Sun 9 Dec 2007

When I am in Chartier’s neighborhood, often after a walk in the Passages of the right bank, I like to stop for a bite.

Chartier is one of the surviving “Bouillon” where food was served at cheap prices to working class people. Bouillon Racine on rue Racine is an other example of a surviving Bouillon (I am not aware of any other one in central Paris).

This was very late (2:45 or so) and there were just a few customers finishing their meal. I like this place for its authentic 1900s decor.

Food at Chartier is among the cheapest in Paris and of the most predictable kind. It ressembles cafetaria food or a home cooked meal on a low inspiration day.


I order the same type of food every time: assiette de crudites, or pate and crudites or a salad, or an oeuf dur appetizer with some wine, bread, cheese and a slice of their tarte/pie du jour. I have never tasted any main course but I have seen people happy with roasted chicken and fries. Waiters wear the tradional Parisian outfit and like to act rushed and unfriendly which of course they are not.
2 Responses to “A late lunch at Chartier”
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December 11th, 2007 at 2:49 am
I still haven’t made it here. Maybe one of these days…
December 11th, 2007 at 2:55 am
Bonjour, Christiane..
Remember when we went to Chartier the day we strolled along the passages? I believe that was your first dining experience there. I was punchy because I’d just gotten off the plane from San Francisco. I think it was in September of 2004? It was the weekend of la patrimoine…ah, memories!
Karen