The Parisian wine shop/ bar is as good a place as any to ‘refaire le monde ‘ or -"remake the world" - as the French say, over a glass of wine. Not just any corner bar/shop, mind you, but one run by the right patron - a public benefactor who scours the French countryside for wines to satisfy the usual suspects or a new face such as yours. Many of the wines on offer are hand made by small producers. They will never be found on the shelf of a foreign, or even a Paris, supermarket.
Two of the best in the Left Bank are:
Caves Miard-La Crèmerie This narrow little shop ( located in a stunning former cheese and dairy shop) has scarcely changed since the 1880s - its belle-époque ceiling is a listed monument. The wine list, however, is all about the present. Most of the 200 bottles cost between €6 and €15. There are salads and Italian antipasti to match your Anjou (Domaine de Griottes), a rich, smoky white Givry (Chez Joblot), or a smooth red from Saumur Champigny (Domaine du Collier).
Rue des Quatre-Vents 9 (4354 9930), 6th; Métro: Odéon. Closed Sun-Mon.
La Dernière Goutte (rue Bourbon le Château 6),is a candidate for best little wine shop in Paris. Vintners offer free wine tastings there most Saturdays at 11am and 4pm. American Juan Sanchez runs the establishment, just off the well chosen, Rue de Buci market. Rue de Seine 69 (4354 3469), 6th; Métro: Odeon. Closed Mon.