La Palette

Saint Germain - 6eme, Paris –

Although Paris is well known for its café society, the heart of which is in Saint Germain, it is often difficult to know which cafés offer the best experience and which are simply tourist traps.

Enter La Palette, an authentic Parisian café that offers the true Saint Germain vibe with a good balance of style and French nonchalance.

Opened in 1905, the café was frequented by artists Picasso and Braque, who established the venue’s initial following of creative types – and indeed, the café is still popular with students from the famous French art school, École des Beaux-Arts, as well as actors like Harrison Ford who appreciate the café’s unfussy attitude.

As fascinating as ever, La Palette has maintained the small original structure, which consists of a year-round terrace, carved wood details, and a long wooden bar usually crowded with customers sampling the many wines and liqueurs on offer.

The restaurant area, which serves a simple menu of sandwiches and omelets, features rustic seating and a décor that includes paintings, mirrors, signs, and vintage advertisements.

The delightfully easygoing atmosphere at La Palette draws a more student-based clientele during the late afternoons and early evenings, though as the night progresses, the space is given over to a crowd of local young professionals.