[Note: this review refers only to the brunch menu]
The formula of this international brand is well known, and it works, in branches across Paris. There’s always a friendly space with homely cooking, served at huge communal tables beneath shelves of delicious produce, smelling of toasted bread and freshly brewed coffee. You can’t book ahead, but the staff ably manage the waiting times – still, try and avoid the lunchtime rush.
The menu offers two set brunches, among other things. The Paysan is the standard at €22.95 while the Royal adds in cheese and charcuterie (or salmon) at €25.95. Both are good quality and do exactly what you want them to – cram breakfast and lunch into one great blowout. There’s tea, coffee, hot chocolate, granola, organic fruit juices, poached eggs and toast soldiers, pastries, fresh bread and an army of pots of butter, jam, honey, Nutella and more. The only things missing are pancakes and cocktails, but this is a firmly farmhouse brunch, and none the worse for that.