Named after the affectionate slang for a neighbourhood bar, RADES is a photographic series that casts a flash-lit gaze on the life inside French bistros—those "endangered spaces" of conviviality and ritual.
Back in the 1960s, there were over 200,000 bars across France. Today, the number of IV licences (those allowing the sale of alcohol) has plummeted to around 40,000. One could have focused on documenting the closures: empty glasses, silence at the counter, peeling wallpaper, shutters drawn.
But this series chooses a different view—not the shuttered storefront, but the half-raised blinds of bistros still buzzing with life. It celebrates the colour, the warmth, the regulars. Those who lean at the bar day after day. The owners who open up every morning, come what may.
Over seven years, I visited more than 260 bars across France, building a panorama of portraits, peculiar details and everyday scenes in these resilient establishments—places that arguably form part of France’s intangible cultural heritage.
It’s a kind of pub crawl by camera: join Odette and her crew in Saint-Étienne, Marc the early riser at Le Sully, Coco the mad parrot at Chez Rocky, or Liliane, the 100-year-old landlady from the Jura.
A celebration of people, place, and that indefinable French art of être au comptoir.
Excerpts.
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In the media:
- Télématin, February 2025 (France 2)
- À vos jeux !, November 2024 (Le 1 Hebdo)
- Hommage aux rades des villes et des champs en France, November 2024 (Slate)
- Portfolio, September 2024 (M Le Monde)
- Rades - Reportage TV, July 2024 (ARTE Tracks)
- Rades - Portfolio, May 2024 (Revue Epic)
- Sélection Culture livres, December 2023 (Franceinfo TV)
- Invité Toki Woki, December 2023 (France 3 IDF)
- Invité sujet JT 20H, November 2023 (TF1)
- Invité Grand Bien Vous Fasse, August 2023 (France Inter)
- Invité La Matinale, August 2023 (France Inter)
- Invité Le Club - 28 Minutes, August 2023 (ARTE)
- Invité Télématin, August 2023 (France 2)
- Rencontre avec Fanny Molins et Guillaume Blot, July 2023 (Citizen K)
- Tour de France des zincs, ou l'art modeste du bistrot en photos, July 2023 (ARTE)
- Guillaume Blot a fait un tour de France des vieux bistrots, July 2023 (France Info)
- Il photographie le charme des “rades” pour les sauver, July 2023 (Brut)
- Photographie : la culture bistrot dans le viseur de Guillaume Blot, July 2023 (France Culture)
- Guillaume Blot capte le charme suranné des bistros français, June 2023 (L’Humanité)
- Dans "Rades", Guillaume Blot fait revivre nos chers bars de village… au bord de l'agonie, June 2023 (Marianne)
- Rades : Guillaume Blot et la France au comptoir, June 2023 (Fisheye)
- Canons de beauté !, June 2023 (M Le Monde)
- Rades - Guillaume Blot May 2023 (Libération)
- Un nouveau livre de photos célèbre la vivante culture des bistrots, May 2023 (Trax Mag)
- Chez Jymm et Marlène, le bistrot des mariniers de Saint-Mammès, August 2021 (Le Monde)
- Dans l’Allier, la renaissance du bistrot du bout du monde, August 2021 (Le Monde)
- Sur la « scène » de L’Annexe, un duo de cafetiers bien accordé, August 2021 (Le Monde)
- Au Café de la Place, le fabuleux destin de « Quiquine », July 2021 (Le Monde)
- Au Zorba, entre Portugal, Grèce et Kabylie, le melting-pot remet sa tournée, July 2021 (Le Monde)
- A La Chapelle, 100 ans d’une vie de bistrot, July 2021 (Le Monde)
- La Planète Terrasse, May 2021 (Society)
- Interview réouverture des terrasses, May 2021 (Radio Nova)
- Dieux du Rade 2020 (calendrier)
- 10 terrasses emblématiques de Paris, July 2020 (Time Out)
- Bistrots et confinement, April 2020 (Libération)
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Map of the bistros photographed: here
Back in the 1960s, there were over 200,000 bars across France. Today, the number of IV licences (those allowing the sale of alcohol) has plummeted to around 40,000. One could have focused on documenting the closures: empty glasses, silence at the counter, peeling wallpaper, shutters drawn.
But this series chooses a different view—not the shuttered storefront, but the half-raised blinds of bistros still buzzing with life. It celebrates the colour, the warmth, the regulars. Those who lean at the bar day after day. The owners who open up every morning, come what may.
Over seven years, I visited more than 260 bars across France, building a panorama of portraits, peculiar details and everyday scenes in these resilient establishments—places that arguably form part of France’s intangible cultural heritage.
