This striking red cafe was dramatic even for Paris, and understandably, it attracted my attention. An opportunity for visual pop and street photography was an irresistible combination. Like many of my photos, I didn’t know the establishment’s name, but I just snapped pictures that caught my eye.

As I explained before, I rely upon Google Maps to research and backtrack my path through cities. I started at the Sacre Coeur, clicked around, and followed paths in street view until I found this cafe. What I didn’t expect was its historical significance.

Called La Mere Catherine and founded in 1793, it’s one of the oldest restaurants in Paris. According to my research, it’s now mostly a tourist attraction. We didn’t go because we had lunch plans elsewhere. However, the red cafe made for a lovely backdrop for street photography.

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