Paris Café Culture:
From Historic Icons to Hidden Creperies

Cafes are an immense part of the Parisian culture. In addition to Louvre and Eiffel, the main thing that comes to mind, when mentioning Paris is it’s beautiful streets lined with cafes. Seating outside at the sidewalk tables and sipping coffee, while the life goes by is one of the best Parisian experiences.

This tradition dates back to as early as 17th century, when Cafe Procope – first one in Paris – opened its doors. Since then, cafes became places for socializing and intellectual discussions. Philosophers and writers, political activists and artists from across Europe and beyond frequented Parisian cafes over centuries. 

Today, Paris is full of cafes, from the icons with rich history that once hosted artists and philosophers to modern specialty coffee shops and patisseries. You can’t say you experienced Paris, unless you have been to a Parisian cafe. 

In this Parisian cafe guide, I’ll share some of my favorite spots for crepes, coffee, and sweets for you to visit not only for treats, but to soak up the spirit and to people watch.

Tips for Visiting Cafes in Paris

Slow Pace at Parisian Cafes

Paris cafes are a slow affair. You can sit and watch the busy streets, read a book or a newspaper or just engage in an intellectual conversation. unlike in many other countries, the waiter won’t automatically bring you the bill — you’ll need to ask for it when you’re ready to leave.

Terrace Seating and People Watching

You can choose seats inside or on the terraces outside (if the weather permits). Sitting on a terrace is the most Parisian experience you can image with chairs facing the street for people watching. If you sit outside though, keep in mind that Parisians do smoke in outdoor even crowded spaces. So you might be disturbed by the cigarette smoke. 

Are Parisians Rude?

The common misconception is that Parisians are rude. I didn’t feel them being rude, they are simply direct in my opinion. The waiters won’t start a long conversation with you. They will simply take your order and go on with their tasks. 

Cafe Prices according to Seating

The prices you pay in the same cafe can vary depending on your seats. You can drink your coffee at the bar – this will be the cheapest. If you choose to sit at the indoor tables, the prices are more expensive. While the terrace seats result in the highest price. We did love seating outside though, even if it’s more expensive. But the weather didn’t always allow us to do this. 

Tipping in Parisian Cafes

As in most of Europe, tipping is not mandatory. Service is included in the bill. However, you can leave a small tip, if you wish. 

Parisian Cafe Opening Times 

As a general rule, Parisian Cafes open early – 7-8am with few exceptions. The closing times considerably vary though with some cafes open after 11pm, while others closing as early as 6pm. Double check before going. 

If you want to discover delicious macaroons, handmade chocolate and pastries and try local crepes with a local guide, you can join this highly rated food tour.

Best Cafes in Paris for Coffee and Chocolates

Café Angelina

Most people will tell you that this cafe is very touristy. It certainly is, but it’s gorgeous, so I definitely recommend visiting it still. You will be charmed with its golden decor, mirrors, chandeliers and marble tabletops. 

Besides, Angelina is very conveniently located near Tuileries gardens. We visited after a long day of exploring Louvre for a nice break. We loved their sweets and coffee. The only downside is that it is extremely expensive, so only visit, if you want to indulge yourself a little.

Café Verlet

This was my favourite cafe in Paris. It was founded in 1880 and has a rich history. This is visible in its beautiful wooden decor and old-time charm. We got a table on the second floor, as there were none downstairs. It was more minimalist, but in the same wooden decor, as the first floor. There was no queue though during our visit, so we got the seats easily. The staff was very welcoming. 

It also keep the quality of coffee to the highest level. You can read about different in-house coffee roasts they offer and can choose among the coffee beans, with which they will make your coffee. Besides, their hot chocolate was one of my favourites. We also got to try the chocolate cake, which was delicious – sweets comma, I know 🙂

Cafe de Flore

This is one of the most – if not the most – famous cafes in Paris. Sartre and Simon de Beauvoir practically spent all their days here. It is still famous to this day with writers and filmmakers, artists and designers alike. Interestingly Sophia Coppola held her working meetings here. Reservations are not required, but you may wish to book in advance to avoid queues. Although if you are not here during a very busy time – weekends, summer or afternoon lunchtime, you may be able to easily find a table.

Les Deux Maggots

Located practically across the road from Cafe de Flore, Les Deux Maggots was also established at the end of the 19th century. The two cafes have had quite a rivalry. It is nowadays very touristy, not the least due to the fact that it was frequented by such famous people, as Picasso, Hemingway, Camus – the list goes on. Similar to its rival, expect the queues, unless you reserve. 

Coutume Café 

This modern minimalist coffee place is located not too far from the Eiffel Tower and Hotel des Invalides. They have great selection of very tasty coffees and cakes. They certainly know, how to make a great strong cappuccino.

Ladurée Paris Royale

While Laduree can be found in many cities now, one can’t miss it in Paris, as it has origins from here. This luxury bakery dates back to the 19th century. The café is located near the Champs Elysees, which makes it very convenient. Do try their delicious macaroons. 

KB Cafeshop

The café in the Monmartre area has great coffee and pastries. They have a selection of coffee beans you could buy. The atmosphere is cozy with terrace seating. Staff are also nice and welcoming.

Best Creperies in Paris

Breizh Cafe Le Marais

This café has great reviews and indeed, they have delicious crepes. We tried both – savoury with mushrooms and sweet with chocolate options and they were definitely great. There are several downsides of visiting though: Firstly, the staff was very rude to us (while I have heard people in Paris are rude, that wasn’t our general experience, so I am mentioning this here. 🙂 The space is very small and cramped, if you wish to eat in the cafe. We decided on a takeaway, once we saw how cramped it was. If you prefer to eat inside though, I suggest to book in advance, to make sure that you get a seat. 

La Droguerie

This small creperie has quite tasty savoury and sweet crepes. Just keep in mind that they do savoury crepes with dark dough, which I personally don’t like much, however, the sweet crepes I enjoyed immensely. You are also able to watch the whole process of making crepes in front of you. The staff is lovely and very welcoming. This place has small seating space too. 

On top of everything else, the prices are very decent, especially considering that it’s Paris. As a result, as with any such tasty places in this popular city, expect queues almost any time. 

Au P’tit Grec

This small creperie is worth a visit but expect a queue almost any time of day and evening. We had to wait about half an hour – I believe that was longest we had waited on this trip, as we wanted to avoid queues 🙂 

They have very tasty savoury and sweet crepes. The prices are very decent, especially considering that it’s located on a very busy street of Sant germaine. I definitely recommend it, especially if you travel on a budget.

Bonus: Pierre Herme

The pastry shop has branches around Paris. I visited one to try their amazing macaroons. 

 

See also

My step-by-step itinerary for spending 4 days or less in Paris.