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 durĀ appetizer with some wine, bread, cheese and a slice of their tarte/pie du jour. I have neverĀ 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.
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