Au Cadet de Gascogne

Au Cadet de Gascogne occupies one of those Paris locations where the view from the table is the main event. Its large terrace opens directly onto Place du Tertre, placing painters, portrait sitters, musicians and the constant Montmartre procession within easy reach of your glass. For that reason, the best use of the address is drinks rather than a tightly judged gastronomic meal: order a beer, a glass of wine, a spritz or coffee, settle in and accept that part of the price pays for an unusually theatrical seat. Early morning offers space and softer light; late afternoon brings the square to life without the full dinner rush. Service can move at the pace of a busy landmark terrace, so this is not the place for a hurried stop. Come to watch, talk and linger. Few drinks in Paris arrive with a more recognisable Montmartre backdrop.