Cafes
Fresh baguettes and croissants with a strong espresso in the morning, aromatic teas or pastis in the afternoon, and a local vintage with friends in the evening, there's never a wrong time to visit a café in Paris. They are a quintessential part of the Parisian experience and the perfect vantage point from which to engage in a lazy afternoon of people-watching. The wide variety of drinks and the occasional live music round off the café experience to perfection.
Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.comCafé de Flore
This famous literary café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés boasts some very illustrious names among its former clientele, including Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Getting a table among all the tourists might be a challenge, but with the Café de Flore's history and status in popular culture, it definitely deserves a visit.
Daria Shevtsova/PexelsLadurée
La Maison Ladurée is an iconic, upscale bakery and tea room specializing in French macarons. At this location in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you can indulge in scrumptious French pastries and true culinary masterpieces fit for royals. Be sure to take some of these decadent desserts back home as they do make a nice gift.
Melanie Kreutz/UnsplashKB CaféShop
A speciality coffee pioneer in Paris, KB offers its own roasted coffee from worldwide sources, which is served on a pavement terrace. Everything you eat here is freshly handmade by the team in-house. The helpful staff serves baguettes, sandwiches and desserts like freshly made muffins, cakes and tartes. This is also a great place to visit for breakfast.
Nathan Dumlao/UnsplashLe Bistrot du Peintre
Le Bistrot du Peintre, an authentic Art Nouveau bistro in the Bastille district, has been serving traditional French dishes for over a century. Established in 1902, the bistro underwent a thorough renovation in 2012 while preserving its Art Nouveau charm, earning it recognition as a historic monument. It features a changing menu with daily specials, showcasing the finest wines from both renowned and small producers.
Piotr Krzeslak/Shutterstock.comLe Select
Another famous literary café (and former hangout of Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Henry Miller), Le Select remains true to the spirit it has had since 1925, despite its popularity among tourists and the high prices to match. It is still a favorite among locals and always displays an authentic Parisian charm.
IAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV / Shutterstock.comCharbon Café
Quiet and laid-back by day and a trendy center for nightlife after dark, Rue Oberkampf hosts several cafés that like Charbon Café transform into chic bars at night. Originally a dance hall built around 1900, this spacious café attracts a hip urban crowd.
iravgustin / Shutterstock.comCafé de la Paix
For a taste of sophistication, check out the opulent Café de la Paix, located next to and designed by the same architect as the Opera Garnier. As part of Le Grand Hotel, you can enjoy the luxurious interiors or relax on the terrace to indulge in some people-watching while savoring some French dishes.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.comStrada Café
Located near the Notre Dame Cathedral, Strada Café is a popular spot known for its breakfast and specialty coffee. The café provides a delightful setting for a leisurely stop during a stroll through the Latin Quarter. Beyond fantastic coffee, the café serves healthy lunch options, fresh juices, and baked goods.
Fahmi Fakhrudin/UnsplashBreizh Café
One of the finest creperies in the French capital is, actually, a Japanese import: Breizh Café was a big hit in the land of the rising sun long before it came to the Marais. The chain's very successful outpost serves scrumptious crêpes and galettes made with the finest organic ingredients from Brittany. Michelin-starred Raphaël-Fumio Kudaka is the chef behind the enterprise.
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