I love Paris in the Springtime

I had a romantic weekend in Paris to celebrate Mrs. Birkonian's birthday. Apart from the touristy stuff I visited quite a few bars with acceptable beers and thought I'd draw your attention to one.

'Duvel Cafe' is owned, as you'd suspect by the excellent Belgian Duvel Moortgat group. it stocks the beers from it's three breweries, Moortgat, La Chouffe and Liefmans plus a well selected range of other Belgian beers giving a choice of approximately 70 beers. There are also some French specialty beers and a few from Germany also. Regrettably, Coreff handpumped beer from Brittany was not available during my visit.


A big plus point for the bar is its position. Turn left out of Gare Du Nord railway station and it is the first buiding that you encounter, less than 50 yards away. Perfect for those travelling to or from Paris on Eurostar.


Internally, the decor is 'Fin-de-siècle' with ornate plasterwork, mirrors and a pewter bar top with a beautiful mosaic front. The new owners have added lots of modern brewery paraphernalia to give it the feel of a typical Belgian beer cafe. Food is available in the form of croques, burgers and pasta. Out front in the sunshine are tables where you can watch the world go by or keep an eye on the sex shop over the road.

Highly recommended for a quick drink en route to/from the station or a longer session in a part of the city.