Daphnée Breytenbach

Hanging around Belleville at the weekend often turns into a 'who-can-be-trendiest' competition. Here, where more and more bars and bistros are unveiled, you're not exactly stumped for choice. But because we're always drawn to a newly-opened bar, we went to check out BLV. This one looks like springtime.  Inside, wicker armchairs, light-coloured parquet and lush greenery invites you to relax. Outside, there's the rare luxury of having tables well spaced apart from each other, to preserve intimacy. Smiley waiters pass out the menus which are slipped inside classic novels: traditional or signature cocktails, Languedoc and pinot noir wines, mass-market beers (Amstel, Heineken). Special mention goes to the Old Fashioned: whisky lovers will rejoice.  For snacking, there's bistro-style plates with Asian notes, ideal for sharing. The salmon tartare blended with quinoa, aubergine dip and a super tender beef tataki with honey and mustard curry. In terms of budget, account for at least €20 for two glasses of wine and a dish. OK there's a whiff of snobbery about the place, but that's fairly standard for fashionable and new bars on the scene. Go nonetheless, this is a great little spot.  TRANSLATION: ALICE WHITE WALKER