Where is the Paris Starbucks?
#83

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,948
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I believe the Starbucks we saw was on the Blvd. St. Germain. We peeked in to see who the clientele was and what the prices are like. Looked like the clientele was not mostly Americans. I thought the prices seemed a little high.
#85
Joined: Jun 2004
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Another point of view. I hate the taste of coffee and also the smell. When we were in Bath a few years back, my husband insisted on going to Starbuck's for his coffee. I complained, felt he shouldnt patronize the place, but when we tried the local cafes, we were blasted so badly by the cigarette smoke, that I stopped arguing with him. I let him choose Starbuck's for his coffee break from then on. at least it is NO SMOKING and that is a decided advantage.
#86

Joined: Apr 2004
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I didn't see a Starbucks when I was there in April. Seriously? That's your "just for fun" experiment in Paris? Mine would be sampling their coffees, pastries and wines, and all the accompanying conversations with the french in local cafes. But I guess that's what makes the world go 'round.
#88

Joined: Mar 2004
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posters on another board were horrified when it was announced that starbucks would open in paris. i do patronize starbucks from time to time, especially in the summer for a frappicino. having said that, when i'm in paris it is ever so much nicer to sit somewhere, have your cafe and watch the world go by but if i needed a "caffine blast" and starbucks was handy, i certainly would stop in. there is a poster on another board who lives in paris and she said that it seemed to her that there were more americans and japanese patronizing the starbucks than the french...at least that was her observation. on my first trip to london several years ago, as i was walking around the piccadilly area i happened across a starbucks and almost kissed the pavement in front of the door. the coffee i had been getting had been so horrible. i had back to back lattes...LOL
#96
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 724
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The other is below the Opera as you walk toward the Louvre. Just don't ask Stephen at Cafe de la Paix. After a delightful dinner at their sidewalk tables, we ask our waiter where Starbuck's was and we greatly offended him. His response was "Oh, Is there a Starbucks in Paris?" and was chilly the rest of our time there. We found Starbuck's about three blocks away.
We had stumbled upon it a couple of days earlier and wanted to return to buy an oversized mug as a souvenir to take home (great present for the Starbucks fan at home!)
It's at 26 Avenue L'Opera and you can see a map and photo at www.pagesjuanes.fr.
We had stumbled upon it a couple of days earlier and wanted to return to buy an oversized mug as a souvenir to take home (great present for the Starbucks fan at home!)
It's at 26 Avenue L'Opera and you can see a map and photo at www.pagesjuanes.fr.
#98
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 724
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I know. The immediate shutdown was actually comical. I explained why we wanted to know, but Stephen was no longer our friend.
Which reminds me about two things that really surprised me about Paris/ France.
1) It REALLY does stay light very late in the day. We were finishing dinner at 9pm and if I had guessed I would think it was only about 7:30 or so. Starbucks was closed - letting customers out but no one back in - even to buy a souvenir.
2) EVERY waitperson was very nice and accomodating. Of course there was the initial aloofness, but were very patient with our limited (okay, none) French, took pictures of the two of us, etc. Very, very cordial and helpful - until we offended Stephen. Even then, his change in attitude was more theatrical than offensive.
Which reminds me about two things that really surprised me about Paris/ France.
1) It REALLY does stay light very late in the day. We were finishing dinner at 9pm and if I had guessed I would think it was only about 7:30 or so. Starbucks was closed - letting customers out but no one back in - even to buy a souvenir.
2) EVERY waitperson was very nice and accomodating. Of course there was the initial aloofness, but were very patient with our limited (okay, none) French, took pictures of the two of us, etc. Very, very cordial and helpful - until we offended Stephen. Even then, his change in attitude was more theatrical than offensive.
#99
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 621
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yet another Paris Starbucks report. Funny coincidence, but my daughter had a cup of coffee in a Starbucks in her neighborhood this past weekend, which just opened. She said it had quite a crowd! She'd been away on business in Brussels, and it was there upon her return. Personally, since I don't care for French coffee, I'd be stopping there, although I don't buy from Starbucks here.
#100
Joined: Jan 2003
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I just returned from Paris and walked past a very large and busy Starbucks a number of times. It is right by Odeon, corner of Blvd. St. Germain and the cross streets (Rue de Ancienne Comedie which changes names to Rue de Odon as it crosses). Starbucks is on the south side of this busy intersection. You can't miss it if you are there.

