Café-boutique Les Tatas Flingueuses, on the bustling and cosmopolitan Rue de Paris at Montreuil, was set up by Montreuil natives with a real and vested interest in diversifying their neighbourhood. Locals can stop in for a well-pulled ristretto, a fresh lunch (the daily menu is prepared with seasonal produce from the neighbourhood market) or to browse the shop’s vast array of goods, from jewellery and vintage clothing to stationary, home décor and other crafty knick-knacks. The shop isn’t simply a novelty either; the merchandise is carefully selected (mostly artisan-made and exquisite) and exceptionally affordable (starting at €1), so it’s actually a struggle to leave empty-handed. And indeed, Les Tatas Flingueuses – with its commitment to promoting the work of Montreuil artisans and artists – has been a runaway success since opening in January 2015. The café’s Sunday brunch is especially popular.
The retro-pop décor and rockabilly soundtrack (Johnny Cash fans will enjoy) create a cheerful ambience, and the warm and welcoming staff are on a first name basis with the local clientele. Delightful.