After visiting ten French cat cafes over two weeks in November 2017, I’m satisfied that France’s furballs must be added to the ‘issues the French do effectively’ listing. So modern, so stylish, absolutely the time period ‘catwalk’ should have originated right here.
But should you suppose the kitties are the only purpose to go to France’s cat cafes, you’d be improper. How concerning the probability to pattern connoisseur delicacies in a chic surroundings that Vogue would deem ‘French-girl-cool’?
Leave it to the French to take the cat cafe idea and elevate it from cute & cuddly to fashionable & refined.
Meow-stache: Cafe Moustache, Rouen
The day had began very early once I boarded a bus in Paris for the 2 hour journey to Rouen that Sunday morning in November. By the time I returned that evening, I had skilled a magical day that included some fabulous French felines.
When I arrived in Rouen mid-morning, I used to be in a position to take a leisurely stroll throughout the Seine river into the previous metropolis. I had definitely heard of Rouen, the capital of Normandy and it’s famed cathedral (a favourite topic of Impressionist Claude Monet), however was gobsmacked by the big expanse of medieval half-timbered homes. For the following hour, I took dozens of images and soaked within the historical past.
By the time I arrived at Cafe Moustache, I used to be a bit chilly and in want of a cup of tea. Luckily, I used to be in a position to safe one of many 9 seating areas (they don’t settle for reservations) regardless that I arrived shortly after the 11 am opening. The cafe has been very profitable and I can see why- the ambiance is cheerful, pretty and alluring, stuffed with feline-friendly areas and comfortable nooks for his or her human admirers.
The cafe has partnered with Felin’ Possible 76 for rescued cats. They sponsor between 5 and 7 at one time, ensuring they’ve loads of love and care till they’re adopted. Some of the kitties had been fairly social, going from desk to desk for ear scratches, whereas others had been a bit shy, nonetheless studying to belief once more.
I used to be impressed by the cafe’s dedication to the cats welfare and that they sponsor cats which may not be a magnet for a potential adopter attributable to a lacking eye or leg. Balou, an eight yr previous black and white boy is one such cat. He solely has three legs and has suffered abuse up to now, nevertheless it hasn’t prevented him from dwelling a full life, receiving a lot adoration from the cafe’s patrons. The day I visited, he posed for images like a supermodel!
Food-wise, the cafe has a big choice of cold and hot drinks, plus pastries and some paninis. I had a cup of tea and muffin, each of which had been good high quality.
I used to be not in a position to converse immediately with the cafe’s founders, Julia and Constance, nevertheless their web site offered quite a lot of perception as to their strategy and it’s clear they’ve been each considerate and thorough they’ve been in researching and executing their imaginative and prescient. Cafe Moustache gives a nice, feline-focused expertise that together with the historic metropolis of Rouen, makes for a beautiful day journey from Paris.
Cat cafes will not be usually identified for the meals served to people.
It’s comprehensible if you consider it. Cats needs to be the firstly precedence with a pleasant ambiance and cup of espresso operating a distant second. But France has confirmed that their cat cafes not solely ship on the felines, but additionally connoisseur meals experiences.
Considering the foodie tradition, which may not come as an entire shock. I had wonderful meals in Nantes, Caen and Reims, however Le Darwin, in Troyes stands out as a culinary masterpiece.
Troyes, a 1.5 hour practice journey from Paris, is an historic metropolis identified for medieval half timbered buildings and slender, cobbled streets. I’m hoping it should quickly be famed for its top-notch cat cafe.
Le Darwin is positioned in a gorgeous setting, a sq. subsequent to a Basilique Saint-Urbain that I admired as I arrived shortly after the 11 am opening time. When the signal on the door indicated that was delayed midday, I walked round and took within the sights, which is a bonus of being in France; there may be by no means a scarcity of attention-grabbing issues to gaze upon.
I returned simply after midday to a heat welcome from the host. As I used to be seated, we communicated utilizing a little bit little bit of French (me) and a little bit little bit of English (the host) as our mutual love of cats appeared to transcend the language barrier.
Looking over the menu, there was a formidable choice of delicious-sounding choices. While I used to be deciding, the cats started to make their method over and inside a minute I used to be in love. There are 9 felines in residence, all obtainable for adoption sans two ‘home cats’ Mika & Maya. The kitties, (together with a black short-hair, beautiful green-eyed tabby and a Siamese combine named Fripouille) took activates my lap for ear scratches and cuddles which I fortunately delivered in between lunch programs. I realized that because the cafe’s opening in January, 2017, they’ve efficiently adopted 12 cats.
Normally, I favor to gush about kitties, however oh my goodness, the meals right here was wonderful! The amuse bouche was a chilly garlic sauce topped with croutons and radish whereas my major, an Oeuf frite (tender boiled egg coated in crumbs and fried, like a Scotch egg) topped with bacon was divine perfection.
For dessert I indulged in a crusty almond cupcake break up in two and topped with a dense white chocolate frosting and mango sauce, plus a aspect of icy lemon sorbet adorned with bits of salt, merengue and candied lemon peel. It was very candy however properly balanced by the citrus and numerous textures.
