Following my last post on Paris which was about the best free locations to click that perfect shot of the iconic Eiffel Tower (how useful, right? 😉 ), I have come up with my list of 5 Parisian cafes that you must try. Of course, Paris has hundreds of cafes and by no means, this is an exhaustive list but it will certainly get you started in this eternal City of Au Lait (or was it Light?)
The thought of Paris brings to my mind, the images of cafes and bistros lining the pavements, the quintessential rattan furniture and people watching other people over their cups of espressos and may be a cigarette to go with it. And what is Paris without its patisseries? The melt-in-your-mouth macarons (not macaroons) and the decadent pastries and cakes make it the perfect foodie destination for all you folks with the sweet tooth.
So, here’s five of my favourite Parisian cafes and patisseries.
Ladurée
Ladurée, a luxury bakery and patisserie, is one place that I always visit whenever I am in Paris. I love their macarons and there is a huge variety to select from – never an easy task. I love buying a small box of macarons as edible souvenirs from Paris and they make pretty gifts too with their beautiful pastel packaging. Ladurée have a restaurant on Champs Elysées decked in traditional ornate French décor. Do yourself a favour and book a breakfast just around the time they open. As the restaurant comes to life and sunlight gently filters through the windows, treat yourself to their French Toast with rose Chantilly cream on the side. About coffee or hot chocolate, I will let you take a pick.
Website: Ladurée
Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Angelina
Where I won’t let you decide about the hot chocolate is Angelina. You must, absolutely must, try their hot chocolate. Sweet, smooth and scrumptious, Angelina’s choclat chaud is bound to transport you to chocolate heaven. Known to have been visited by the likes of Coco Chanel, this classy tearoom is located on Rue de Rivoli, making it the perfect place to start your day with a breakfast that keeps you going for all the touristy shenanigans that the neighbourhood demands.
Website: Angelina
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Café Pouchkine
The pastries at Café Pouchkine are probably the most gorgeous ones that you will lay your eyes on. Originally from Moscow, the café in Paris uses Russian-ingredients in pastries to take the classic French pastries to the next level. If you happen to be near Printemps (you know, for that shopping fix), head downstairs where there is a little Cafe Pouchkine salon. You may choose to sit inside the grey-ish and lavender-ish salon but even better is to sit outside, in those rattan chairs, and indulge in some people-watching.
Website: Café Pouchkine
Address: 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
Cafe Kitsuné
If you are looking for a more modern cafe, you must try Cafe Kitsuné near Palais Royal. This is a proper coffee shop without the classic French cakes and pastries and carries a casual and friendly vibe. It is contemporary and cosmopolitan and draws from Japanese influence. Instead of opting for a flat-white, I went for an iced Yuzu & Ginger drink which was very refreshing in the summer heat.
Website: Cafe Kitsuné
Address: 51 Galerie de Montpensier, 75001 Paris, France
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
This cafe can certainly boast one of the most Instagram-worthy cafe facades in Paris. Located in Rue Chanoinesse near Notre Dame Cathedral, it’s actually quite easy to miss from the main street. I went looking for it after having seen pictures of the cafe with purple chairs and wisteria covered exteriors. Since I did not visit in the Wisteria season, I had to make do with the ivy. Sipping your coffee here means you will be in the picture of every passer by who will stop to click a picture. Because, stop they will!
Website: Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
Address: 24 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris, France
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Did you enjoy my list of 5 best cafes in Paris? Do you have another favourite that you’d like to add? I’d love to know your thoughts!
Cheers to cakes, croissants and coffees!
Ameeta xx
All of those cafés look absolutely beautiful! That hot chocolate at Angelina’s looks divine. I’m also happy that Ladurée made it onto your list. I know it’s a super popular place for travellers to visit, but the macarons and interior are just amazing.
Author
Yes, Ladureé is definitely super popular with tourists and if someone’s short on time, instead of queuing in Champs Elyseés store for take away macarons, one can also buy from one of their many shops e.g. on Rue de Rivoli or even Palace of Versialles.
Oh my God!! I love your post!! I am all about coffee, food and Paris!! I have visited Laduree and its on of my favourites.
Author
Awww thanks Penelopi! I like the words coffee, food and Paris in one sentence.
These look so amazing! I was in Paris just last weekend, but with a teenager so it wasn’t that sort of weekend! Must go back soon… 😊
Author
Ah not sure if teenagers would like any of these, maybe Kitsuné would have been cool.
All of this places look absolutely amazing! I visited Laudree on my trip to Park, however I want to go back and try all the others you suggest!
