The Hidden Bar in a Laundry in Paris

As Plato said in his work The Sophist: "Appearances deceive, and it is necessary to go beyond them to discover the truth." That's what we need to do to uncover one of the most peculiar entertainment spots in Paris, called Lavomatic.

Its name might give us a vague idea of what lies behind it, and indeed, the laundry located at 30 Rue René Boulanger hides a secret worth discovering. As soon as you cross the threshold, there are no signs or anything that indicates that one of the trendiest spots in the tenth district of Paris is right there. Yes, hidden behind a washing machine that looks just like all the others, which are usually functioning at full capacity to get their users' laundry done.

Here the traveler has the first clue. That washing machine that isn't in use might be the one that opens the doors to this particular Ali Baba's cave. And we won't give any more spoilers. Let the traveler endure a little while the laundry's users watch with amusement as they search for the access button.

Once the magic button is found, one must pull on the door of the washing machine's drum and voilà! Without fear, you must step inside and go up some stairs that lead to a charming venue divided into various areas. The decor is quite eclectic, from seating shaped like detergent boxes to swings, tall tables, and some mismatched armchairs.

Lavomatic is a trendy spot and is usually quite crowded; in fact, they are so popular that they have stopped taking reservations and do not allow entry to large groups. They open from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 6 PM and close around 1 or 2 AM, depending on the day.

If you're considering visiting this curious place, you should know that cocktail prices start at 9 euros, while a glass of wine is 5.50 euros. You can also order some snacks, as they have a menu featuring everything from vegetable crudités to oysters, along with ham or a burrata appetizer.

In short, if you are in the 10th district, besides visiting Canal Saint Martin, Gare du Nord station, or the food market on Rue Alibert, you can do your laundry at Lavomatic and, hey, why not grab a drink at its clandestine bar?