Tea house near Bastille (Paris 12): MAISON LE TE on rue Saint-Maur

The 12th arrondissement and its tea house offering

The 12th (Bastille, Nation, Bercy) is known for its wine bars, period brasseries, the Promenade Plantee. Tea houses are rare, and most faubourg Saint-Antoine cafes serve a teabag. For a 12th resident or visitor seeking a true single-origin tea house, the simplest is to head up to the 11th. MAISON LE TE, at 136 rue Saint-Maur, is 15 minutes on foot from Bastille via boulevard Voltaire.

The walk from Bastille

From Bastille (lines 1, 5, 8), up boulevard Voltaire to rue Saint-Maur (15 min), turn left. From Ledru-Rollin (line 8), via rue de la Roquette then up (18 min). From Nation (lines 1, 2, 6, 9), take line 9 to Voltaire (6 min) then 7 minutes on foot. The walk from Bastille is flat, lively, rather pleasant in early afternoon.

The Taiwanese menu

MAISON LE TE offers a Taiwan-focused selection. High-mountain Taiwanese oolong Ali Shan is the signature, with roasted Dong Ding and Sun Moon Lake black tea. Taiwanese matcha whisked with bamboo to order. Seasonal Asian pastries with black sesame, taro, matcha, yuzu. See the full menu.

For Bastille residents seeking calm

Bastille is one of Paris's most lively neighborhoods, especially at night. For a really calm tea time, the classic 12th offers few options. MAISON LE TE's room, taller-ceilinged with exposed brick and light wood, offers a calm atmosphere all day. 12th regulars often head over in early afternoon to study, read, or have a coffee-tea between meetings.

See also

Tea house Paris 11, tea house Paris 10, brunch Paris 11. For the Palais-Royal version, Le Te at Palais-Royal.

Booking

Open daily 11am-10:30pm. Booking recommended on weekends via the contact page. Midweek, table available without booking between 3pm and 6pm.