There's nothing quite like the taste of coffee with a little added spoonful of French. That sweet language just drives away the feeling of a bitter day.
Here is my list of the top 5 cafes in Melbourne to grab a coffee and listen to people speak French...
Time for a coffee and croissant...
Breizoz 2/49 Brunswick St, Fitzroy (enter Gertrude St)
On first glance, Breizoz seems like an overpriced creperie, but you must penetrate beyond the closed facade. Not only do most (if not all) the waiters speak French, but Breizoz is dedicated to giving clients the 'French experience'. The Fitzroy cafe/restaurant holds free casual French conversation evenings on every third Wednesday of the month, and provides set menu options for teachers to bring in French language students. Their galettes also have this ability to tansport you back to La Bretagne... especially with a little cidre on the side.
La Parisienne Pâtés 290 Lygon St, Carlton
We are so spoiled to have a French Charcuterie in Melbourne, especially since all the produce is made by owner-couple Stephan and Muriel in their small factory just off Lygon St. Most of the staff are French natives, and happy to engage in some French conversation if you are willing. Otherwise, just order a satisfying coffee and baguette for lunch, or even a Marriage Frere tea, and take in the French languagee and the tasteful French decor. Don't forget to get that wash-rind cheese on your way out!
La Niche 67 Smith St, Fitzroy
La Niche is just the epitome of the French-style Melbourne. Not all the staff at La Niche are French speaking, but French owner Antony has done an incredible job creating an accessible French-style bistro/bar in Fitzroy. The French food and wine is afforable and excellent quality, and you can usually find a French-style band or singer playing there once a week. To top it off, La Niche is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
La Petite Creperie 32 Hardware Ln, Melbourne CBD
Most definitely the case that every new arriving French native on a working-holiday visa applies for a job at La Petite Creperie. Hence why it's by far the best place for some 'crêpe' French listening! Order a coffee, and take a seat near the front counter or at the window to just escape from the city scape, and pretend you're in France.
Choukette 318 Syndey Rd, Brunswick
Choukette is just your run of the mill French-style patisserie. It's not pretentious at all, they just know that making fine French pastries is where it's at. Sometimes the staff are French natives, but more often than not you will find young French people frequenting this patisserie for their encroyable, oh so French croissants. Really, they are amazing. I'll go get one now...
Do you have a favourite place to grab a coffee and listen to French in Melbourne?
