Paris is not just a city—it’s a state of mind. For me, it’s an intoxicating mixture of cobblestone streets, timeless architecture, and the faint aroma of butter and coffee drifting through the air. No destination has ever captured my imagination quite like Paris. And nowhere in Paris have I felt the pulse of the city more vividly than in its cafés.
Forget the Eiffel Tower, forget the Louvre—if you want to feel Paris, you need to sit at a tiny round table, order a café crème, and watch the world go by. Paris café culture is a living tradition, stretching back centuries. From intellectual giants like Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir scribbling notes at Café de Flore, to locals grabbing a croissant on the way to work, these cafés are where life unfolds.
I’ll take you through five cafés in Paris where I found my own version of perfection. Each one has its own character—whether it’s the silky hot chocolate of Angelina, the legendary literary past of Les Deux Magots, or a hidden neighborhood gem where I lingered longer than I planned. I’ll share the signature dishes, prices, exact locations, my personal experiences, booking advice, and some “tourist survival” tips you’ll want before setting out.
So grab your espresso (or better yet, a glass of Bordeaux), and let’s dive into my journey of Parisian café bliss.
Café #1: Angelina – The Queen of Hot Chocolate
📍 Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris (near the Louvre and Tuileries Garden)
💶 Price Range: Hot chocolate “L’Africain” €9, pastries €7–€12, breakfast menus around €30
🍴 Signature Dish: The legendary chocolat chaud L’Africain (thick hot chocolate) and the Mont Blanc pastry
I’d heard whispers about Angelina’s hot chocolate long before I set foot in Paris. Travelers described it as “liquid velvet,” “the best in the world,” and “so thick you can eat it with a spoon.” Naturally, I had to see if the hype was justified.
Walking into Angelina felt like stepping back in time. The Belle Époque décor—ornate mirrors, gilded moldings, marble tables—evoked an age of elegance. I ordered the famous chocolat chaud L’Africain (€9) and a slice of their iconic Mont Blanc pastry (€10.50).
When the silver pot arrived, I poured the dark, glossy chocolate into a porcelain cup. One sip, and I was floored. It was intense, almost like drinking a melted chocolate bar, but smooth and balanced. The dollop of whipped cream on the side added a lighter contrast. The Mont Blanc—a meringue base topped with whipped cream and chestnut paste—was decadent, though a bit too sweet for me after the richness of the chocolate.
Personal Experience:
I’ll admit: I couldn’t finish the hot chocolate. It’s indulgent enough to share between two people. But sitting there, looking out toward the Tuileries Garden, I finally understood why Angelina is such a Parisian institution.
Pros:
• Historic atmosphere
• World-famous hot chocolate
• Great location near major landmarks
Cons:
• Expensive (a breakfast for two can easily top €60)
• Often crowded—expect queues
Booking Tip:
Reservations are possible via Angelina’s website, and I recommend booking if you want a table during peak hours (10 am–2 pm).
Café #2: Les Deux Magots – A Literary Legend
📍 Location: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
💶 Price Range: Coffee €6–€8, omelets €16–€20, charcuterie plate €22
🍴 Signature Dish: Omelette nature (plain omelet) and café crème
If Angelina is indulgence, then Les Deux Magots is pure history. This café in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been a gathering spot for artists and intellectuals since the 19th century. Sartre, Hemingway, Picasso—all sat here, writing, debating, drinking coffee.
I ordered a café crème (€7.50) and an omelet (€18). The coffee was smooth, the omelet fluffy, but honestly, I wasn’t there for the food—I was there for the experience. Sitting at a round table on the terrace, I could see the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, watch locals walking their dogs, and imagine Sartre and Beauvoir scribbling their ideas just a few tables away.
Personal Experience:
Yes, it’s touristy now, and yes, the prices are inflated. But sipping coffee at Les Deux Magots felt like tapping into a current of history. For someone like me, who loves travel not just for the food but for the stories, it was worth every euro.
Pros:
• Unparalleled historic significance
• Prime location for people-watching
• Efficient service
Cons:
• Expensive for what you get
• Can feel commercialized
Booking Tip:
No reservation needed, but go early if you want a terrace seat.
Café #3: Café de Flore – Sartre’s Shadow Still Lingers
📍 Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
💶 Price Range: Coffee €6.80, croissant €4, salads €18–€25
🍴 Signature Dish: Croissant with coffee, salade de chèvre chaud (warm goat cheese salad)
Just across the street from Les Deux Magots is Café de Flore, another legendary institution. While Les Deux Magots has become a bit more touristy, Café de Flore still retains an authentic vibe—at least in my opinion.
