Yohanna has achieved one of her dreams. She has created a space that brings together different cultures, social classes and generations, and she is proud of it.

The Belleville district of Paris, once militantly working class, has become trendy—cool. In this newly fashionable area, one of the ‘in spots’ is Le Barbouquin. Compliments from clients are many: laid-back, cosy, great atmosphere, pleasant staff, creative dishes, excellent cakes and interesting events. I might add the adjective quirky.

The Barbouquin—its name a play on bar and bouquin (book)—is quite unique. In a modest 45 quare-metre space, Yohanna has managed to combine a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, bookshop and reading room, while also turning it into a venue for music, dance, storytelling and theatre. It sounds unlikely but it works.

The driving force behind the idea is Yohanna Uzan. And who better to bring something special to Belleville? She has lived in the neighbourhood since childhood. Both her parents worked with underprivileged children in the area, so she knows the place, as we say, like the palm of her hand.

Turning the idea into reality was not easy. Financing proved difficult, but persistence paid off. She persuaded the bank to lend her the money and enlisted artistic friends—a photographer and an architect—to help shape the space.

The Barbouquin is located at 1 rue Dénoyez, in the 20th arrondissement (Metro Belleville), a street already well known to lovers of street art. From one end to the other, graffiti explodes across façades, traffic signs, parking barriers and flowerpots—lurid, colourful, garish, wonderful and occasionally nightmarish. The façade of the Barbouquin has not escaped the aerosol artists, and Parisians and tourists regularly stop to take photographs.

Inside, the décor is just as striking. Tables come in all shapes, sizes and materials: round, square, rectangular; wood, metal and glass. Chairs follow the same logic—wooden-backed chairs with plush seats, old armchairs with padded armrests, a long velvet-covered sofa, a simple wooden bench and a couple of stools. Looking up, you are struck by the individually styled lampshades.

This apparent haphazardness is deliberate. Yohanna loves wandering through flea markets, and giving a second life to a lampshade or piece of furniture delights her. The lighting casts a soft, warm glow on dark evenings—a welcome change from the harsh neon glare of the typical Paris café.

The menu is deliberately enigmatic. The kitchen is small, so creativity is essential. Inspiration comes from far afield — recipes from Japan, Iran, Sweden and elsewhere. Some dishes and drinks are unfamiliar and will probably remain so. Everything is made from fresh produce and prepared on site. There is a large range of teas, coffees, hot chocolates and soya drinks.

All in all, the Barbouquin is well worth a visit—and Belleville, beneath its new polish, has retained a lot of the gritty working-class edge it has always had.

Street Art in Rue Denoyez: Is that Snoop Dog I see? He think he would feel at home around here!