10 Best Cafes in France for the Best Espresso, Croissants & Brunch!

Cafes are a part of France’s social fabric. These places inspired French intellectuals, artists, and authors; they are where great art was conceptualised and written. Cafes in France are ornate, grand, historic, and poetic. Parisian cafes inspired Hemingway’s writing and even Voltaire and Rousseau.

If you wish to be inspired or are searching for the perfect cup of espresso or hot chocolate, here is a list of top cafes in Paris that will enrich your holiday.

Here’s a list of the most Instagrammable cafes in France’s capital city of Paris that you can’t miss on your trip:

Table of Content

1. Le Procope
2. Stohrer
3. Café de Flore
4. Shakespeare and Company Café
5. Kozy Bosquet
6. Angelina
7. Le Café Marly
8. Carette
9. Benchy
10. Noir
FAQs

1. Le Procope

Cafes in France

Source: Wikipedia

Le Procope is one of the oldest cafes in Paris. This legendary cafe was the first to serve coffee in Paris, France. The cafe is located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and is known for serving philosophers like Voltaire and Rousseau. The grand vintage decor, antique round tables, and gorgeous street tables are a great way to spend a Parisian afternoon.

Attractions

Authentic French Dishes: Parisian cafes operate as full-fledged restaurants, too. Le Procope serves authentic French dishes such as Coq au Vin and Braised Beef Cheek.
Coffee and Hot Cocktails: Le Procope serves coffee and procures the finest coffee beans. They have a vast collection and an exciting section on hot cocktails that fuse coffee with alcohol.
Irresistible Charm: A charming and bustling establishment, it was once frequented by artists and philosophers. As a literary coffeehouse whose charm lies in its historic relevance, the unique outdoor and terrace seating allows you to observe everyday life in Paris.
Vintage Decor: The vintage decor, historic documents, and paintings adorning the walls, and gorgeous chandeliers will take you back in time. This cafe is not just another Parisian coffee spot; it is a historic institution dating back to the 18th century.

Key Details

Location: 13 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie 75006 Paris
Contact: 01 40 46 79 00
Timings: 12 AM to 12 AM
How to Get There: Take the metro and get off at Odéon in Paris. It is close to the restaurant.

Price Range

Coffee: 9 Euros
Desserts: 10 Euros
Dishes: 12 Euros

General Reviews:

Staff and Service: The staff is friendly, accommodating, and helpful. They will give you great recommendations for items to try out.
Atmosphere: The place is quiet, efficient, and a great place to talk and catch up with friends and family. The outdoor seating is delightful..
Pro Tip: If you love high-quality coffee at affordable prices, this place is your jam!

Also Read: France on a Budget: Insider Tips to Stretch Your Euros

2. Stohrer

Stohrer, Paris

Source: Wikipedia

As Paris’s oldest pâtisserie, Stohrer isn’t just a café; it’s a historical institution. Indulge in their classic and original French pastries like the Baba Rums in an opulent setting that whispers tales of centuries past. It is one of the best cafes in France and was founded in 1730 by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer.

Attractions

Royal Pastries: Chef Stohrer invented the rum baba, a classic French pastry, the Chiboust cream tart, and the puits d’amour, which are sold here for the first time.
Desserts: Stohrer’s flan is a great classic; Its slightly creamy texture and delicate vanilla flavor make it super popular. They also have amazing chocolate and coffee eclairs.
Popularity: Stohrer is an institution and a historical hallmark in France’s culinary journey. It is a favourite among queens like Queen Marie-Antoinette (reportedly) and Queen Elizabeth II.
Value Luxury: The pastry shop offers quality desserts at affordable rates. Every euro spent here is worth it – from its morning small bites to its delectable desserts; the place is worth the hype!

Key Details

Location: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 42 33 38 20
Timings: 8 AM to 8:30 PM
How to Get There: Take the metro to Saint-Eustache or Châtelet.

Price Range

Baba au rhum: 6 Euros
Flan: 5 Euros
Eclairs: 6 Euros

General Reviews

Staff: The staff is sweet, helpful, and welcoming. The service is efficient and prompt.
Atmosphere: The shop is stunning, loved by the customers, and highly rated. The vibe is relaxed and a great place to try delicious, homemade French pastries.
Pro Tip: Dress up for this cafe because you will regret not taking multiple photos here.

