Jaunted

First things first – get the name right. Being in France, that 10’s pronounced Dix, not Ten. Secondly, although officially it seems to be called 10 Bar, aficionados (and even the website) refer to it as Bar 10.

Second – don’t be alarmed by the entry procedure. As you come in, the owner (who started a bit grumpy with us but soon cheered up) will shout over at you where is free for you to sit. Once you sit there, his colleague will bring over the drinks. It’s a bit like table service, except on a scruffier scale, and with jugs of homemade sangria on the menu, rather than bottles of Moet. Luckily, the sangria’s only €3.30 ($4.15) a go, and beers start at €3.50, which makes up for the St Germain prices.

When it opened in 1955, Bar 10 was the only sangria bar in Paris. It isn’t anymore, but going in there still feels a bit like going back in time – the walls and ceilings have old show posters stuck all over them, and there’s a pair of red, theatre-ish curtains tacked onto the front window.

It’s also famously friendly, so you’ll probably find yourself swapping philosophical tidbits with your neighbours.

Just don’t make the rookie error of staying upstairs – down a spiral staircase by the door is another, underground bar (an old wine cellar). There’s a bar, and the back wall sports a huge, darkening old mirror in one of the most flouncy frames we’ve ever seen. Apparently, it’s from an old organ – very Phantom of the Opera. Or so you’ll be thinking as you crash out at 2am.

[Photo: Le Jhe]