Cafes can be a leisurely gathering place for friends, a corner to read a good book or an office for meetings. With 30 locations, Starbucks (www.starbucks.fr) has invaded Paris, but French-owned Columbus Café (p.XXX) got a head start. Cafe hours range from 08:00 to midnight non-stop so customers linger for hours over one drink, and remember that standing at the counter is cheaper than sitting at a table. From bohemian styles like Le Loir dans la Théière (p.XXX) to upscale spots like Angelina’s (p.XXX), families can also enjoy sandwiches and salads at cafes across the city. Forget your standard American-style ordering; in Paris Un café or un express is a short espresso, une noisette has a splash of milk, and un grand café or un grand crème means a larger cup. In the evenings, cafes turn into hangouts where professionals rendezvous for a wine or beer.