All of this epicurean delight was additionally extremely good worth with two coffees, entree and dessert totaling lower than €15.
If the cats and meals aren’t sufficient to tempt you, the house can be pretty, separated into three areas together with the primary bar, eating room and low nook. The atmosphere is snug and comfortable set to a soundtrack of upbeat, electro-pop music.
My go to to Le Darwin excelled in all areas and whether or not you’re a cat lover or gourmand, I’m assured a go to to Troyes could be a spotlight of any journey to France.
Caen is a beautiful port metropolis in decrease Normandy, roughly 9 miles inland from the English Channel and 35 minutes from Omaha Beach (aka Normandy Beach). It’s an historic metropolis, famed because the burial web site of William the Conquerer.
It is becoming that Au Chat Perché (aka ‘the perched cat’) evokes the previous by occupying a seventeenth century constructing, a part of previous lodge advanced. The house has been modernized, but sensitively retains the options that make it vital and distinctive. The decor is austere and stylish, but additionally manages to be cozy!
There had been 5 cats in residence the day I visited together with three playful kittens that wrestled one another and entertained the patrons. The different cats curiously inspected patrons and, at occasions, jumped into open laps for cuddles. I used to be particularly taken with Gordon, a black cat with a good-looking face and candy disposition.
According to Cyreac, the cafe is in partnership with La Compagnie des Chats Sans Maître, an affiliation which offers the rescue cats. Despite solely being open for a short while (since September), the cafe has already discovered everlasting houses for sixteen felines!
Au Chat Perché is a household affair as Cyreac’s spouse Severine is the chef. She makes a speciality of vegetarian dishes and so I ordered the plat du jour, a scrumptious lentil veggie burger served with curried carrots, rice and salad, plus a pot of steaming sizzling tea. It was an impressive meal!
Even although it was very busy on the Saturday I visited, Cyreac was a sort and pleasant host, and gracious to reply all my questions in English as (sadly) I can solely say please and thanks in French. Merci beaucoup!
With its cool ambiance, candy kitties, scrumptious meals and pleasant hosts, Au Chat Perché positively stands out as memorable and a simple two hour practice from Paris St. Lazare station.
Of course, the candy kitties are the first coronary heart stealers, however different contributors embrace the lovable and comfortable ambiance of the cafe plus enjoyable touches, like espresso cups adorned with cats wearing French Navy (aka Breton or Marinière) shirts.
Then there may be infatuation-inducing metropolis of Rennes itself. The capital of Brittany is famed for a well-preserved historic district stuffed medieval half-timbered buildings that now home lovely outlets, in addition to galettes, a savory crepe comprised of buckwheat.
It’s potential to make a day journey from Paris (I did), however after visiting each Rennes and close by Nantes, I extremely suggest combining cat cafe stops with an even bigger, broader tour of Brittany. The complete space is bodily beautiful, wealthy in cultural custom and crammed with culinary and procuring delights.
At the middle of all there may be to see and do is Le Chat Puccino. Sophie, the gracious proprietor, opened her cafe in August, 2016 on a captivating road adjoining to the historic district and quayside canals of the River Vilaine. Inside, she has created a beautiful surroundings with traditional model, tender music and plenty of pure mild from the big storefront home windows. I used to be fortunate to spend a while together with her visiting about her experiences (in English, merci beaucoup!!).
Le Chat Puccino options rescued cats obtainable for adoption. There had been 4 throughout my go to, however Sophie indicated that she was ready on three extra to reach shortly. In addition to an lovely Tabby kitten and Jolene, Sophie’s personal beautiful queen-of-the-house Tortie (not for adoption), my favourite cat (who has since discovered her everlasting house!) was Lena, a black and white brief haired lady that cuddled with me at size.
There can be a full menu, and whereas I initially sipped a mocha, after watching the wonderful meals being delivered to guests in the course of the lunch hour, determined to order a toastie with aspect salad, adopted by an espresso. Delicious!
It was unhappy to depart, however quickly discovered myself entertained by a late afternoon spent procuring and sipping wine earlier than I caught the practice again to Paris.
After such an impressive day (really among the finest I had throughout my two weeks in France) I strongly encourage you to make your approach to Brittany, Rennes and Le Chat Puccino. Go forward, fall in love for your self!
The Neighbor’s Cat is a complete world cat cafe useful resource with first-hand opinions, entertaining articles and an intensive picture gallery of the cutest cats on the planet. On a quest to go to each cat cafe (137 in 23 nations to date) on the earth, The Neighbor’s Cat may also help you discover the proper cafe to enhance your travels.
The Neighbor’s Cat is the alter ego of Paula LaBine, an itinerant cat lover who writes about cat cafes, rescue/adoption & TNR, and has been featured in Miau Magazine, Katzenworld Blog, The Catnip Times and Taiwan Scene. She is at the moment on a quest to go to each cat café on the earth, 217 in 29 nations to date! Find her at theneighborscat.com or on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @catcafeviews.
