Willi's Wine Bar

          This is our absolutely favorite place.  Part of the reason is Willi’s poster art – many of which we have framed in our apartment.  The staff has always been nice to us too.  Cost of a meal, including a bottle of wine, for 2 is roughly 90 euros at lunchtime and maybe 110 euros for dinner.

          But stop there for a glass of wine in the afternoon.  Sit at the bar and the staff will help you select a white or red wine.  You might want to spring for a plate of cheese to pass the time.

          To get to Willi’s:  find the Palais Royale-Musee du Louvre Metro station opposite the Le Comeide Francaise on Rue Saint-Honore (one block north of Rue Rivoli); it is a very art deco sign which reads “Metro.”  Find the narrow passage way between Le Comedie Francaise and an outdoor café.  The passageway will lead you to some black-and-white modern art, then to a lovely tree-lined garden with a reflecting pool in the middle.  Walk through the park and exit at the opposite end.  You will exit onto a small street; continue walking in the same direction and you’ll see another small street that goes up a small hill.  In the distance you’ll see a sign for Le Grand Colbert – the restaurant featured in the movie Something’s Gotta Give with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.  But don’t go that far.  The cross street is Rue des Petits Champs.  Turn left and the blue door is #13 Rue des Petits Champs, that’s Willi’s Wine Bar.

          Sit at the bar.  Ask the staff to suggest a wine.  Maybe get some cheese.  Relax a bit.