Gridskipper

As we mentioned last summer, Paris provides free Wi-Fi access from more than 260 public parks, gardens, and monuments. A beautiful idea, but those of us with real work to do need a table and a beer. Helping us out are a number of cafés and bistros that serve free Wi-Fi along with their liquid offerings. And profiling these joints is a nifty little website that rounds up more than 140 hotspots in Paris and plots them on an easy-to-use map. Cafés Wifi selects their monthly favorites — those cafés that provide a free, fast, and always working connection, along with pleasant working atmosphere — and reports on the price, the clientele, and the number of electrical outlets. It's a freelancer's wet dream. This very article, including the photo, was posted from #4, la Fée Verte.

l'Arobase
101 rue du Chevaleret 75013 Paris
With low prices and a nice local clientele, l'Arobase (the French word for @) is a real success. In addition to offering Wi-Fi, they've set up a station with three computers for clients who come from the nearby national library.

Bazart Café
36 boulevard Henri IV, 75011 Paris
This café on a buzzing Bastille neighborhood boulevard is draped in '30s-era style. Service is friendly; Cafés Wifi describes the decor as similar to "Aunt Agatha's country house."

Café Trésor
5 rue du Trésor 75004 Paris
Those who need a break from the tourist hordes of the Marais can seek refuge in this très bobo café. The sexy decor is in shades of red, and the Wi-Fi connection is reliable. Be prepared to pay for your chic Costes brothers experience — the drinks are nearly double the price you'll find at these other places.

La Fée Verte
108 rue de la Roquette 75011 Paris
Between Bastille and Voltaire lies "the Green Fairy," a plant- and sunlight-filled cafe with cheap drinks and a local clientele. Working is discouraged during lunch unless you also are eating, but afternoon hours find this spot filled with laptop warriors.

Chez Félicie
174 Avenue du Maine 75014 Paris
This gorgeous Art Déco cafe is a real treasure in the residential area of Alésia. Ask your server to provide the WEP code, and feel free to spend hours surfing in this sweet neighborhood spot. Drink prices are a little higher here than at some of these other spots.

La Contrescarpe
57 rue Lacépède 75005 Paris
Just off the rue Mouffetard, one of the most touristed streets in Paris, La Contrescarpe provides a decent environment for working or otherwise. Be prepared to battle the backpackers and local students to score a table.

Delaville Cafe
34 boulevard Bonne nouvelles 75010 Paris
Fans of the Café Charbon also like this Grands Boulevards incarnation. The space is enormous with several rooms and terraces decorated in various styles. Cafés Wifi describes the scene as "ultra Paris-bobo mais très chic et Snob." We think you can make out what that means...

Point Éphémère
200 quai de Valmy 75010 Paris
A Gridskipper favorite, the "FMR" draws a hipster clientele of artists, musicians, and their hangers-on. Prices are suitably low, and the Wi-Fi functions inside as well as on their sun-filled terrace.