Co working Cafes and Writing Spaces

Savvy, Parisian cafe owners have acknowledged our need for a productive space. They are reimagining the role of the cafe, and working to eliminate the usual issues that come with writing, presenting, and working in public. If you struggle to get into the work flow waiting for a waiter to emerge, or often feel obliged to order one too many coffees to stay put, the ‘Anti-cafes’ may be for you. Located at Beaubourg, Louvre Rivoli and République these co working spots are frequented by writers, illustrators and creative, meet up groups. Instead of paying for a drink or a bite to eat you pay per minute and are welcome to as much as you like during that time. The food steers away from usual cafe fayre that needs cooking to order and untraditionally, you serve yourself. You help yourself to healthy snacks as and when you please, but order your tea or coffee in the usual way. You can connect to projectors for presentations, free printers and even hire out an entire room for a group meeting. Similar establishments are beginning to appear all over the city. If you like the sound of this pay per minute system head to the Marais and check out ‘Unicorners’ where you can tuck into a croissant in a comfortable chair with plenty of space. Just a few streets away resides ‘Le 10h10’, but only head here if you don’t mind a serious case of wallpaper envy. (Anti Café Louvre-Rivoli pictured beneath).

Anti Café Louvre Rivoli: 10 rue de richlieu, 75001
Unicorners: 67 Rue Beaubourg, 75003
Le10h10: 19 Rue de Clery, 75002

                                               

For those who prefer a more traditional cafe experience there are plenty of charming places that encourage productivity. ‘Le Barbouquin’ of Belleville is perfect for writers seeking inspiration. Nestled on the corner of colourful, street-art hotspot Rue Denoyez, this cafe come bookshop is full of second hand gems from around the world in a wide variety of languages. Owner Yohanna Uzan was working at another cafe beside Canal St Martin when she asked to set up a small book stall, which has now sprawled across the entire back wall thanks to visitors dropping off second hand reads of their own. Despite following the usual cafe routine there is no rush to leave after finishing your drink. You can continue working, thinking or reading among the beautiful mismatched crockery, postcards and artwork as long as you like. There is space for groups beside the large windows, and plenty of little corners to curl up alone with your laptop.  
Le Barbouquin: 1 Rue Denoyez 75020.

If you aren’t in need of inspiration and want somewhere free from distractions to work solidly for a while, head to Bastille and the minimalist calm of ‘Passager'.  If you love avocado, exposed floor boards, and teapot plant holders you will not be disappointed. Owned by the same people as the popular ‘Starvin Joe’ round the corner, Passger boasts a light, airy setting and a strong brunch menu. You can order a Chezem of coffee for two that will keep you going long enough to write a novella, and the Matcha latte is one of the best in town. You are never short of options in this City, and there is definitely somewhere for everyone to work in peace in Paris. 
Passager: 107 Avenue Ledru-Rollin 75011

Written by Mabel Wattam