29/11/2025: Fantastic evening at Raymond's, thank you to him for his kindness and his authentic bar, it's a truly magical, timeless place
19/09/2025: Ah, Le Nant chez Raymond, what a magical place! If you're looking for a true Parisian gem, hidden away in the 18th arrondissement on Rue du Ruisseau, this is the place to be. This little bar, run for over 40 years by the legendary Raymond—a 77-year-old man with a beret and a smile that lights up everything—is a pure and simple journey through time. Imagine: a decor frozen in the 70s, with its orange Formica benches, sparkling aluminum light fixtures, and a mind-blowing collection of owl figurines everywhere (the story behind it is adorable; Raymond had a real one at home!). Add to that knick-knacks accumulated over the decades, yellowed photos, and a cozy cramped atmosphere that forces people to squeeze together... and presto, you're in an authentic cocoon where you forget the outside world.
And the prices? A joke! It's the cheapest bar in Paris: a half-pint for €2, a coffee for peanuts, and Raymond refuses to raise anything, even when the end of the month is tough. It's not just economical, it's generous, friendly, with an atmosphere where everyone chats, laughs, and lets loose without fuss. The regulars are like one big family, and newcomers (like me, after reading glowing reviews) leave feeling at home. Raymond is the perfect conductor: discreet, kind, always ready to refill with a wink.
Honestly, if you're in the 18th arrondissement, don't miss it. It's not a bar, it's a living institution, a piece of Parisian soul that resists gentrification. 5 infinite stars, and I'll be back as soon as possible! Thank you, Raymond, you're a legend.