5 Cafes in Paris: The Most Beautiful & Iconic Spots You Can’t Miss
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
When I was planning my first trip to Paris, all I could think about with the iconic attractions: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, etc. What I didn’t think about in the least was all of the amazing cafes in Paris. Since my first trip, I have learned a lot about Paris, and I am excited to share all of my favorite cafes in Paris, so that you can make sure you add some of these cafes into your next Paris itinerary.
Each cafe in this guide offers something a little different, whether it’s signature menu items, a unique personality and vibe, or the just stood out to me as a must visit cafe, I am hoping one or all of these cafes in Paris resonate with you and make you excited to visit not only Paris, but all of their amazing cafes, which will only enhance your Paris experience.
Now, let’s get into it!
Introduction: Cafes in Paris
If you are planning a trip to Paris, when creating your perfect Paris itinerary, something you must do in Paris, that cannot be missed, is their amazing cafes. Around every corner you will find amazing cafes in Paris, all offering a unique personality, amazing food, and just a great spot to sit back, people watch and pause for a moment.
On my most recent spring trip to Paris, I found that finding my next new cafe was much more fun than sightseeing. Visiting Paris in the spring brought everyone outside, and the people watching from the Paris cafes was so much fun and just made me enjoy being in Paris.
From historic cafes to iconic TikTok famous spots, this guide has everything you need for you to find your perfect cafes in Paris (or three), so make your trip to this incredible city even better.
1. Café de Flore Paris: Gossip Girl Famous
One thing you need to know about me is that I was, and still am, a huge Gossip Girl fan. I think I’ve seen the series like five times now, so there was ZERO chance I was going to Paris and not stopping into Cafe de Flore. I mean, if Blake and Serena did it, then I knew I had to too!
Cafe de Flore is in the very fun Saint Germain district, and there was something about sitting outside on the sidewalk, at this adorable cafe, that made me really fall in love with Paris. It was busy, but not too busy, and it was so nice to enjoy my hot chocolate, take a pause, and just people watch.
Now, this cafe is in a very busy area, so there is constant action everywhere, but for me, I loved watching the people go back, listening to chatter, and just enjoying being in the moment.
Pro Tip: This cafe can be busy, it’s not the cheapest in Paris, but it was one of my favorites for food, atmosphere and people watching.
2. Les Deux Magots: Historical & Iconic
If you are looking for a cute cafe in Paris that has a bit of a historical background, then I would highly recommend adding Les Deux Magots to your Paris itinerary. Ironically, this cafe is very close to Cafe de Flore, however, they have completely different personalities.
While Cafe de Flore was great for people watching, for me, Les Deux Magots was more of an intellectual vibe. I felt like I reflected on my Paris experience while I sat on the terrace and just enjoyed the atmosphere.
I found it much easier to slow down and just breathe while I was sitting in this cafe compared to some of the others, and I am not sure if it was because of its historic nature, or because it felt like there were maybe more locals enjoying their coffee.
Either way, if you are looking for a historic cafe that allows you to relax, reflect, and just enjoy the Parisian cafe experience, then I would recommend adding Les Deux Magots to your next Paris itinerary.
3. Carette Paris: Iconic Hot Chocolate
If you are on TikTok, then I am sure this iconic Paris cafe has crossed your FYP. You can’t possibly scroll or search Amsterdam and not see Carette come across with their TikTok famous hot chocolate and homemade whipped cream. Was it overpriced? Yes. Was it worth the hype? Also, yes!
This incredibly cute cafe in Paris is everything TikTok said it would be. The hot cholate is amazing. The whipped cream was light and fluffy, then croissant, was warm and flakey, and the macarons, also delicious. The food, the vibe, the cafe, everything about Carette was perfect!
Pro Tip: Make sure to visit before 9am, otherwise you’ll find yourself in line with all the other content creators, patiently waiting for a table.
4. Café de la Paix: Different Side of Paris
Walking into Café de la Paix near the Palais Garnier felt like stepping into a different version of Paris altogether.
This isn’t the casual, sit-outside-with-a-coffee kind of café. This is something more elevated.
I remember pausing for a second when I walked in, just taking in the chandeliers, the ornate details, the way everything felt grand but still inviting. It’s the kind of place where you naturally sit a little straighter, take your time, and just let yourself enjoy the experience.
It felt less like a quick stop and more like an occasion—even though I hadn’t planned it that way.
And that’s what makes it stand out. It shows you a completely different side of Paris that you might not expect—but once you experience it, it’s hard to forget.
5. Le Procope: The Oldest Café in Paris
If your Paris cafe vibe is a little more chill and hidden gem like, then you may want to add Le Procope to your Paris itinerary. This is known as the oldest cafe in Paris, and you can literally feel the history when you walk in.
I remember as I drank my espresso, I just thought and wondered how many conversations had taken place in this cafe, all of the amazing ideas, thoughts, and conversations that have been had since 1686.
Walking into this cafe is like being a part of history. And even though it may not be the cafe you see on Instagram or TikTok, it absolutely offers something special and shouldn’t be missed.
Conclusion: Cafés in Paris
When searching for cafes in Paris, you will find an endless list of options. Honestly, any cafe in Paris is bound to be amazing. The key is to find a cafe that meets your vibe, order an amazing cup of espresso and a freshly baked croissant, and just sit back and enjoy being in Paris.
When I look back at all of my trips to Paris some of my most memorable experiences were when I was experiencing some of the most amazing cafes in Paris. So, if you are planning your trip to Paris, yes of course visit all of the iconic sites Paris has to offer, but also make sure you include enjoying those downtime moments and just sit in one of these Paris cafes, or find one on your own, and just enjoy!