Petit fer a Cheval
This Parisian zinc bar is my all time favourite in Paris.
The food is wonderful, the staff are friendly and it has a great vibe.
If you are looking for the quintessential Parisian bar … this is it, but please don’t tell everyone!
The ancient zinc bar takes its name; Petit fer a Cheval – the little horse shoe from its tiny horse-shoe shaped bar.
Nestled in the heart of the Marais around the corner from Musée Carnavalet, Musée Picasso and Musée Cognacq-Jay and a short stroll from Place des Vosges. It makes for a great spot to stop for a coffee, lunch, dinner or a glass of wine.
With the marble bar at it’s heart, large mirrors dominating the tiled walls, an old converted absinthe pourer which now acts as a water fountain, former timber metro benches that fill the small restaurant area out the back, all of this adds to the charm of this tiny but popular bar and café frequented by the locals.
Secure a spot at the bar and ask what the plat du jour is (dish of the day) it will be something traditional yet simple, delicious and inexpensive or choose from the chalk board menu.
Wine is served by the glass, by the bottle or in a ‘pichet’ a small jug or carafe.
Expect to see on the menu confit of duck, filet mignon, steak tartare, a wonderful goats cheese salad, a selection of cold meats and a simple yet delicious dessert menu.
Although their Tarte Tatin will have you talking about it long after you have left the tiny bar.
Order a hot chocolate drink and you will get the real deal; a ‘chocolat chaud à l’ancienne’.
What is all the excitement about?
This is a traditional Parisian hot chocolate drink. Melted chocolate, smeared around the inside of a cup and served with a steaming hot jug of milk to add as you wish. Simply delicious!
In the evening you can either pop in for a plate of cold meats and a glass of wine.
Better still stay for dinner you can eat at the tiny bar, on the street, or out the back in the restaurant area.
Be sure to either get there before the crowds or book ahead. It is popular and small, so don’t be disappointed.
Later in the evening the bar comes alive, staying open until 2am.
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Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Au Petit Fer à Cheval
30, rue Vieille du Temple
75004 Paris
01 42 72 47 47
Opening Times:
Monday – Sunday
7am – 2am
Nearest Metro:
Saint Paul or Hotel de Ville
Reservations :
Recommended if you want to sit out the back, it is small and can get busy.
Places to Explore Nearby :
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Musée Cognacq-JayThis stunning home of Samaritaine Department store founder, Ernest Cognacq-Jay and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, includes Fragonard, Rembrandt, Cézanne ...
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Musée CarnavaletLocated in the heart of the Marais, this museum is dedicated to the history of Paris. Boasting 600,000 pieces, ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries.
- Bastille MarketsThe Bastille Markets are everything you could hope for in a typical Parisian Market; vibrant, colourful, delicious and intoxicating.
Marché d’AligreThis small ancient and charming undercover, neighbourhood market which is full of friendly vendors and a sumptuous array of food also has a small flea market outside.
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