In a popular café in South Korea, it’s not uncommon to see customers writing letters to themselves. In fact, it’s the very essence of this café with a little extra soul. What if a letter could change your life? Perhaps you’ll find the answer at the heart of France’s first letter café, about to open in Paris…
Café à lettres, a concept straight out of Korea
The idea of the “letter café” originated in South Korea. More precisely, in Seoul, in the heart of the vegan café called Nuldam Space. Here, a gentle epistolary interlude awaits dreamers eager to find meaning in their lives. If the concept appeals, we could find a thousand reasons for it. To reconnect with the pleasure of writing, to (re)discover the beauty and power of words. To think about life, while the coffee’s still hot. Have a heart-to-heart with yourself, and ask yourself the right questions. Am I on the right path? Have I left my dreams behind? Am I at least happy?
A few words of love…
At the heart of the Nuldam Space Café, customers receive two postcards and an envelope for 4,000 won ($4). The idea? Write a letter to your future self and send it to the address and date of your choice. Will your dreams have come true by then? Will you be happier, or proud of how far you’ve come, when you receive your own letter? In any case, the idea of the “letter café” is a fine initiative, full of poetry at a time when we’re constantly glued to our phones.
Café Pli: France’s first letter café opens in Paris
And now this lovely concept is being exported to France. Café Pli, France’s first letter café inspired by the Nuldam Space Café, will open in the heart of Paris’s flourishing 11th arrondissement. As of July 17, this sweet cocoon on rue du Faubourg du Temple will be opening its arms to you. Over a cup of coffee or a pastry, you’ll be able to enjoy a tête-à-tête with your future self.
A wide selection of cards, felt-tip pens and wax seals will be on hand to make your letter unique. Once you’ve written and sealed your letter, all you have to do is place it in a “letter cabinet”, specifying the desired delivery date. In 1 year, in 5 years… the decision is yours. And to make this literary and spiritual experience even more beautiful, you can choose to send your letter to a loved one, in a few months or a few years. A lovely touch, reminiscent of the PS masterpiece : I love you (get out your handkerchiefs.)
A steaming cup of coffee, the scent of paper, the soul laid bare, time seemingly suspended… Sitting down in the heart of France’s first letter café is an opportunity to say to yourself “it’s going to be all right”, “you’re going to make it”, “everything’s going to be all right”. And yes, everything will be fine.
Café Pli, 38 rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75 011 Paris – Opening July 17, 2024