Le temps des cerises

A distinctive red and yellow mosaic facade from the 1930s marks the corner of rue de la Cerisaie, a street named for the cherry orchard that once stood here. The building itself is much older, a small house with medieval roots that has been operating as a restaurant since 1830. This deep history is the foundation of Le Temps des Cerises, a traditional bistro that serves the Marais from breakfast until late into the night. Inside, the space is small and intimate, with an interior that also dates to the 1930s. The decor was crafted by the Compagnons du Devoir, a respected French artisans’ guild, and its quality shows in the details – the long zinc-clad bar, the dark wood cabinetry, and the simple bentwood chairs. Murals depicting historic Parisian street scenes wrap around the walls, adding to the sense of stepping into a different era. The food is classic French bistronomie, a style focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find the day’s menu written out on blackboards, a straightforward list of traditional dishes. Staples like escargots, steak with fries, and boudin noir share space with plates like tuna tataki or Morteau sausage with potato salad. The wine list is well-suited to the food. Service runs continuously seven days a week, making it a reliable spot anytime. The terrace tables along the street fill up quickly in good weather, and the dining room is often full for evening meals, so making a reservation is a good idea. The restaurant’s current name, adopted in 1968, is a reference to a famous song associated with the Paris Commune, connecting the place to yet another layer of the city’s history.