Rue Cler, a charming pedestrian street nestled in the heart of Paris’ 7th arrondissement, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. From fresh produce to gourmet treats, this lively street offers something for every palate. Join us as we embark on a delicious journey along Rue Cler, discovering its hidden gems and local favorites.
A Stroll Down the Left Side
Begin your adventure at the top of Rue Cler, near the Ecole Militaire Metro stop. As you stand on the corner of La Motte Piquet and Rue Cler, you’ll be greeted by a grand post office with its bright yellow signs. But before you venture down the street, make a detour to Lenôtre, a renowned gourmet food shop just outside the metro on Ave de la Motte Piquet.
Step across the street, past the post office, and you’ll be immersed in the Parisian charm of Rue Cler.
Discover the best of Parisian cuisine and culture on Rue Cler.
Let’s start our exploration on the left side of the street, where a vibrant array of shops and cafes await:
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A Classic French Brasserie: This charming brasserie, recommended by travel expert Rick Steves, offers a quintessential Parisian dining experience.
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Freshness at Every Corner: One of the largest greengrocers on Rue Cler boasts an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The fierce competition between the street’s fruit vendors keeps prices reasonable. Don’t miss their daily specials displayed outside!
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A Chocolatier’s Dream: This quaint chocolatier will entice you with its delightful aromas and a giant chocolate eclair that doubles as a bench, providing endless fun for children.
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Gelato Delights: Indulge in delicious Italian-style gelato at a popular European ice cream chain. Their signature “rose” creation, crafted with multiple flavors, is a must-try!
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Cafe with a View: This French cafe boasts a spacious terrace, perfect for people-watching. Enjoy a delicious menu, a creative cocktail list, and a cozy, urban ambiance with subway tiles and back-lit bottles lining the walls.
Unveiling Rue Cler’s Hidden Treasures
As you continue your walk, you’ll reach the corner of Rue du Champ du Mars and Rue Cler. Here, you’ll find:
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A Neighborhood Favorite: The Cafe du Marché is a beloved local spot, known for its covered outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the Parisian atmosphere year-round. Be prepared for a crowd, especially during peak hours, as this cafe is a popular spot for the chic residents of the neighborhood. The cafe’s blackboards showcase a selection of daily specials at affordable prices.
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Trendy Cafe Vibes: This trendy cafe offers excellent service and a buzzing atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for a quick coffee or a light lunch.
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A Bounty of Produce: Another large greengrocer on Rue Cler offers competitive prices due to the healthy competition among the street’s vendors.
A Culinary Journey Through Rue Cler’s Must-Trys
As you venture further, you’ll encounter some of Rue Cler’s most celebrated culinary destinations:
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Italian Delights: The lines outside this Italian delicatessen speak volumes about its popularity. They offer a mouthwatering array of homemade specialties, including Italian sausages and meats, fresh pasta, imported cheeses, roasted peppers, delicious desserts, and most importantly, the best Choucroute in Paris! This Alsatian specialty, perfect for a cold winter day, features a delicious combination of sausages, sauerkraut, other meats, and often potatoes. Simply tell the salesman how many people you’ll be serving, and they’ll prepare a generous portion.
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Quirky Cafe Charm: This cute and quirky cafe offers imaginative cocktails and mouthwatering burgers. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner apèro, a classic French tradition.
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Floral Delights: This charming flower vendor offers a stunning selection of green plants and flowers, adding a vibrant touch to the street.
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Organic Wellness: This organic cosmetic and skincare shop focuses on natural beauty, promoting wellness and sustainability.
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Wine for the People: This wine and spirits retailer embraces the idea that wine should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Their mission is to deconstruct the pretentiousness often associated with wine connoisseurship, reminding us that wine is a natural part of everyday life in France.
Local Recommendations & Hidden Gems
To truly experience Rue Cler’s culinary magic, take a look at these insider tips:
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Crepes Galore: This Greek crepe stand, Ulysse, is a local favorite. Their crispy crepes are a must-try, especially the “speciale”, a unique combination of egg, emmental cheese, feta, tomato, onions, and bell peppers.
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A Fishmonger’s Paradise: This renowned fish merchant offers an enormous selection of fresh seafood, from sea snails to crab to fresh fish from the Channel.
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Asian Fusion: Asian fast food shops are becoming increasingly popular in Paris, and Rue Cler is no exception. These shops offer a quick and convenient lunch option, with tables available outdoors on warm days.
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Local Greengrocer Wisdom: This large greengrocer, situated across the street from another similar shop, offers high-quality produce at competitive prices. Be sure to buy their specials, displayed in large quantities outside, for the best flavors and prices.
Rue Cler offers an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you craving more. So, the next time you’re in Paris, make sure to add this charming street to your itinerary and discover the magic of Parisian cuisine.