The café Culture in France dates back to centuries and is as integral to the French art de vivre as its gastronomy and culture. The streets of the capital city, Paris, provide the perfect backdrop for open-air terrasses and endless cups of coffee. The best cafés in Paris are not just coffee shops. They are a center of social and culinary life in the city. Parisian cafés were often the hunting grounds for literary writers, thinkers and even artists. Soak in the Parisian café vibe on your next trip to Paris by visiting one or more of the cafés we have shortlisted in the City of Light.
CAFÉ PROCOPE
The creation of Parisian café culture began with the oldest and the most famous café in Paris, Café Procope. Located in the 6th arrondissement, in the heart of Saint-Germain des Près, the Procope’s patron list includes history’s most famous figures like Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon to name a few.
Go to the upper deck to look at the neatly preserved desk of the philosopher Voltaire where he would sit for hours working and supposedly drink 40 cups of coffee every day!
This Parisian café has two levels and offers a small terrace to enjoy the fine weather along with your cup of coffee or a traditional French meal.
LA MAISON ROSE
If you take a stroll around the neighbourhood of Montmartre, you will stumble upon a really cute pink house nestled on the corner of a cobblestoned street, La Maison Rose (literally translated as The Pink House), which is one of the best cafes in the 18th district.
Artist Maurice Utrillo immortalised La Maison Rose and its iconic exterior in a painting that he called “The Little Pink House” in the 1930’s.
For selfies or Instagrammable posts/stories head to Montmartre at sunrise to capture this charming café sans tourists. This famous café was also a part of the movie Queen that starred Kanagana Ranaut.
Though the café is more about its wonderful location than its food, the café does offer a short menu based on fresh seasonal products, inspired by French farm to table cuisine and is a firm defender of eco-conscious trade.
ANGELINA
Hot-chocolate lover? On your next trip to Paris, you must try the Chocolat Chaud l’Africain at Angelina, one of the most famous cafés in Paris, located on Rue de Rivoli.
Just steps from the Jardin des Tuileries, everyday tourists as well as Parisians wait in long queues to taste Angelina’s signature pastry Mont-Blanc and the famous hot chocolate which they claim is the best hot chocolate in the world!
Why not surprise your loved ones with an unforgettable gift of Angelina's best sweet delicatessen products? The team at their boutique will help you curate an elegant tailor-made box.
LES DEUX MAGOTS
Located in the charming district of Saint Germain des Près, Les Deux Magots is an ultra-chic café with a distinctive atmosphere and a traditional bistro ambience. It is considered as one of the two most famous cafés in Paris.
The name comes from a novelty shop that once occupied the same premises. It translates to “Two Chinese Figurines” which you can see in the indoor dining area.
The café became so popular amongst Paris’ well-known writers and intellectuals in the 1900s, that they started their very own literary prize called the “Prix des Deux Magots” which continues to be awarded to new French novelists till date.
Kick start your day with a strong espresso while being seated at the cafés exquisite terrasse or try some of their delicious breakfast dishes, which are named after famous authors like Hemingway, who frequented this hot spot.
CAFÉ DE FLORE
Like it’s famous neighbour, Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore first opened it’s doors in the late 19th century,
Located on the Seine’s picturesque left bank, this famous café in Paris was the place for literary meetings, philosophical debates and artistic daydreams. And like its rival, Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore instituted its own literary prize, just after a year.
The flowers blooming over the Café de Flore sign makes it one of the most instagrammable spots in Paris.
Start your day at Flore with a croissant au beurre, oeuf dur (hard boiled egg), jus d'orange, or chocolat special Flore.
By France.fr
The magazine of the destination unravels an unexpected France that revisits tradition and cultivates creativity. A France far beyond what you can imagine…