It’s a kind of pub crawl by camera: join Odette and her crew in Saint-Étienne, Marc the early riser at Le Sully, Coco the mad parrot at Chez Rocky, or Liliane, the 100-year-old landlady from the Jura.
A celebration of people, place, and that indefinable French art of être au comptoir.
Excerpts.
--
In the media:
- Télématin, February 2025 (France 2)
- À vos jeux !, November 2024 (Le 1 Hebdo)
- Hommage aux rades des villes et des champs en France, November 2024 (Slate)
- Portfolio, September 2024 (M Le Monde)
- Rades - Reportage TV, July 2024 (ARTE Tracks)
- Rades - Portfolio, May 2024 (Revue Epic)
- Sélection Culture livres, December 2023 (Franceinfo TV)
- Invité Toki Woki, December 2023 (France 3 IDF)
- Invité sujet JT 20H, November 2023 (TF1)
- Invité Grand Bien Vous Fasse, August 2023 (France Inter)
- Invité La Matinale, August 2023 (France Inter)
- Invité Le Club - 28 Minutes, August 2023 (ARTE)
- Invité Télématin, August 2023 (France 2)
- Rencontre avec Fanny Molins et Guillaume Blot, July 2023 (Citizen K)
- Tour de France des zincs, ou l'art modeste du bistrot en photos, July 2023 (ARTE)
- Guillaume Blot a fait un tour de France des vieux bistrots, July 2023 (France Info)
- Il photographie le charme des “rades” pour les sauver, July 2023 (Brut)
- Photographie : la culture bistrot dans le viseur de Guillaume Blot, July 2023 (France Culture)
- Guillaume Blot capte le charme suranné des bistros français, June 2023 (L’Humanité)
- Dans "Rades", Guillaume Blot fait revivre nos chers bars de village… au bord de l'agonie, June 2023 (Marianne)
- Rades : Guillaume Blot et la France au comptoir, June 2023 (Fisheye)
- Canons de beauté !, June 2023 (M Le Monde)
- Rades - Guillaume Blot May 2023 (Libération)
- Un nouveau livre de photos célèbre la vivante culture des bistrots, May 2023 (Trax Mag)
- Chez Jymm et Marlène, le bistrot des mariniers de Saint-Mammès, August 2021 (Le Monde)
- Dans l’Allier, la renaissance du bistrot du bout du monde, August 2021 (Le Monde)
- Sur la « scène » de L’Annexe, un duo de cafetiers bien accordé, August 2021 (Le Monde)
- Au Café de la Place, le fabuleux destin de « Quiquine », July 2021 (Le Monde)
- Au Zorba, entre Portugal, Grèce et Kabylie, le melting-pot remet sa tournée, July 2021 (Le Monde)
- A La Chapelle, 100 ans d’une vie de bistrot, July 2021 (Le Monde)
- La Planète Terrasse, May 2021 (Society)
- Interview réouverture des terrasses, May 2021 (Radio Nova)
- Dieux du Rade 2020 (calendrier)
- 10 terrasses emblématiques de Paris, July 2020 (Time Out)
- Bistrots et confinement, April 2020 (Libération)
--
Map of the bistros photographed: here
Book “RADES”
A photographic tour of France’s bistros
- Gallimard (Hoëbeke Collection)
17,000 copies (14,000 sold)
168 pages - 17 x 26 cm
Available in bookshops - €28
A photographic tour of France’s bistros
- Gallimard (Hoëbeke Collection)
17,000 copies (14,000 sold)
168 pages - 17 x 26 cm
Available in bookshops - €28
Café du Coin, Le Mans (72) - 2022
The façade of Jeannine’s flagship bar, known as ‘La Mère Lapipe’. The writer Pierrick Bourgault has written a wonderful book about her, published in 2020: La Mère Lapipe dans son bistrot.
The façade of Jeannine’s flagship bar, known as ‘La Mère Lapipe’. The writer Pierrick Bourgault has written a wonderful book about her, published in 2020: La Mère Lapipe dans son bistrot.
Bar Alpin, Valence (22) - 2022
A mainstay of the Bar Alpin – renamed Chez Bernadette by its most loyal patrons – Michel was as much a fixture at the bar as he was in the conversations taking place over coffee that morning.
A mainstay of the Bar Alpin – renamed Chez Bernadette by its most loyal patrons – Michel was as much a fixture at the bar as he was in the conversations taking place over coffee that morning.
Le Jesthia, Courdemanche (72) – 2022
Damien the postman, during his cigarette-and-Orangina break at Le Jesthia, one morning in June.
Damien the postman, during his cigarette-and-Orangina break at Le Jesthia, one morning in June.
Bistrot des Familles, Paris (75) – 2021
Franck, who is there every morning from 5am to 11am, had his name engraved on his favourite chair by Khired, the boss.
