Paris: ‘The greatest city in the world for me’ 🇫🇷

Paris is a city unlike any other, a city of light and city of stone, of letters and of war. Channa Galhenage is a naturalized French citizen who founded Loustic Café in one of the early attempts to create a specialty coffee experience in an authentically Parisian way. ‘Every time you walk down the same street in Paris,’ Channa says, ‘you notice something different on the buildings every time.’

*Channa Galhenage has lived in France for 21 years. Thirteen years ago, he became a naturalized French citizen. Photos courtesy of Loustic Café*

Filter: What do you like to do for fun around Paris?

Paris is the greatest city in the world for me because it’s perfectly adapted to my personality. There is little point in being here if you don’t indulge in the culture, architecture, natural beauty, the ‘Champagne skies’ from April to October, and the truly international population that are not just rich ‘expats.’ Paris has the best value for money out of all the ‘brand’ cities.

So of course, I like to perch atop the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and admire the spectacular views, go for a walk around the lakes, and pull out my paper version of the FT Weekend to read on one of the green benches.

Channa Galhenage has lived in France for 21 years. Thirteen years ago, he became a naturalized French citizen. Photos courtesy of Loustic Café

I like to eat out once a week at a new restaurant, but am a regular at AKE on the Canal Saint Martin, run by Julien Alda, an ex-barista at Loustic and his ladyfriend, the amazing Swedish chef Linda Granebring. I like to drink good ‘vins vivants’ at UVA, a new female-owned wine bar with a nice terrasse. And for culture, the Maison Européenne de Photographie is unbeatable.

I also like to play electronic darts with my daughter at a special bar in the 10th, Les Petites Flèches, and bowling in the 15th at Bowling de Paris - Front de Seine. Shop for clothes at 13 Bonaparte which make shirts with really hip collars. And walk walk walk, or ride a bike around. Every time you walk down the same street in Paris, you notice something different on the buildings every time. Should I stop there?

Filter: If a good friend came to visit, where would you be sure to take them?

All of the above, plus the shows at La Villette, especially at the School for Acrobats based there—they are world class. Live music too, all types: jazz, African, rock, Manouche…

Filter: What do you like to do to escape the city?

This is, after all, France! Take a TGV to Marseille and in just 3 and a half hours, dip my fit in the Mediterranean, and take advantage of the hip culture, eating, and people there—it belongs more to the Mediterranean area than France. It’s amazing.

Filter: What touristy things in Paris are worth the hype?

Going up to Sacre Coeur for the views across Paris and eating all the croissants, etc.

Filter: Where are your favorite hidden gems there?

Buttes-Chaumont and Place Dauphine.

Filter: What's another coffee shop in Paris that you really admire?

Télescope, because it has a French identity and look, and Nico is the funniest guy on earth when he’s not working. Attention to detail and no bullshit with regards to shop rules—no computers, good manners required, no bullshit drinks. Great coffee, particularly AeroPress.

Filter: What makes Paris feel most like home to you?

Its intimacy, great infrastructure, educated people, good lifestyle and quality of life, lack of showing off, no need to show how much you earn. I’m a fluent French speaker who has been here for 21 years. I have respect for the locals' way of life and integrate. I have been a French citizen for 13 years.

Filter: How did you get involved in coffee in Paris?

I was born in Sri Lanka and grew up in the UK. I have a longstanding connection with France and my best friend is French. I came here to study French and stayed. I started in coffee here for selfish reasons, due to a lack of decent coffee.

Filter: What was it like starting and running Loustic Café?

It was easy—like a dream. I took time to learn and acquire skills, knowledge, and the vital actors (architect, accountants, lawyers) along the way. It opened on time and I am grateful for the support I have had since opening day. I dislike people whining about the supposed French red tape—it’s an excuse for their failings. French coffee shops don't run on Anglo-Saxon rules (i.e. very little take away, etc). I am writing a memoir about my experience.

Filter: If you could move to any place in the world just for the coffee scene, where would you move, and what shop would be the biggest reason?

Nowhere!!

But a very second choice would be Palma de Mallorca, which I believe has the best coffee scene I have personally experienced in Western Europe. I like authenticity rather than the cut and paste approach of copying Anglo-Scandinavian models and transplanting them, so I would say that Café Riutort would be the one.

Filter: What have I not asked that you'd love to tell about?

Probably that I have a silly sense of humour and like to rib people relentlessly. That I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. And that I love debate, travel, and to read a lot. No TV.

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Loustic Café sold its original location and is in the process of opening at a new address to be announced.

Food & Beverage

AKE

UVA

Télescope

Parks

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Place Dauphine

Museums & Art

Maison Européenne de Photographie

La Villette