can someone please give me some information on french cafes?

Answer 1

This is a VERY vague question !

Ok, just one funny fact: French cafés are also called "Bistrots", and this name "Bistrot" comes from the russian word быстро ("Bistro") which means "Fast". It was heared by french people during the russian Occupation of Paris, the soldier were asking for fast service "Bistro, bistro= fast, fast".

Answer 2

The first Cafe in Paris was the Procope which opened in 1686. The owner was Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli. Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot were loyal regulars. It is still in operation in the same location at 13 rue de l'Ancienne Comédie in the 6th arrondissment.

The word café reflects the fact that these establishments sold coffee.

The cafe occupies an important space in community life in much of Europe and especially so in France. European homes are considerably smaller than those in the United States and in cities, such as Paris, living space is particularly crowded. The cafe becomes an extension of one's apartment rather than merely a place to have a drink or a bite to eat.

In a Parisian cafe you will see people reading the newspaper or writing in a journal, or chatting with friends, often occupying their table for hours on end, something that most American establishments would frown on.

Many tourists, especially Americans, often complain about the high price of a cup of coffee in Paris. They don't realize that they are paying not only for the coffee but, in a sense, for the right to sit undisturbed for as long as they choose.

Part of the charm of Paris is, for me, the sense of being unrushed, of having time to simply watch the world go by or discuss the day's events at leisure in a cafe. It is part of civilized living that often seems to be absent from American urban life.

NB: If you are in Paris and want your bill do NOT ask for "l'addition" (which is traditional) Ask for "la note" like the hip Parisian you are (or want to act like).

Answer 3

They are scattered all over Paris. Tiny tables on the curb with many under awing. Just walk up to an empty table and be seated and the waiter will come over for your order. Order a beverage, hot or cold and perhaps a morsel to eat.

Sit there and watch the world go by! And when you are ready to leave signal your waiter with: L'addition s'il vous plait! for your check.

Answer 4

I particulary love Café de l'Homme, it is in Trocadero establishment, it's very romantic because you have an incredibly view on the Eiffel Tower.
You can find a shor description at the end of this article:
http://www.pizzaconnectionweb.com/Will+Be+IPhone+The+XXI+Centurys+Way+Of+Communications.aspx

Procope it is old and famous, but It's as a museum, you don't have a nice view as you have from café de l'Homme.