PlanetEye

The 13th arrondissement doesn't make it onto many tourist itineraries. Unfortunately so, because this quarter offers an interesting look at everyday Parisian life, from the little Chinatown around Avenue Tolbiac to the architectually questionable Bibliothèque nationale de France, one of the grand projets of Francois Mitterand. One of the highlights of the 13th is the neighborhood known as La Butte aux Cailles.  Only incorporated into the city of Paris in the 19th century, the neighborhood has retained a village-like atmosphere, although its popularity as a destination for going out has increased in recent years.

One of the highlights of the interesting bars and restaurants in the neighborhood is the tea room L'Oisive The.  Since the spring, L'Oisive The has been revitalized by its new owner, who is fulfilling a long-time ambition to open a business in Paris with the same welcoming atmosphere of the coffee shops and cafes she frequented during her days at the University of Kansas. With its sunny yellow decor and tempting menu of light savory dishes, this little tea room is encourages definitely lingering. Don't miss the homemade desserst - just the photos of the chocolate chip cookies alone are swoon-worthy.

Brunch is served on Sundays and the shop also sells tea accessories such as teapots.