Even if its website declares it to be ‘the most literary cafe in the neighborhood', this inviting wine bar/ bookstore in Paris' overrun Marais district does not put on airs. Member of the literati or not, all are welcome to crowd in and cozy up with a good book or glass of wine. Shelves stacked with French and international literature as well as a colourful collection of children's books serve as fun conversation starters for the warm crowd of people mingling and lounging about. A glass of house red goes for about 5€, and their cellar features bottles of vins rouges and blancs to-go ranging in price from 5€ to 700€. And even though wine might be the main attraction, La Belle Hortense's regular nights of readings, art exhibitions and lively discussion means you just might learn something while you're sipping. SF