33 rue Dauphine, 6th
M° Odéon
Tel 01 43 29 43 43
www.cafe-laurent.com
Wandering around St-Germain-des-Prés/Odéon with my friend, trying to find a quiet bar where we could actually talk…every place we went to seemed to have the same exact annoying techno/dance music blaring. I’m feeling old now, but seriously, when I want to dance I want the music loud. When I want a drink and some decent conversation, forget it. Finally, I remembered that Café Laurent, of the Hotel d’Aubusson, has live jazz every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. They also have a large fireplace lounge just next to the bar, and even a tiny enclosed patio. Sure enough, the bar was packed and the jazz was loud (but not annoying), and the patio was full, too, since it was actually nice out for once this month, but from our sofa in the lounge we could still hear the music while carrying on a conversation. The barman came over and took our orders (i had a Bellini, yum yum!) and we stayed long after the music was over with no problem at all…after all, hotels are always open, right?
Wednesday through Saturday night, from 6:30pm (music starts at 9:30pm), free entry (you have to buy a drink, though; from €10).
Splended. Romantic evening drinking cocktails (and ok on price to). Well done Heather for this recommendation. Would love to stay at the hotel.