L'Ours et la Vieille Grille: poetry-filled café-library and wine cellar in a former theater

Between the Jardin des Plantes and the Arènes de Lutèce, a bookshop like no other brings culture to life in all its splendor, offering a whole host of delights for both the mind and the stomach. Transformed into a literary and poetic café in 2021, the Théâtre de la Vieille Grille was a small private café-théâtre from 1960 to 2000! Jacques Higelin and Coluche even performed here early in their careers.

• To be read
• Where to shop for bargains in Paris?
• Tips for the week of November 18 to 24, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• What to do in Paris and the Paris Region in November 2024? Our tips and ideas for outings

Embellished with history and art from the outset, the place has kept the same vocation, specializing in contemporary poetry, as the managers themselves own an independent publishing house, LansKine. This charming bookshop has kept its famous grille in its front and flourishes in a vintage decor, on two floors, where after climbing a tree-staircase, you discover another cosy space to read, eat or telecommute.

Before settling in, or just in search of your next read, you'll find a copious collection of books in verse, but also novels, children's books and other literary genres from small publishers.

You can leaf through your book in peace and quiet, and relax for a moment on the terrace or indoors, at the bar or upstairs. Because while the mind must be nourished, the body must not be forgotten, and at l'Ours et la Vieille Grille, it's not left out! Depending on the time of day or evening - since the place is open until 10.30pm Tuesday to Saturday - you can enjoy charcuterie or cheese boards, lasagne, salmon parmentier or crab rillettes, all organic, fresh and often healthy dishes.

For a snack, cakes, fondants and cookies are just waiting for the literary gourmets, who can accompany them with an ice cream, which we couldn't resist on a still pleasant October day, while teleworking with a pleasant background sound of whispered conversations like in the library, at this hour, surrounded by books.

In the evenings, the bookshop transforms itself into a regular haunt, offering a wine cellar, home-cooked meals and a literary program in an adjoining room currently being renovated, complete with piano. It's an opportunity to meet authors, listen to them talk about their works at public readings, and enjoy concerts in a convivial atmosphere!

Here's a place that's kept all its cachet!