine, and for tapas, smoked salmon toast with a side of salad
This place might be the coolest I have found in Paris, but I still have much more to discover so I hope I am not making too big of a statement. The building is an old train station that has been renovated and given a second life as a cafe, lounge, restaurant, bar and event venue. It is quite literally the social space of the moment. As its name suggests, everything about it attempts to reflect the environmentally conscious values its owners and organizers try to promote via a number of monthly community events (check out their website for a full schedule: calendar.) Most of their furniture was obtained at second-hand and vintage shops, the decoration is minimalist, and there is a strong initiative to reduce waste that is reflected in their choice of plates, cutlery, containers and overall general practices. Additionally, la REcyclerie has its own mini farm and garden that the staff resort to for the creation of many of their drinks and dishes, as well as a compost area. They also have a small library section that one can sit by and borrow books from, a conference room, the larger dining area, and a patio where one can have a drink, maybe a smoke, and enjoy the weather if it does happen to be a nice day out. On some nights there is a live DJ playing house, techno, or R&B tunes, transforming the space into one more suitable for a night out with friends; however, during the week, before dinner time, the area is quiet enough for one to be productive and get some work done.
La Grande Mosquee de Paris
Located at: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite
Which arrondissement: 5th
WiFi? No
Personal favorite: their traditional sweet tea, the crepe aux legumes and any of the different baklavas they offer
Paris’ Grande Mosquee is located a few blocks away from Paris 3, the Sorbonne-Nouvelle University that many HiF students take classes at. The mosque has a restaurant as well as an outside cafe where you can order tea and pastries, among other things to snack on. The terrace is really more appropriate for Paris’ sunnier days, and rather than coming for a full-on study session, one would probably enjoy getting some reading done here. Personally, when studying alone, I actually find it easier to focus on my work when there is some white noise, and this place is perfect in regards to that matter. The architecture is set up in a way that facilitates the entry of a generous amount of beautiful natural lighting, when the weather allows it of course, and the traditional blue mosaics contrasted with the white walls are simply stunning. What is also really charming about this study spot is that you always have the option of checking out the hammam steam room and turning your study session into a spa day!