Franck, who is there every morning from 5am to 11am, had his name engraved on his favourite chair by Khired, the boss.
Le Saint-Pierre, Amiens (80) – 2025
“It’s the first time I’ve been rollerblading again. And the last! The ride down was cool, but the climb back up? Never again. Next time, I’m taking my bike!”
- Sophie, manager
“It’s the first time I’ve been rollerblading again. And the last! The ride down was cool, but the climb back up? Never again. Next time, I’m taking my bike!”
- Sophie, manager
Le Rétro, Compiègne (60) – 2025
Meï-Lin and Taylor, aged 16. Stefan’s twin daughters drive to Le Rétro with their father.
“We like coming here; it’s quiet. When it’s cold, we have a hot chocolate; otherwise, we have drinks when it’s warm,” explains Meï-Lin
Meï-Lin and Taylor, aged 16. Stefan’s twin daughters drive to Le Rétro with their father.
“We like coming here; it’s quiet. When it’s cold, we have a hot chocolate; otherwise, we have drinks when it’s warm,” explains Meï-Lin
Le Sully, Paris (75) - 2019
“In old-school pubs, well, you don’t feel all alone. That’s why I come here every day for a pint. Or even two.”
– Marc, a regular
“In old-school pubs, well, you don’t feel all alone. That’s why I come here every day for a pint. Or even two.”
– Marc, a regular
Café de la Gare, Soissons (02) - 2025
Nicole doesn’t like espresso – it’s too strong. So when she walks through the door at the Café de la Gare, she asks for her “repasse” – a coffee run through the machine by pressing the button straight after her first proper coffee has been served. A sort of coffee-flavoured water, really, with a dash of milk.
“My coffee has to be so weak you can see the bottom of the cup, otherwise I can’t stomach it!” she insists.
Nicole doesn’t like espresso – it’s too strong. So when she walks through the door at the Café de la Gare, she asks for her “repasse” – a coffee run through the machine by pressing the button straight after her first proper coffee has been served. A sort of coffee-flavoured water, really, with a dash of milk.
“My coffee has to be so weak you can see the bottom of the cup, otherwise I can’t stomach it!” she insists.
Café du Pont, Saint-Just-en-Chaussée (60) - 2025
Béatrice and Marie, daughter and mother, and owners of the Café du Pont
“My mum and I have never been apart. I probably should have cut the cord, but it’s nice working together. She’s easy-going, and I’ve got a strong personality, so we complement each other well.”
— Béatrice.
Béatrice and Marie, daughter and mother, and owners of the Café du Pont
“My mum and I have never been apart. I probably should have cut the cord, but it’s nice working together. She’s easy-going, and I’ve got a strong personality, so we complement each other well.”
— Béatrice.
Bar de la Bascule, Caylus (82) - 2023
A pair of eye-catching legs in front of the bar counter at Fabrice and his mother Michèle’s bar
A pair of eye-catching legs in front of the bar counter at Fabrice and his mother Michèle’s bar
Le Saint-Pierre, Amiens (80) – 2025
A vibrant still life of peanuts
A vibrant still life of peanuts
Le Rétro, Compiègne (60) – 2025
Claude, now in his seventies. This retired street sweeper always takes the same seat at the bar and spends his days chatting with Nelly, the landlady, and strolling around the neighbourhood.
Claude, now in his seventies. This retired street sweeper always takes the same seat at the bar and spends his days chatting with Nelly, the landlady, and strolling around the neighbourhood.
Le Mercato, Athis-Mons (91) - 2026
The shishas, as colourful as a rainbow, ready to use in the storeroom.
The shishas, as colourful as a rainbow, ready to use in the storeroom.
Le Rétro, Compiègne (60) – 2025
The table football table at Le Rétro. Nelly got it as a gift along with the jukebox. A Bonzini – a proper one.
The table football table at Le Rétro. Nelly got it as a gift along with the jukebox. A Bonzini – a proper one.
Café du Pont, Saint-Just-en-Chaussée (60) - 2025
“Everything works out with an orange”
- Marie, the owner
“Everything works out with an orange”
- Marie, the owner
Le Bon Coin, Bordeaux (33) - 2021
Bruno’s hands and cigarette butts as he scratches a few Cash tickets on the table that matches the wall.
Bruno’s hands and cigarette butts as he scratches a few Cash tickets on the table that matches the wall.
Le Saint-Pierre, Amiens (80) – 2025
Nabil lives in Camon, a town in the Amiens Métropole urban community. But he comes to Saint-Pierre because it’s his aunt’s old neighbourhood, and he’s fond of it.
“It’s not what it used to be, but it’s still Saint-Pierre,” he says.
