Paris without its cafes is like a croissant without butter—unimaginable. The social core of the city lies in the café culture, where locals and tourists gather to sit, people-watch, converse, and soak in the Parisian ambiance. From historic spots in Saint-Germain to trendy cafes in Le Marais, this guide explores seven must-visit cafes offering unique atmospheres, rich history, and, of course, exceptional coffee.
A Journey Through Paris's Most Iconic Cafes
Here are seven must-visit cafes that promise an authentic and memorable Parisian experience.
Café de Flore
Entering Café de la Théâtre is like going back in time. This famous cafe, situated in a posh area of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, has been hosting some of the brightest thinkers, authors, and artists since its opening as far back as the 1880s. It was frequented by Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, where the two held philosophical debates over coffee in the iconic Art Deco interior design.
Nowadays, the Café de Flore has preserved its quaint interior, with red moleskin bench seating, a mahogany dining table, and mirrors on the wall. It is not the cheapest cafe on this list; however, the experience is well worth it. Order their notorious chocolat chaud (hot chocolate), which is thick, rich, and in a personal pot, and you will have enough to give you at least two cups. It is the ideal spot to have a seat on the terrace, gaze at the participants of the chic crowd go by, and experience the heritage of Paris.
Les Deux Magots
Just a stone's throw from Café de Flore is its historic rival, Les Deux Magots. This cafe is also named after the two wooden statues of Chinese mandarins inside and is a good place to spot celebrities; the list of former customers who have visited this cafe is long and already includes many stars, such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, and James Joyce. However, the literary tradition exists even at present, with the cafe still presenting an annual literary award, the Prix des Deux Magots.
This is a little more formal than its neighbor, but otherwise equally charming. The terrace commands an excellent view of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, which is a hearted location to enjoy a morning coffee, crème, and croissant, in which butter is put. The servers have also been dressed in traditional black and white, providing quick and professional service that maintains the Greek timeless presence of the location.
Angelina
Angelina is a must-visit destination for those with a sweet tooth. This tearoom, situated near the Louvre, was established in 1903; it is renowned for its refined Belle Époque decor and opulent architectural pastries. As soon as you enter there, you will be welcomed by gold mirrors, elaborate mouldings, and the atmosphere of the old world. Coco Chanel frequented Angelina, and it has been a popular place among Parisians and tourists to get a luxurious treat.
The dish to be tried here is a must-have, as the best is the L'Africain hot chocolate. This sinfully delicious and velvety chocolate treat is more refreshing than a beverage, akin to a melted chocolate bar. Serve it with their pastry, made of the best Mont-blanc- a new-fashioned meringue base, augmented with whipped cream and chestnut purée vermicelli. It is a luxury that will make you feel like a royal in Paris. Also, be able to wait in the queue, particularly during the weekend, but it is a worthwhile reward as well.
La Maison Rose
La Maison Rose, located on a stunning street in Montmartre, is among the most Instagrammable places in Paris. Its set of whimsical pink and green exterior and adorning ivy make this cafe appear more suited to painting. Actually, it is depicted in a painting created by Maurice Utrillo, and artists such as Picasso used it as a backdrop during their years in the neighborhood.
La Maison Rose offers a basic seasonal menu with an emphasis on French and Italian cuisine. It is a beautiful place to get a refreshing beverage and have a light lunch after visiting the artistic streets of Montmartre, and having a glance at the nearby Sacre-Cœur Basilica. It has a stressed-out Eden-style mood with a peaceful respite of the antagonist below the masses.
Boot Café
When you need unique coffee in a fashionable place, the Boot Café in Le Marais should be your next destination. This cafe is situated in a tiny and old shoe repair shop (Cordonnerie) and is as cool as it can be quaint. It features a small number of chairs, making it a compact space with professional coffee brewers who use beans roasted by European roasters.
The dark blue window light serves as a calling to the coffee drinkers who are visiting the more glamorous Letmarais neighborhood. The baristas are enthusiastic and trained and do not hesitate to suggest the pour-over or flat white according to your choices. Although the space is limited to loitering, this is where you can order a spectacular coffee to-go and watch the gallery, boutique, and the old squares in the neighbourhood.
Shakespeare and Company Café
Adjacent to the legendary English-language bookstore of the same name, the Shakespeare and Company Café offers stunning views of the Notre Dame Cathedral. The place has become a favorite bookworm and coffee shop ever since it was inaugurated in 2015. It is a continuation of the bookstore, where writers and readers come together.
The cafe provides local coffee roasted by Café Lomi, and some vegetarian and vegan dishes, sweet ones, and light snacks. Get access to a book in the shop next door, grab a seat in one of the outdoor tables, and begin enjoying a coffee with one of the best vistas in Paris. You also want to make a trip to eat their Lemonpie, a dessert dedicated to the founder of the bookstore, George Whitman.
Le Consulat
Le Consulat, another jewel of Montmartre, is a corner shop built at a crossroads and is visible to anyone who has wandered along the hill-top district. This cafe is reminiscent of a stereotypical Parisian café, having been featured in numerous films and photographs. People like Van Gogh, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec spent some years in Montmartre and frequented this attractive location.
Le Consulat is where you are comfortable having your feet soothed after walking the steep multitiers in the 18th arrondissement. The menu includes such classical French bistro food items as onion soup and croque monsieur. Although it is touristy to some extent, it remains an interesting destination due to its rich history and numerous opportunities to observe local people. Take your seat outdoors, and have a coffee or glass of fresh juices, and fancy yourself that you are sitting out where the artistic legends used to sit.
Conclusion
The Parisian cafes are not merely a place to have caffeine, but a cultural space where life recurs. The other facet of Paris, collected in the following list of cafes, is the intellectual sound of Saint-Germain to the artistic art form of Montmartre. Serial killer, you need to visit some of these destinations during your next ride. Take your time, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the view of the world, and perhaps immerse yourself in the experience at any given moment. Here is where the real magic of Paris lies in such basic gratification.
