Le Comptoir Général in Paris is one of these places that's been in a corner of my mind for a long time, but I never visited it. While filming for Urban Jungle Bloggers this weekend (see our Facebook page for a peek behind the scenes) we walked by the Canal Saint Martin on our way to Holybelly and had to go in. It's a real urban jungle out there with surprising details everywhere. They call themselves the "Temple of Ghetto Culture as well as an art museum: the result of creativity that springs up in poor or marginalised places all over the world. And especially in Africa."
Have a look:
Lots of potted plants, succulents and cacti… in a true cabinet of curiosities. Or like they call it: La Petite Boutique des Horreurs…
The trees and plants grow across the entire (huge!) space:
Unfortunately we didn't have time to sit down for a drink, but it looked very relaxed, a bit boho and a bit Berlin (it is so un-Paris-like spacious here!):
My favorite details were not the plants (wow!) but these African hairdresser signs. Straight from another era:
I also loved to see that this place is not another hipster-white-Parisians place. Sorry, but it's just very nice to see a large variety of people here, old, young, European, African, Asian, vibrant!
Le Comptoir Général is also quite a nice place to write a bit next to a thriving Monstera:
The entire space has different areas, the Endemic Garden, a ballroom, a hairdresser, a library, a classroom and a coffee shop:
What do you think? Don't you agree this place doesn't look like Paris?! Definitely a nice spot if you need a break and want to enjoy something a little different.
Le Comptoir Général /// 80, Quai de Jemmapes /// Paris 10e /// +33 1 44 88 24 48
open every day from 11:00 to 01:00
What an unusual find, very Berlin indeed! Also reminds me of a ruin pub I visited in Budapest.