Nabil lives in Camon, a town in the Amiens Métropole urban community. But he comes to Saint-Pierre because it’s his aunt’s old neighbourhood, and he’s fond of it.
“It’s not what it used to be, but it’s still Saint-Pierre,” he says.
Autant ici qu’ailleurs, Saulieu (21) - 2022
Display of winning tickets, showing the dates and corresponding prize amounts. Largest known win: €20,000 at the Astro.
Display of winning tickets, showing the dates and corresponding prize amounts. Largest known win: €20,000 at the Astro.
Bar des Sports, Janville-en-Beauce (28) - 2019
A harbour saying, displayed in red on a white background above Martine and Jean-Luc’s counter.
A harbour saying, displayed in red on a white background above Martine and Jean-Luc’s counter.
Le Maeva, Saint-Mammès (77) - 2020
“My mum made me with rubber bands for legs – I can’t help it!”
– Georges.
“My mum made me with rubber bands for legs – I can’t help it!”
– Georges.
Café des Sports, Saint-Étienne (42) - 2019
Regulars at the café on Place Sadi Carnot, Georgette, Thérèse, Odette and Anne meet up “every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, because those are market days!”
Regulars at the café on Place Sadi Carnot, Georgette, Thérèse, Odette and Anne meet up “every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, because those are market days!”
Le Bar-Thez, Saint-Nazaire (30) - 2025
This is the story of a goalkeeper from the Gard region. Like his bald-headed namesake, Le Bar-Thez had its moments of glory, if we are to believe the articles in Midi Libre about its pétanque tournaments. Until he, too, retired a few years ago. But the love of the (yellow) ball will always remain.
This is the story of a goalkeeper from the Gard region. Like his bald-headed namesake, Le Bar-Thez had its moments of glory, if we are to believe the articles in Midi Libre about its pétanque tournaments. Until he, too, retired a few years ago. But the love of the (yellow) ball will always remain.
Le Flash, Villeneuve-le-Roi (94) - 2026
Jean-Paul and Jean-Pierre, friends who enjoy coffee and crossword puzzles.
Jean-Paul and Jean-Pierre, friends who enjoy coffee and crossword puzzles.
Café de la Gare, Soissons (02) - 2025
“It’s been seven years since we took over the café. And I’ve been in the business for twelve – I started when I was just eighteen. I love this job because I enjoy a good natter. But there are times when it’s tiring, especially having to run back and forth between the counter and the dining room”
- Isabelle, co-owner
“It’s been seven years since we took over the café. And I’ve been in the business for twelve – I started when I was just eighteen. I love this job because I enjoy a good natter. But there are times when it’s tiring, especially having to run back and forth between the counter and the dining room”
- Isabelle, co-owner
Bar des Cruzières, Saint-Sauveur-de- Cruzières (07) - 2022
In Ardèche, Bar des Cruzières is just 3.4 km from the Gard “border”.
In Ardèche, Bar des Cruzières is just 3.4 km from the Gard “border”.
À La Chapelle, Lélex (01) – 2021
At the age of 99, Liliane decided to close her little bar in the Jura in 2021, which she had been running with the help of her husband, Marcel, who was already in his hundredth year.
At the age of 99, Liliane decided to close her little bar in the Jura in 2021, which she had been running with the help of her husband, Marcel, who was already in his hundredth year.
Au Pan Coupé, Paris (75) - 2021
At lunchtime, Marie-Jeanne heads into her back kitchen to make her signature dish: an omelette with baby potatoes, for €7.
At lunchtime, Marie-Jeanne heads into her back kitchen to make her signature dish: an omelette with baby potatoes, for €7.
Bar des Sports, Ansouis (84) – 2019
“For sixty years, I’ve almost always ordered the same thing: a rosé and lemonade.”
– Marius, a regular
“For sixty years, I’ve almost always ordered the same thing: a rosé and lemonade.”
– Marius, a regular
Le Village des Fêtes, Paris (75) - 2026
One of Sophie-Marie Larrouy’s favourite bistros, photographed that day for Le Monde.
One of Sophie-Marie Larrouy’s favourite bistros, photographed that day for Le Monde.
Les 4 Colonnes, Saint-Quentin (02) - 2025
“There used to be over 400 cafés in Saint-Quentin, and now there are barely a hundred,” ventures Gilbert, the owner, who senses that the end is gradually drawing near for the local bistros. These hubs where people meet and mingle. It is perhaps no coincidence, incidentally, that his bar is situated right in front of a roundabout. Of life.
“There used to be over 400 cafés in Saint-Quentin, and now there are barely a hundred,” ventures Gilbert, the owner, who senses that the end is gradually drawing near for the local bistros. These hubs where people meet and mingle. It is perhaps no coincidence, incidentally, that his bar is situated right in front of a roundabout. Of life.