The origin of the word Bistrot
Bistrot is half-café, half-restaurant, half-bar, a place that exudes a popular atmosphere. The origin of the word remains ambiguous, by consulting a dictionary we find that the spelling of the word is already confused between bistro and bistrot, followed by the sentence : «uncertain origin ».
One of the hypotheses is that the word « bistrot » comes from the word « bistraud » which means « a domestic » and « wine merchant » in the Poitevin dialect (one of the Roman languages spoken in the in the region to the west of France). Others associate the word bistro with a slang word “bistingo” which means cabaret.
The second hypothesis dates back to 1814, during the occupation of Paris by Russian troops. The etymological explanation for this term can be found on a plaque that can be found on the exterior of the Montmartre restaurant “La Mère Catherine”. The great Empire of Napoleon I lives its last hours The cavalry soldiers of the Russian army of Tsar Alexander I, did not miss an opportunity to go to a Parisian bar to drink. A curfew was imposed on the Russian troops, the Cossacks had limited hours of exit and fearing to be surprised by their superiors, at the bar they pressed the coffee makers who served them by shouting in Russian «быстро, быстро» which means «fast, fast» and in French «быстро» is said bistro.
Description d’un bistrot
A traditional bistro consists of a wooden bar, called a counter or even zinc, a coffee machine and a beer fountain. Tables of a simple style are made of wood or iron, covered with Vichy tablecloths in red and white color (Vichy is a checkered cotton fabric pattern, checker sizes vary between 8 to 15 mm
The designs of today’s bistros have changed to include more contemporary open spaces. Wifi connection
In general the bistros have terraces, having coffee or eating on the terrace is common in France, just to sunbathe or read the newspaper. The tables are placed close to each other so that you can exchange with your neighbour the discussion.
But where does the word terrace come from?
It comes from the Latin «Terraceus» which means «earth», the appearance of the word «terrace» was the first that designated the terraces of culture, with the passage of time the spelling changed to have the word «terrace» as we know now.
In the 17th century, after the renovations made by Louis XIV in Paris, Parisians got into the habit of walking along the old ramparts. They had a breathtaking view of Paris and could even see the countryside from afar. The owners of the buildings built along the promenades, rent their doorsteps to cafeterias and caterers, the latter install tables to serve, and the terraces have made their first appearance
The bistro can also be called the café, the cave, the bar, the gargote….all this lexical richness is due to the fact that the bistro is a social meeting place, a cultural center, the mixing of cultures and social ranks.
The bistro over time was also a place of protest: the Rat Mort café at Place Pigalle saw the first gatherings of lesbianism at the end of the 19th century. Women claiming their homosexuality would go for coffee at the end of the day. These bistros played an important role in the French Revolution. Several scenes from Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Miserables” took place in bistros.
So whatever the origin of the word or the role played by the bistro, it remains with the passage of time a place of excesses, excess of drunkenness, ideas of revolt, and even hopes.
Social and Political Meeting Place
Bistros have long been influential in shaping social and political life. These cozy establishments, often found at the heart of communities, serve as gathering places where people from all walks of life come together to engage in lively discussions, exchange ideas, and build connections.
On the social front, bistros foster a sense of community by providing a welcoming and inclusive space. They serve as a meeting point for friends, neighbors, and even strangers, promoting social interactions and strengthening the fabric of society. Bistros act as catalysts for social cohesion, breaking down barriers and facilitating dialogue among individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Moreover, bistros have historically played a role in political discourse. These establishments have served as meeting spots for intellectuals, activists, and political figures, where ideas are shared and debates unfold. Bistros often become hubs of political discussions, fueling conversations about current events, social issues, and policy matters. They can spark activism, inspire movements, and even shape public opinion through their role as informal gathering places for like-minded individuals.
Bistros hold significant influence over social and political life. Their ability to foster social connections, encourage dialogue, and serve as platforms for political discourse makes them integral to the fabric of communities and society as a whole.
Some good bistro addresses
Le Cadore: With its metal counter is the wooden stools the Cadore is located in the 19th arrondissement a family place to eat a good steak with fries.
Le Clown Bar: a bistro that offers «an authentic and simple cuisine, natural wines without artifices» a nice place with a retro decoration made of earthenware representing circus characters.
Poulette: the bar is decorated in the contemporary art-deco style, with earthenware; short menu but with fresh products.
La Fontaine de Bellevielle: A decor dating from 1920, a copper counter of wooden stools, classic dishes, in short everything to fall in the charm of this place, in addition if you are looking for an address for a good coffee there is no better.
