By: Natasha Archary
Little Paris in Harties is the perfect Summer “French” road trip, offering absolute French vibes. Just 45 minutes outside Randburg, the quaint bistro in Hartbeespoort, offers a quick escape from the city.
Especially if you’re choosing a staycation this December but still want to enjoy a day out with the family.
Cobbled stone walkways and French pattiseries
Established in 2014, the French-themed venue, complete with mini Eiffel tower, was the brainchild of Paul Kruger, a South African movie maker/producer.
You may have heard about the popular Liefling and Pretville movies that were local favourites and some of the biggest Afrikaans movies to have come out of the country.
The café was developed as a set for the movie French Toast. The coffee café was the official bar in the film, which is in Montmarte, Paris. In the movie, it is known as Café Alexandre.
It is the first movie production set to be open to the public and now operates as a restaurant seven days a week, with a Parisian influenced patisserie added to the establishment.
By: Natasha Archary
Little Paris in Harties is the perfect Summer road trip, offering absolute French vibes. Just 45 minutes outside Randburg, the quaint bistro offers a quick escape from the city.
Especially if you’re choosing a staycation this December but still want to enjoy a day out with the family.
Cobbled stone walkways and French pattiseries
Established in 2014, the French-themed venue, complete with mini Eiffel tower, was the brainchild of Paul Kruger, a South African movie maker/producer.
You may have heard about the popular Liefling and Pretville movies that were local favourites and some of the biggest Afrikaans movies to have come out of the country.
The café was developed as a set for the movie French Toast. The coffee café was the official bar in the film, which is in Montmarte, Paris. In the movie, it is known as Café Alexandre.
It is the first movie production set to be open to the public and now operates as a restaurant seven days a week, with a Parisian influenced patisserie added to the establishment.
Seal your love with a signed lock
Walking the cobbled path that leads to the café, it’s easy to forget you’re still in South Africa. From the French novelty shops, Parisian signs and the Eiffel Tower, it’s France on a budget.
Romantic is an understatement, as a number of couples seal their love with a signed lock on the bridge and the tower.
The 12.5m Eiffel Tower replica and “lock bridge” is the perfect backdrop for proposals. In Paris, The Seine River bridge was a tourist attraction for years, with couples attached engraved padlocks onto the bridge.
The keys then get tossed into the Seine river, sealing their love for eternity. Unfortunately, Paris removed all the locks from the bridge last year, while revamping degrading structures.
If you weren’t able to attach a lock in Paris, you can do so in “Little Paris”.
French toast anyone?
You will not find a single French fry on offer at the French Toast Café, quite possibly because they did not actually originate in France. Nope, everyone knows the crispy golden, deep fried spuds were actually first introduced to the world by Belgium.
Instead you will find some of the best French toast in all of South Africa at Little Paris. All meals have a French toast element and there are no burger buns or hot dog rolls, non monsieur (no sir).
I had the Pain Dore’ au Fillet de Boeuf et confit d’oignions/ beeshaas met ure marmalade en bloukaassous. Golden fried French Toast topped with medium rare beef fillet, red onion marmalade, tomato salsa and a blue-cheese sauce.
If you are the more adventurous diner opt for the Eiffel burger. A towering stack of French Toast with crisp bacon, chicken fillet or beef patties, cheese and battered onion rings all served with veggie fries.
There is a kiddies menu with hotdogs, burgers and French toast stack so you are more than welcome to visit with your little ones for a family outing. The kids will love the place and have loads to explore.
Get there early
If you do take the road trip, get there early to accommodate Covid regulations, there may be a long wait to secure a table or to view the tower.
Also read: 5 reasons an advanced driving course in beneficial
Seal your love with a signed lock
Walking the cobbled path that leads to the café, it’s easy to forget you’re still in South Africa. From the French novelty shops, Parisian signs and the Eiffel Tower replica, it’s giving France on a budget.
Romantic is an understatement, as a number of couples seal their love with a signed lock on the bridge and the tower.
The 12.5m Eiffel Tower replica and “lock bridge” is the perfect backdrop for proposals. In Paris, The Seine River bridge was a tourist attraction for years, with couples attached engraved padlocks onto the bridge.
The keys then get tossed into the Seine river, sealing their love for eternity. Unfortunately, Paris removed all the locks from the bridge a few years ago, while revamping degrading structures.
If you weren’t able to attach a lock in Paris, you can do so in “Little Paris”.
French toast anyone?
You will not find a single French fry on offer at the French Toast Café, quite possibly because they did not actually originate in France. Nope, everyone knows the crispy golden, deep fried spuds were actually first introduced to the world by Belgium.
Instead you will find some of the best French toast in all of South Africa at Little Paris. All meals have a French toast element and there are no burger buns or hot dog rolls, non monsieur (no sir).
I had the Pain Dore’ au Fillet de Boeuf et confit d’oignions/ beeshaas met ure marmalade en bloukaassous. Golden fried French Toast topped with medium rare beef fillet, red onion marmalade, tomato salsa and a blue-cheese sauce.
If you are the more adventurous diner opt for the Eiffel burger. A towering stack of French Toast with crisp bacon, chicken fillet or beef patties, cheese and battered onion rings all served with veggie fries.
There is a kiddies menu with hotdogs, burgers and French toast stack so you are more than welcome to visit with your little ones for a family outing. The kids will love the place and have loads to explore.
Get there early
If you do take the road trip, get there early to accommodate long queues for the popular restaurant and there may be a long wait to secure a table or to view the tower.
Also read: Make your braai interesting by adding this to the fire
