Paris Cafés
Visit the most iconic cafés in Paris and Parisian terraces with the best views
Paris Cafés
One of the most quintessentially Parisian things there is sentarse en alguna de las icónicas cafeterías de París. For centuries, their terraces have been gathering places for philosophers, novelists, historical figures, and French revolutionaries. Today, they are the perfect setting to enjoy a good coffee or a glass of wine and watch the world go by.
What's more, there is no better place to have breakfast in Paris than in one of its iconic cafés. Read to the end and discover 9 of the best and most legendary cafés in Paris.
The Most Famous Cafés in Paris
Here is our selection of the 9 most famous cafés in Paris:
Café des Deux Moulins
Its name is a tribute to two nearby historic windmills, el Moulin Rouge y el Moulin de la Galette, but the Café des Deux Moulins is best known for being one of the most iconic locations in Amélie's Paris. Remember where she worked? That's right, right here.
With a great selection of food and drinks, the standout is the Goûter d'Amélie, which offers you a choice of coffee (black or with milk), hot chocolate or tea, and a crème brûlée. It is one of the best cafés in Paris and an ideal place to immerse yourself in French culture.
During your visit, be sure to take a selfie by the gran cartel de Amélie.
- Dirección: 15 Rue Lepic, 75018.
- Ubicación: neighborhood of Montmartre, near the famous Place du Tertre.
Café Procope
Le Procope is a famous café in Paris, renowned for being the oldest in the city, as abrió sus puertas en 1686. Sitting here is like sitting in the shadow of some of France's most celebrated figures, such as the revolutionary Robespierre or the poet Verlaine.
Additionally, this literary café is also one of the best restaurants in Paris, so you can enjoy a glass of wine and try the traditional French onion soup au gratin, or go for something more substantial and choose the classic coq au vin or a shrimp and seafood vol-au-vent.
- Dirección: 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006.
- Ubicación: neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, near the Sainte-Chapelle.
Shakespeare and Company Café
Right next to the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris is the charming café of the same name, where people often wander in after losing themselves in the pages of a good book and descubrir el aura casi caprichosa y perdida en el tiempo del lugar.
Since 2015 it has been serving delicious coffee alongside organic, homemade Anglo-style meals and pastries, including bagels, sandwiches, salads, cookies, brownies and opciones veganas. You'll love its views of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Dirección: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005.
- Ubicación: Latin Quarter of Paris, just a few steps from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Le Select
Le Select is one of those quintessential Paris cafés that is a must-visit. With its wicker chairs and mosaic-tiled floors, it embodies the truly classic atmosphere that has defined it since 1925, not to mention the delicious coffee it serves.
This café used to be a favorite haunt of famous figures such as Picasso, Henry Miller, F. Scott Fitzgerald y Hemingway, who frequented it from time to time. They make delicious croissants here, one of the first things you absolutely must eat in Paris.
- Dirección: 99 Bd du Montparnasse, 75006.
- Ubicación: Montparnasse Quarter, just a few steps from the Luxembourg Gardens.
Café de l'Homme
If we had to recommend one of the most charming cafés in Paris, it would without a doubt be Café de l'Homme for su combinación perfecta entre tradición e innovación. You may also recognize it as one of the filming locations for Emily in Paris.
It is also a restaurant serving French cuisine from across the country, such as classic foie gras, truffle risotto, and an incredible 7-hour braised beef stew.
Another one of its highlights is its terrace, which offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. It's no wonder we consider it one of the best viewpoints in Paris. By the way, did you know that at this landmark a coffee can cost you between €6 and €8? While it may seem a little pricey compared to the Paris average (€3), it's well worth it.
- Dirección: 17 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016.
- Ubicación: Trocadero District, just a few steps from the Trocadéro Square.
Les Deux Magots
Considered by many French people to be the most famous café in Paris, Lex Deus Magots it opened in 1885 and was once the favorite haunt of literary giants such as Albert Camus, Ernest Hemmingway y James Joyce. It has even awarded its own literary prize since 1933.
Its terrace is the perfect spot to start the day with an incredible espresso and a delicious croque-monsieur, a French cuisine classic consisting of a sandwich made with sandwich bread, cooked ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce, grilled in the oven.
- Dirección: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006.
- Ubicación: neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, about 700 m from the Louvre Museum.
Café de Flore
This classic Parisian café opened its doors in the 1880s and has changed little since World War II, with its bold red booths, large mirrors, and small tables on the street. Philosophers such as Sartre y de Beauvoir used to spend their time here.
It offers a very complete menu, including appetizers, breakfasts, salads, sandwiches, French cheese plates, and hot and cold drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Café de Flore is not cheap by any means, but it is well worth a visit to discover its fascinating history.
- Dirección: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006.
- Ubicación: neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 500 m from the Paris Mint and its museum.
Café de la Paix
Declared a historic site in 1975, Café De La Paix it is the most iconic café in Paris and, without a doubt, a very famous one. It has also been the backdrop for world-renowned poems and films. Its fresco-painted interior gives the feeling of being inside a museum.
This café used to be a cherished gathering place for French writers such as Guy de Maupassant y Emile Zola, who enjoyed its spectacular baguette and pain au chocolat.
If you have ever seen the animated restaurant scene in the classic Disney film The Aristocats, you will recognize it instantly.
- Dirección: 5 Pl. de l'Opéra, 75009.
- Ubicación: Opéra district, near the Paris Opéra Garnier.
Le Café Marly
Café Marly combines the best of a Parisian brasserie and a literary café, and has a magical touch that no other café in Paris can offer: está ubicado justo enfrente del Museo del Louvre, and the terrace offers a perfect view of its iconic glass pyramid.
It is no surprise that prices are a little high here, but it is without a doubt a great place to splurge without feeling guilty about it. The red berry pavlova, the chocolate fondant with crème anglaise, and the apple tart are on another level.
- Dirección: 93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001.
- Ubicación: Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois neighborhood. Perfect to visit before or after entering the Louvre Museum.
Now that you know which are the most famous cafés in Paris, find out whether you need to leave a tip in France to behave like a true Parisian.
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