Craft beer near La Défense - La Caisses de Bières

Paris isn't known for its beer culture, but it doesn't take much searching to discover there are several gems to be found, and La Caisses de Bières is one such gem.

Its location is just outside of Paris, and I've given it a mention because it is a 5-10 min walk from La Défense. This makes it perfect for all the expats working in La Défense, helps to keep the prices down, and shelters it from the tourist crowds.

What makes it a gem?

••  It stocks Belgian and French beers, with around 300 varieties. Belgian beer making up the vast majority (and rightly so).

The search for a decent takeaway crêpe...

I'll start by saying that when it comes to crêpes, you really need to find a good crêperie sit down restaurant. The range and quality is in a different league to your takeaway crêperie, and you get to enjoy it with a traditional glass of cider.

But where to go if you just want a takeaway crêpe? Where to go if you just want to tick the "eat a crêpe in Paris" box on your tourist to do list?

Unfortunately Paris seems to be swamped with sub-standard crêperie stands which are designed to suck money out of tourists. These are ok for a basic sweet crêpe (crêpes sucrées)...let's face it, it's a pancake with a blob of nutella on it...we're not talking rocket science.

Grom - the best ice-cream in Paris...possibly the universe

What could possibly be a better recommendation for my first post on my first blog. Grom - an ice-cream store originating from Italy. And fortunately for Parisians, they have a store in Paris (in 6eme). What makes it the best?

••  quality ingredients, whether it be the seasonal fruit, the milk, the cocoa, the coffee beans, the eggs or even the water (apparently??).

••  no artificial colourings or additives.

••  unique and innovative flavours and an ever changing menu.

All this equals ice-cream flavours with party in your mouth freshness.