Author
I wish there are more Paris trips in store for you and you try some of these cafes 🙂
This is great! I’m always looking for delicious restaurants in Paris! http://www.thefashionablephysician.com
Author
Aren’t we all? 😉
Love, love Ladurée. Always go in for some macarons when I’m back in Dubai or NYC! There’s nothing as quaint (and delicieux) as a French cafe…mmmmmmhmmm.
Author
Yes, love their macarons!
I’ve known about many of these for a while now and have been dyyyyying to go back to Paris!!! Pinned for future reference, just in case! #blogpostsaturday
Lovely post! I wish I read this post before my trip to Paris last year. La durée is an absolutely favorite of mine! But the other places that you’ve recommended look like gems as well!
Author
I’m sure you will try some of these in your next visit, something to look forward to 🙂
What absolutely beautiful pictures. I’d be window shopping (no gluten or dairy due to allergies), but I still want to visit because it looks so very pretty. And I can feast my eyes over a coffee.
Author
Ah maybe you should write a list of gluten and dairy free versions of Paris cafes when you visit. That’s a great idea too!
I think I would probably have to try all of these. And I certainly wish I was trying them right now — after that post I really, really want pastry! I can see why everyone stops to take photos of Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole, and the hot chocolate at Angelina really does look like a must. But then all of them seem to have fabulous “must try” treats. Definitely pinning for future reference. Thanks for sharing!
Author
I tried hard to avoid faces in the picture of Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole myself but it was so difficult.
These are absolutely the five cafés to visit as a tourist or when you first arrive in Paris. After these, it’s fun to explore on your own and find new places!
Author
Oh yes, definitely. There’s no doubt that this is not an exhaustive list which I did mention. It’s a great starter kit for first time visitors though.
These are so charming and elegant! The pastries look absolutely divine! My mouth is watering now, so I think I’m going to have to make a run to the bakery. Paris clearly knows how to do breakfast right.
Author
Croissants and coffee – I could have that for breakfast everyday in Paris 🙂
Omg Paris definitely has the best cafes and patisseries! This post made me drool a bit. Loved Angelina and Laudree when I went, definitely saving this list for next time I go to check out the others!
Author
Haha that’s so true Caroline, I am sure I will keep adding to this list with future trips to Paris.
We didn’t try any of these! Will have to next time for sure!
Author
Something to look forward to, then? 🙂
This is making me hungry! I absolutely love the romantic, gothic furniture and decor – I need to check some of these places out!
Author
French decor is certainly very ornate and romantic.
Paris is probably my favorite city in the world, even if I have only been twice. I adored Angelina although I indulge in the white hot chocolate. It’s absolutely amazing. I’ll definitely have to visit these spots for trip number 3, which I am hoping is around the holiday season.
Author
Oooh maybe I will try the white version next time! I have also been to Paris only thrice but I manage to find a different side of it every time I visit.
Ah you’re making me want to go back to Paris so badly! I always hear so much about Angeline but still haven’t gone. Next time!
Author
There’s always a next time, right Lena? 🙂
Oooh I love Paris and this is making want to go back. I’ve only ever been to Laduree and Angelinas which I love them both. I now need to try the others! xo
Author
If you liked Ladureé and Angelina, you should definitely try Pouchkine. It was my favourite.
Oh these places are so pretty. So much delicious looking food.
Author
Thanks Jean, certainly a lot of food and calories! But who’s counting 😉
I shouldn´t have read your post while hungry. I do love pastry and everything looks so delicious. I have never been to Paris yet but now I know where to go:-) Thanks for sharing.
Author
You are most welcome Claudia and I am glad that you would like to visit the places I have mentioned.
Would like to visit all of these! They look wonderful! #blogpostsaturday
That Russian one is too pretty for words Ameeta!
Author
I think it’s now my favourite too. I had such a great time at Cafe Pouchkine and the cake was divine!
LOVE your photography here! Strong content and beautiful colors–I want to book a ticket and fly to Paris right now. And get hot chocolate 😉
Author
Thank you Siarra, the hot chocolate is the perfect reason/excuse to fly off to Paris 😉
As a passionate coffee lover, this post is just perfect for me, Ameeta! I’ll definitely have to go to Paris soon and enjoy these cafes! What kind of coffee would you suggest trying?
Author
Ah I am so glad you liked my post. I like ordering Cafe Au Lait which is coffee with steamed milk. And of course, you must try the hot chocolate and the cakes too, ‘coz why not?! 😉