Also Read: How to Book a France Visa Appointment in India

3. Café de Flore

Cafe de Flore

Source: Wikipedia

A legendary haunt in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Café de Flore has been a meeting place for intellectuals and artists for over a century. Soak in the iconic red seating and art deco mirrors while imagining the conversations of Sartre and de Beauvoir. Overlooking the Parisian streets, this spacious cafe offers three outdoor seating options to enjoy coffee and desserts.

Attractions

Hot Chocolate: Cafe de Flore’s signature creamy hot chocolate with whipped cream is the biggest highlight. It is a popular attraction among locals and tourists.
Rich Coffee: The cafe serves outstanding coffee, which you must try with its delicious desserts, such as Opera Cake, Crème Brûlée, Pancakes, or Eclairs.
Breakfast Bites: This cafe offers a range of amazing bites. The most outstanding dishes are Fried Eggs and Bacon, Croissants, an Omelette, French Onion Soup with Cheese Plate, and Croque Monsieur.
Quintessential Parisian Cafe: Opulent decor, vintage furniture, outdoor (crowded) seating by the street, excellent coffee with delectable desserts, and a leisurely, relaxed ambience are what you can expect at Café de Flore.

Key Details:

Location: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 45 48 55 26
Timings: 7:30 AM to 2 AM
How to Get There: Take the metro to St-Germain-des-Prés station. It is a short walk from there.

Price Range

Chocolat Spécial Flore: 10 Euros
Brunch Menu: Starting at 15 Euros
Coffee: Starting at 10 Euros

General Reviews

The Crowd: The crowd comprises people who love cinema, literature, or just the romance of classic Parisian cafés; this is a must-visit.
Staff: The service is impressive, the staff is super warm, and it’s a great place to people-watch.

Pro Tip: This cafe is extremely popular, and you may be expected to wait for 20-40 minutes to be seated.

Must Read: France Visa Rejection for Indian Tourists

4. Shakespeare and Company Café

Shakespeare and Company

Source: Wikipedia

Nestled next to the famed bookstore, this café offers a literary haven. Sip your coffee surrounded by books and the gentle murmur of literary enthusiasts, a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. Shakespeare and Company Cafe is one of the new additions to Parisian cafe culture, and it offers a magnificent view of Notre Dame.

Attractions

High Quality Coffee & Tea: This place offers a rich collection of caffeinated beverages; you can try regular espressos or special lattes, or if you like tea, you can opt for that too.
Reading Nook: This cafe is the perfect reading spot. It has great coffee, a massive collection of bestsellers and unique books, and views of Paris’s cobblestone streets and Notre Dame.
Loved by Locals: It is a quaint little cafe that is adored by locals and tourists. Right next to the cafe is the oldest bookstore in Paris.
Cool Merchandise: You can remember your trip to this cafe with awesome merchandise like bookmarks, mugs, tote bags, pins, and notebooks.

Key Details

Location: 37 rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Contact: +33 1 43 25 40 93
Timings: 9:30 AM–7 PM
How to Get There: Use the taxi or the nearest metro station, Burj Khalifa/France Mall. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from there.

Price Range

Cappuccino: 5 Euros
Tea: 6 Euros
Other Drinks & Bites: Starting at 6 Euros

General Reviews

The Crowd: The cafe has a mixed crowd of customers, including regular locals, tourists, and people who love books and reading.
Atmosphere: The vibe of the cafe is cozy and relaxed; it’s a unique experience where you can enjoy a great cup of coffee with breathtaking views of Paris.
Staff: The service is attentive, helpful, and aims to impress the customers with its efficiency.

Must Read: Essential France Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

5. Kozy Bosquet

Street cafes in Paris

Kozy Bosquet is one of the must-visit cafes in France for tourists. It provides a more contemporary Parisian café experience, and the shop’s striking blue facade is a visual delight. It is one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafes with outdoor and indoor seating options. Enjoy brunch or a leisurely afternoon coffee in a welcoming and unpretentious setting.

