Skip to main content
ARTICLE

Cafes

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.com

Café 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/Pexels

Ladurée

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/Unsplash

KB 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/Unsplash

Le 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.com

Le 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.com

Charbon 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.com

Café 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.com

Strada 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/Unsplash

Breizh 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.

Valerii__Dex/Shutterstock.com

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP