Sunday, August 24, 2025

P’tit Dej at Café de Flore

 
Yesterday I was thinking of running 🏃‍♂️ off to SAUMUR,

Instead I ran 🏃‍♂️ off to get breakfast at Café de Flore.
Go early between 9 and 10:00 am.
The Saturday breakfast line starts forming around 10:30.
I thought I would sit inside and sketch discreetly, but I should have picked a spot in the back instead of front row and center. 
Still the front is lively with all the iconic waiters rushing about.
Every waiter is a potential painting in their graphic black & white uniforms, plus the garnet red upholstery.
I once did a Paris Café letter. I sat in that seat behind the door and sketched. Also it was a weekday so less hectic compared to the weekend.
Today the focus was on FOOD, breakfast, p’tit dej. *It’s good to know Le Flore does not offer a breakfast formule like most cafés. The waiter sniffed a bit when I asked about it 🙄 
At Le Flore, you order everything ‘à la carté / individually. 
À voilà!
I felt a tad nervous painting there in broad daylight.
With my paintbox on the seat beside me 😳 I don’t think the waiters were thrilled…
Croissant on ETSY
I’m glad I waited to paint the croissant 🥐 when I got home..
They have very nice pastries in a big case as you enter..
On ETSY
Which I painted at home later.
Be sure and go up the stairs behind the cash register 
To visit the nice loos. 
Lots of old Café de Flore stuff around. 
Plus you can buy their signature china etc. A fun gift for someone or yourself.
I could not resist the little waiter pins (12€). I am sure they do not do mail order. You will just have to go visit.
An hour later, by the time I left, it was bustling inside and out.
I had to check out those grey hounds, one wearing a white, pleated organdy collar!? That was a first.
 Would you like Parisbreakfast letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox 📮 please visit my ETSY shop.

27 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:13 AM

    Waiters and their clothes are iconic. Their efficiency is fun to watch. Thank you.

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    1. Anonymous9:34 AM

      Yes, Paris waiters never cease to fascinate! A special group like ballet 🩰 dancers or jockeys 🏇

      Delete
  2. Bonnie L9:22 AM

    Good for you, treating yourself to a nice breakfast! I’m surprised at the waiter’s reaction to you painting. I guess the days are long gone when you could sit at a table for the entire day and write, à la Beauvoir or Hemingway. Times change as do people’s sense of what is appropriate attire for breakfast in a major city. C’mon people…you’re in Paris! 🫣

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    1. Anonymous9:33 AM

      Oh it’s the weekend and Paris is full of hungry tourists. Maybe later in the day or on a week day. I forgot about those details 🙄

      Delete
  3. Anonymous9:32 AM

    Ah I miss Paris and the not so friendly waiters!

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    1. Anonymous9:35 AM

      Hahaha Perfect! 😂

      Delete
  4. Anonymous9:37 AM

    Wonderful, wonderful post! Le vieux Paris! How I miss my student days there...

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    1. Anonymous10:24 AM

      Thé waiters will always be Le vieux Paris ❤️

      Delete
  5. Dorrance10:37 AM

    No formule?! Another reason to go to Deux Maggots. They do have a hot drink/croissant formule for 14€. Plus a view; l’Eglise St Germain. Love to go really early, 7:30 - 8:00 ish, before the city wakes up. So civilized!

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    1. Anonymous11:03 AM

      I know…Who doesn’t love ❤️ thé P’tit dej formule.
      Bonjour, habituellement nous employons le mot "formule" pour une proposition non complète telle que : entrée + plat ou plat + desserts. Le menu est logiquement complet soit: entrée + plat + desserts et éventuellement une boisson.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous10:57 AM

    Really enjoyed this post Carol. I looked up the history of the cafe too with the link you provided. Your paintings are wonderful. Always a joy to see Paris through your eyes and camera lens. Merci. -Suzanne P.

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    1. Anonymous11:04 AM

      Thank you Suzanne P.❤️ 🥐 ☕️

      Delete
  7. Anonymous11:00 AM

    Sometimes breakfast just calls to you! 😉 Looks like a nice day.👍🏻

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  8. Anonymous11:09 AM

    What a wonderful start to your day, and mine. Un grand merci Carol, for sharing French life through your discerning eyes. Great post.

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  9. Anonymous12:14 PM

    Beautiful! Beautiful! Thanks so much. My one time in Paris comes to life!!!!

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  10. Anonymous12:31 PM

    I think that stylishly thin dog is wearing the organdy collar to prevent scratching where scratching should not take place.
    Julia

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  11. Anonymous12:38 PM

    So many wonderful memories of the cafe and the attitude of the waiters. I noticed that the dog with the collar has a bandage on its leg. I wonder if the collar is a more chic version of the plastic cones we have in Canada.

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    1. Anonymous3:33 PM

      Qui sait??
      A mystery collar. The woman across the way was wondering too 🤔

      Delete
  12. Dee Ann1:58 PM

    I know it is a tourist destination but I don’t care. I go every time I visit Paris. I have always had good waiters. Last Spring, Nicole and I had the best experience. We wanted to keep the paper table topper from our breakfast. We wanted to take the one on our table. He said not necessary and returned with two clean ones.to take as souvenirs! Thank you kind waiter!

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    1. Anonymous3:31 PM

      All the classic Paris cafes (Le Flore, Deux Magots, Le Select etc.) are worth a visit in my opinion. They are really fun, well-run and not that expensive - good value for money. They are part of the unforgettable Paris experience ❤️

      Delete
  13. Sukicart3:15 PM

    I love those water colors, the dogs and I really need that pin (I collect pins) as it is quite unique. Thanks for my Sunday morning Paris fix.

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    1. Anonymous3:31 PM

      You’re welcome Suki.
      Pin collecting is fun!

      Delete
  14. Anonymous3:23 PM

    Oh, golly, Carol, FABULOUS! And, LOVED seeing you on that gorgeous red settee!! I SO miss traveling! Thanks for keeping adventure ALIVE!! 💕💗🎁 CARLA

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    1. Anonymous3:26 PM

      That is NOT me CARLA!
      I don’t have a buzz-cut yet 🥰

      Delete
  15. Jean M Gaffey4:40 PM

    Thank you for a lovely remembrance of long ago trips to Paris. I love your work & follow you actively.

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  16. Anonymous6:39 PM

    I’ve been to Paris many times but never went to Cafe de Flore because it always seemed too expensive/touristy. But your post makes me want to try it the next time we’re there. Thank you for the lovely pics!

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  17. Anonymous7:04 PM

    As always, you make your photos come alive with the best life lived in Paris.

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