Cafes in Paris

The cafes you have listed are some of the most popular in Paris, real places to see and be seen -- and going to at least one of them might be fun for lunch. They will be pricey though, but it's an experience. I personally think Laudree is a great place for lunch, particularly with a young child, (it is a charming tea salon and I would choose it over Foquet's on Champs Elysee) -- it's just down the street. Angelina on rue du Rivoli is great also. You might want to seek out a smaller, less popular neighborhood place to hang out in also, get more of a feel for "real" Paris -- there are many such places in Paris, you will see them.

Dorsey - I think you are selecting Paris' literary historic spots for a tour - not necessarily the best cuisine. Enjoy the tradition and don't worry about what is best from a foodie perspective.

AS Doug and BG have implied, it's kind of an odd list. From it, I'd pick Deux Magots because (1) it's in my favorite part of town and (2) you've seen pictures/posters of it your whole life (or will in the future if you're not aware of it already) and it would be fun to recall that you once went there.

If it's grub you're after, don't limit yourself to "cafes"; open up to bistros and brasseries as well.

As to finding a good one, it's not hard at all. When you decide you're ready to eat, walk a couple of blocks (looking down the side streets as well). Try to spot a place that has quite a few folks (none of whom have maps or guidebooks), a mixture of people eating alone (and probably reading something not written in english) as well as in small groups, and probably one or two folks with shopping bags. You've found it; plop down and enjoy yourselves.

For picnic with the grandaughter consider Lux Gardens or the Botanical Garden or simply sitting on the edge of the quai (maybe on the left bank across from Notre Dame?). Also, since the wee kid's legs might get tired, the BatoBus (hop on/off affair) has a stop just upstream from the Pont au Double. No narration as I recall, but it's a nice alternative for getting around or just taking a break and enjoying the view from the river. It runs a continuous loop from the Jardin des Plantes to the Eiffel Tower. Not sure of the hours, 10-7 maybe. Cost is about €10 for adults and half that for kids.

I agree with the Laduree and Angelina suggestions. I feel Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore are overrated but maybe you should go to at least one of them and decide for yourself. They are often mentioned as good people watching sites but there are many good people watching sites in Paris. I enjoyed Cafe Marly and also recommend visiting the Luxembourg Gardens.

When we were in Paris with our teen age boys we enjoyed Relais Entrecot. It's just steak,frite and salad, plus dessert. But it was reasonably priced and friendly. There are at least two locations in Paris

Just noticed the Deux Moulins question. Like Paris Hilton, it's mostly famous for being famous. Rather underwhelming once you get there. There are several places along the street (name disremembered) that runs by Place du Tertre that are touristy and of about the same caliber. There are a couple of grocery stores in the Montmartre village. Buy some picnic stuff and go eat on the steps in front of Sacre Cour and enjoy the view.

Slightly off topic...if you are interested in cafes, and these in particular, I suggest you read "A Moveable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway prior to your trip. It's an autobiographical look at his life in Paris in the 1920's. (Lots of hanging out at cafes). It's one of my favorite books.

There is one quote in the beginning of the book that I always remembered and helped me make the decision to plan my first trip to Paris:

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."

Do keep in mind though this was in reference to the Paris of the 1920s when it was without doubt the center of the artistic world. Paris is wonderful, but I wanted to add that bit of context.

Also, on the Hemingway topic (I agree Moveable Feast is a great read before or during a Paris trip) there is an excellent "Paris Walks" tour of Hemingway's Paris. It covers far more than Hemingway and gives an excellent historical presentation to the area around Rue du Cardinal Lemoine. The tour also debunks some of the romatic memories Hemingway presents in Moveable Feast.

http://www.paris-walks.com/download-pdf.html