Where to set up your laptop #1

Maybe you're writing a novel (and what better place to be doing that than Paris?) Maybe you're playing hookie from work. Maybe you just like to stay connected. Whatever the reason, here are a few of my favourite free wifi places around town.

CAFE: Au Carillon
Because writing a novel in Montmartre is so much of a cliché it's actually cool. Because the walls are covered with lyrics and autographs of rock bands (including Phoenix, which is actually French. Mais oui.) Because it's often more full of locals than tourists (no mean feat in this neighbourhood). Because there are plugs everywhere for your computer. Because service is nonchalant, in a really good way.

Au Carillon
1 rue des Abbesses, Paris 18ème
metro: Abbesses, Pigalle

*

CAFE: Delyan

Because it feels like a French version of an English tea room. Because all the tables and chairs are different and the walls are green. Because there are couches upstairs. Because the "Formule tea time" is yummy and only 7 euros for a drink and a home-made cake. Because they have Rooibos tea (my fave, and very hard to find in Paris). Because people tend to stay here for hours and no one ever tries to make them leave. Because you're next to the Tour Saint Jacques which is one of the most overlooked treasures of Paris.

Delyan

8 rue Saint Martin, Paris 4ème

metro: Chatelêt, Hotel de Ville

*

CAFE: Café Livres

Because there are books everywhere. Everywhere. And you can read them if you like if you're tired of trying to write one. Because the owner is likely to start chatting to you when you get writer's block. As is the guy who delivers the bread three times a day. Because brunch is lovely and doesn't make you feel like you'll never be able to eat again. Because it too is next to the Tour Saint Jacques.

Café Livres

10 rue Saint Martin, Paris 4ème

metro: Chatelêt, Hotel de Ville

*

CAFE: Pain Quotidien

Because even though it's a chain (and we don't like chains here at Res Ipsa's Paris), the Montorgueil branch just has that little something special during weekdays that makes it a perfect spot to while away the afternoon hours. Because the salads are delicious. Because the waitresses go out of their way to find you somewhere to plug in the laptop. Because you can get a big wooden table to yourself to spread your papers out on. Because it's on the rue Montorgueil and there are always interesting people to chat with (or eavesdrop on) there.

Pain Quotidien

2 rue des Petits Carreaux, Paris 2ème

metro: Sentier, Etienne Marcel