Attractions

Customize Your Drink: You can customize your drinks or try their unique signature creations like Pink Cold Foam Matcha, Pumpkin Spiced Latte, and Hot Chocolate.
All Brunch Menu: They have an all-brunch menu that includes pancakes, sandwiches, smoothies, and more! Try their Avocado Toast, Bacon and Egg Pancakes, Salmon Benny Egg, and Gaufres Croquettes.
Eiffel Tower: Only a short walk away from the famous Eiffel Tower, this gorgeous cafe is the next place to unwind from sightseeing.
Loved by the Internet: Kozy is one of the most famous cafes in France; it has over 100K followers on Instagram and a crowd dying to try their scrumptious food and drinks.

Key Details

Location: 79 Avenue Bosquet, 75007, Paris
Contact: +971 600 555551
Timings: Weekdays: 8 AM –3:30 PM | Weekends: 9 AM–5 PM 
How to Get There: The easiest way is by cab.

Price Range

Coffee: 5 Euros
Pancakes: Starting at 14 Euros
Other Bites and Desserts: Starting at 5 Euros

General Reviews

The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.
Staff: The staff is very helpful, friendly and make the experience of dining at the cafe extremely enjoyable.
Pro Tip: There are no reservations, so prepare to wait to be seated.

Also Read: France Visa Appeal for Indian Tourists | A Visa Guide

6. Angelina

Angelina - oldest cafe in Paris

Source: Wikipedia

Love French pastries and ornate cafes? Then head to Angelina’s! Renowned for its rich African hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastry, Angelina is an elegant tearoom and café. It is nearly 120 years old and a historic institution. As one of the top cafes to visit in France, you can expect a touch of old-world glamour and sophisticated ambience.

Attractions

Exquisite Pastries: Famous for its divine pastries, you must try their classics like the Mont Blanc, Millefeuille, Trocadero, and Lemon Pie.
Excellent Coffee & Hot Chocolate: This cafe serves excellent coffee and mouthwatering hot chocolate with moist croissants.
Giftables: Angelina’s also has a section of giftables and souvenirs that you can take home to your friends and family. You can buy chocolates, chocolate powder, tea leaves, and even get gift baskets.
Globally Loved: It is one of the most popular cafes in France, with outlets in New York, Dubai, and Kuwait. It also has multiple locations across the country.

Key Details

Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 42 60 82 00
Timings: Open from 7:30 AM – 7 PM on Weekdays | 8 AM – 7:30 PM on Weekends
How to Get There: The easiest way is by cab.

Price Range

Hot Chocolate: 9 Euros
Pastries: Starting at 9 Euros
Savory Bites: Starting at 18 Euros

General Reviews

Staff: The service and staff is excellent, friendly and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.

Also Read: 15+ Reasons to Visit France – Land of Culture, Food & History

7. Le Café Marly

Cafes in France with beautiful views

Situated under the Louvre’s arches, Le Café Marly offers stunning views of the iconic glass pyramid. It’s a chic spot to enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking in the grandeur of Parisian architecture. The beauty of this cafe is illuminated by the night, gorgeous wooden arches, and dancing street lights. It is the perfect place for a romantic date with your partner.

Attractions

Coffee Experience: For a unique experience, you must try the signature coffees and hot chocolate as the sun sets.
Delicious Desserts: The dessert menu is exquisite; you must try the red fruits trifle, cheesecake, apple pie, chocolate cake, and even ice cream!
Breathtaking Views: The views overlooking the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden. It is one of the most gorgeous places to spend your evening in Paris.
Affordable Luxury: It is one of the most affordable cafes in France where you can try delectable desserts and an interesting selection of coffee options.

Key Details

Location: Located in the Louvre museum
Contact: +971 4 388 8582
Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM
How to Get There: The easiest way to get to the cafe is by cab.

Price Range

Coffee: 10 Euros
Traditional Desserts: Starting at 13 Euros
Savory Bites: Starting at 20 Euros

General Reviews

Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd; the cafe is frequented by locals and tourists.
Pro Tip: It can get crowded; get a reservation before planning a visit.

