Cherche Midi
Paris 6^e

« chercher midi à quatorze heures »

Comes from the former sign at no.19 illustrating the well-known French expression “chercher midi à quatorze heures”, literally meaning to look for noon at twelve o'clock but actually used to say someone is making things more complicated! The enamel plaque that replaced the original is still there today, held up by a cherub and depicting an astronomer measuring the degrees of a sun dial with his compass.

Having escaped the frenzy of Haussmann’s remodelling, the lovely Rue du Cherche-Midi and the surrounding streets have a charm and curve that are a far cry from the Baron’s straightness and contain a piece of Paris’ soul.

The creativity and history of Paris are tucked within its meanders, which is why you have to keep your eyes up so as not to miss the commemorative plaques affixed here and there.

It was at no.17 that the Duc de Saint-Simon wrote his delectable anecdotes of the court of Versailles, at no.44 that Abbé Grégoire died during the French Revolution and at no.55 that Louise Hervieu once lived, the woman behind France’s health booklet for families.

A stroll down the rue du Cherche Midi

Facade Hôtel particulier parisien de Choiseul-Praslin

The tone is set - here, the Parisian hours tick by at an almost meridional pace.

Not to be missed

Walk in wonder under the mascarons of the impressive and incredibly well preserved Hôtel de Choiseul- Praslin (now the Banque de France), a testament to the district’s noble roots.

Or venture into the courtyard of the Hôtel de Marcilly to admire the superb ironwork, before revelling in a daydream on the walls of the little Hôtel de Montmorency.

Parting from this district where time stands still is such sweet sorrow, but not before a stop in front of the pediment of no.56, where the carved inscription reads: “Midi vrai de Paris” (Paris' true midday). A ray of sunshine that will light up your day whatever the weather.

Facade hotel particulier avec fenetre façon vitraux

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Dessin rue du Cherche-Midi Guillaume Reynard Varenne

Neighborhood Life

Bustling and family friendly, the district is filled with charming little boutiques and unique restaurants.

Simplicity and energy are a convention here, where good food is enjoyed without any fuss in local bistros and watering holes like Le Petit Verdot, Le Cherche-midi and Le Troquet.

Big names like Pierre Gagnaire’s Anicia and Sauvage bring a gourmet touch to the district.

Those with a sweet tooth and bakery aficionados, meanwhile, will be in seventh heaven at Poilâne, a favourite among residents, and Colorova, popular for an afternoon treat.

Take time out for yourself at Mamie Gâteaux, Ten Belles and Café Trama, get a taste of the sun and the Basque Coast at Maison Pariès, enjoy the feel of Naples at Mimi or take a trip to Asia as reinvented by Pierre Sang, topped off with a pinch of sugar at Maison du Mochi.

The abundant little shops, all archetypes of the district, are both delightful and original, like La Cerise sur le Chapeau or the Cherche-midi hardware store.

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