I went for the classic breakfast: croissant (€4), coffee (€6.80), and a jus d’orange pressé (€7). The croissant was buttery perfection—flaky on the outside, tender on the inside. Paired with the café crème, it was the quintessential Parisian breakfast.
Later in the week, I returned for lunch and tried the warm goat cheese salad (€22). The crisp lettuce, tangy vinaigrette, and creamy chèvre on toasted baguette slices were fresh and filling.
Personal Experience:
What I loved most about Café de Flore was the atmosphere. Sitting outside, I watched Parisians stroll by in perfectly tailored coats, and for a moment, I felt like I belonged.
Pros:
• Excellent croissants
• Classic Parisian charm
• Great spot for both breakfast and lunch
Cons:
• Slightly cramped seating
• Service can feel rushed during busy times
Booking Tip:
No reservations—arrive early for breakfast if you want a terrace seat.
Café #4: Café des Deux Moulins – Amélie’s Café
📍 Location: 15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris (Montmartre)
💶 Price Range: Croque-monsieur €11, coffee €4.50, desserts €7–€10
🍴 Signature Dish: Crème brûlée (famous from the movie Amélie)
Fans of French cinema will recognize Café des Deux Moulins as the café where Amélie Poulain worked in the cult classic film Amélie. As a fan myself, I had to make the pilgrimage to Montmartre.
The café still embraces its cinematic fame, with posters and photos from the movie adorning the walls. I ordered a croque-monsieur (€11) and, of course, a crème brûlée (€9). The croque-monsieur was hearty and satisfying, while the crème brûlée—cracking the caramelized sugar top with my spoon—was as delightful as the film had promised.
Personal Experience:
I loved the quirky, bohemian atmosphere of Montmartre, and Café des Deux Moulins fit right in. Sitting here, I felt like I’d stepped into the movie. It was touristy, sure, but still charming.
Pros:
• Unique cinematic connection
• Fun, nostalgic atmosphere
• Affordable compared to central Paris cafés
Cons:
• Quality of food is good, not exceptional
• Can be crowded with tourists
Booking Tip:
Walk-ins are fine, but weekends can be busy.
Café #5: Shakespeare and Company Café – Books & Brews
📍 Location: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris (next to Shakespeare and Company bookstore)
💶 Price Range: Coffee €4.50–€6, vegetarian sandwiches €8–€12, pastries €5–€7
🍴 Signature Dish: Chai latte with a vegan banana bread
After spending hours browsing the English-language bookstore Shakespeare and Company, I stumbled into their attached café almost by accident. What a gem!
This café has a bohemian, literary vibe, perfect for travelers like me who love pairing a good book with a good brew. I ordered a chai latte (€5.50) and a slice of banana bread (€6). The chai was aromatic and warming, while the banana bread was moist and not overly sweet.
Personal Experience:
I ended up sitting here for nearly two hours, reading, writing in my travel journal, and chatting with fellow travelers. Unlike the historic cafés, this one felt younger, fresher, and more relaxed.
Pros:
• Cozy, bookish atmosphere
• Vegetarian-friendly menu
• Great for solo travelers
Cons:
• Limited seating
• Smaller food selection
Booking Tip:
No reservations—best for a casual stop after visiting the bookstore.
Things to Know About Paris Café Culture
- Coffee Types Matter
o Café = espresso
o Café crème = espresso with steamed milk (like a latte)
o Noisette = espresso with a drop of milk
o Don’t order “latte” unless you want plain milk! - Prices Vary by Seat
Coffee at the bar is often cheaper than sitting on the terrace. A €3 espresso at the bar might cost €6 outside. - Tipping
Service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving €1–2 is appreciated. - Reservations
Most cafés don’t require reservations, but places like Angelina do for brunch or afternoon tea. - Time to Linger
Unlike in the U.S., you’re never rushed to leave. You can sit with one coffee for an hour, and no one will mind.
The Perfect Café Is a Feeling
After weeks of hopping from one café to another, I realized something: the “perfect café” isn’t just about the food or coffee. It’s about the feeling. At Angelina, it was indulgence. At Les Deux Magots, it was history. At Café de Flore, it was elegance. At Café des Deux Moulins, it was cinematic charm. At Shakespeare and Company, it was literary comfort.
Each café gave me a different piece of Paris, like puzzle pieces forming a whole.
If you go to Paris, don’t rush from monument to monument. Instead, carve out time to sit at a café, order a drink, and watch the world pass by. That’s where the city reveals itself. That’s where you’ll find your perfect café.