8. Carette

Cafes serving hot chocolate in Paris

Carette is one of the most popular cafes in France. They have locations in Place des Vosges and Trocadéro. Carette exudes Parisian elegance. Known for its macarons and refined atmosphere, it’s a lovely place for a sophisticated break. Like one of the vintage cafes in Paris, it is the perfect cafe for people-watching and enjoying the city’s beautiful weather.

Attractions

French Hot Chocolate: The cafe also serves a great cup of Hot Chocolate. It costs nearly 12 euros but is worth every sip.
Traditional French Breakfast: Try Carette’s crepes, pain au chocolat, Toast Madame, scrambled eggs, homemade canapés (finger sandwiches), and salads.
Bustling Ambience: The atmosphere is chaotic and crowded. The restaurant is extremely popular and gets busy quickly as its doors open.
Macarons: Carette’s specialty is macarons, and the variety they offer is insane. You can try chocolate, coffee, vanilla, pistachio, salted butter caramel, raspberry, Gianduja, and blackcurrant.

Key Details

Location: 25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 Paris, France
Contact: +33 1 48 87 94 07
Timings: 7 AM to 11 PM

Price Range

Coffee: Starting at 12 Euros
Desserts: Starting at 10 Euros
Other Drinks & Bites: 20 Euros

General Reviews

Staff: The service and staff are friendly, and it’s a great place to try coffee with macarons.
The Crowd: It is a crowded cafe, loved by locals and tourists. The restaurant even featured on the famous show Emily in Paris.

Pro Tip: Dress up for the place because you can click photos at the gorgeous vintage cafe.

9. Benchy

Sandos in Paris

Benchy is a relatively new addition to the Parisian café scene. It is not your traditional cafe restaurant but a quaint sandwich shop serving the best sandwiches. They also serve the best coffee and sandos inspired by Japanese cuisine. They have excellent Japanese rice balls and desserts. The food is visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Attractions

Coffee and Tea: They serve delicious hot beverages, such as matcha latte, hôjicha latte or sencha tea.
Sandos: Benchy has the most delicious sando collection. You must try their Kakuni, Pastrami, Beef, and Egg too.
Fruit Sandwiches: Benchy’s unique highlight is its delicious fruit sandwiches. Try the mango, strawberry, clementine, kiwi, and more!
Casual Ambience: It is the perfect spot to spend time with your family. Its laid-back vibe lets you focus on the rich, delicious food.

Key Details

Location: 50 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France
Contact: +971 56 879 2607
Timings: 10 AM to 6 AM

Price Range

Sandos: 8-12 Euros
Fruit Sandos: 8-12 Euros
Matcha Latte: 5 Euros

General Reviews

Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. Service is quick.
The Crowd: The cafe is small and gets crowded quickly. Lunch is a rush hour, and you may find trouble getting a spot and service without waiting.

Must Read: France in January: A Winter Guide For Tourists

10. Noir

Best coffee cars in Paris

Noir is a classy, relaxed cafe that is a coffee lover’s dream. This café offers a more modern and minimalist aesthetic. It’s an excellent spot for those seeking a sleek and contemporary environment to enjoy quality coffee and perhaps a light bite. You will find all the popular coffee beverages such as espressos, cortados, charcoal lattes, and matcha lattes with cookies.

Attractions

Coffee: The cafe offers a unique selection of coffee drinks. You have great options from a great cup of latte to a quick espresso.
Cakes and Cookies: Noir has small bites like cakes and cookies to accompany the rich coffee.
Globally loved: This coffee bar is extremely popular and has outlets across France and abroad.
Laidback Vibe: The atmosphere at this cafe is relaxed and laidback; you can stop here in between your sightseeing for a quick cup of coffee.

Key Details

Location: 120 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Timings:Weekdays: 8 AM–6 PM | Weekends: 9 AM–12 PM, 12:30–7 PM

Price Range

Coffee: Starting at 3 Euros
Cookies: Starting at 4 Euros
Matcha: 5 Euros

General Reviews

Staff: The service and staff are excellent, friendly, and highly attentive. You will feel at peace in this cafe.
The Crowd: The cafe gets a mixed crowd and is loved by locals and tourists.

Also Read: Spring in France – Everything You Need to Know

Why Choose OneVasco?