Beats & Eggs Benedict: Jazz brunches in Paris

Down the quiet rue Augureau in the 7th, a buzz of music pulls your feet in the direction of Café de Mars. This revamped bistro is a rare breed, with its clean déco and fresh menu. Owner Pierre, was inspired to open on Saturdays with music by a group of friends who held impromptu concerts together. The result? A pair of acoustic guitars and a singer blend in with the ambiance, rather than taking centre stage. Tables line the café outside, Pierre greets regulars that come in for a bite, people wave to neighbours passing by - you could almost be in a Norman village.

We feasted on an open sandwich, with braised lamb shoulder, on a toasted hunk of bread from top baker Luc Poujauran (the only thing that’s not actually made inhouse) surrounded by rocket and slathers of roasted red peppers; and a filet of tea-smoked salmon with caramelised rice and grilled sweetcorn. A goats’ cheesecake with syrup-soaked blueberries finished off the platter. Sunshine on our faces and music in our ears, Café de Mars hits the spot with this laidback jazz lunch.

Café de Mars
11 Rue Augereau, 75007 Paris
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 12noon-2.30pm, 7.30pm-11pm
Sun & Mon, closed.
Metro: La Tour Maubourg

Café de Mars will be closed from August 5 - 28 

La Bellevilloise is already a firm favourite with the Paris party crowd - events and concerts in the Mediterranean wilderness have become legendary in the short time they’ve been open. Adding another string to their bow, La Bellevilloise maxmimises the brunch experience with a musical spin.

Their two-service jazz brunch, at 11.30am & 2pm, (on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays) is set up in the fantastic Halle aux Oliviers with a sprawling selection of sweet and savoury breakfast items. Waffles, crêpes, smoked salmon, assorted salads, fresh fruit, viennoiseries, English fry up, quiche, brownies…there’s just about everything. It’s not a meek one-plate affair either - the food keeps coming for as many servings you can fit in.

A variety of jazz musicians come to play, from trios to two-pieces. Just make sure you give them a clap between mouthfuls.

La Bellevilloise
19-21 Rue Boyer, 75020
Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 7pm-1am, Fri 7pm-2am, Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11.30 & 2pm for brunch
Metro: Ménilmontant / Gambetta

Destination: Alsace

When? Sat-Sun 9am-6pm

How much? €29

Where? 16 rue de la Vacquerie, 11th

What’s on the menu? Gianduja hot chocolate, teas from De Thé en Thé,  croissants, gianduja chocolate brioche, granola with yoghurt and fresh fruit, Alsatian bibelskäs (sautéed potatoes, lardons, onions, fromage blanc and chives), bouchée à la reine (a type of vol-au-vent) and divine desserts.

Destination: Italy
When? Daily 8am-11pm
How much? €15-20
Where? 30 rue Debelleyme, 3rd 
What’s on the menu? Blueberry pancakes with buffalo ricotta, eggs & balls, meatball–stuffed peppers with melted mozzarella or spicy avocado toast