Café Suédois

The Café Suédois is an integral part of the Swedish Cultural Institute in the l'Hôtel de Marle, a magnificent mansion in the Marais built between the 15th and 18th centuries. You can while away a sunny afternoon with a good book in its peaceful paved courtyard, or retreat to the pretty café if it’s cold and wet. It’s a bit like eating at Ikea, but better. Every morning before opening, a passionate team of Swedish pastry chefs prepare fresh bread, elderflower cordial and a range of seasonal delicacies. The lunch menu consists of a selection of sandwiches, including one with succulent marinated salmon, as well as carrot cake, cinnamon rolls, cranberry tart, and a daily soup special in winter. The latter is a little pricey (€6 for a small bowl), but the sandwiches and cakes are reasonable, and everything is fresh and delicious.