Drinking a proper cup of French-style hot chocolate at a historic cafe in Paris is certainly a bucket list activity. The French sure do love their chocolates. French hot chocolate, also known as chocolate chaud, is so alluringly good because it’s all about real chocolate being melted & cooked into this thick, glossy drink. Expect a rich, even intense, chocolate flavour, and a creamy, velvety texture to taste. And no better place than Paris does it so well. In this article, we’ve put together a list of the best and most popular places in Paris to savour this iconic style of hot chocolate.
Where to Find the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
Les Deux Magots
If jazz and hot chocolate are your vibe, then you must check out Les Deux Magots. This historic cafe makes its hot chocolate with “Equatorial 55%” Valrhona chocolate, featuring subtle notes of vanilla, and is considered by many to be the best in Paris. Moreover, they are also known for their jazz nights and Art Deco interiors. Many famous names have visited Les Deux Magots, such as Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, etc.
Location: Saint-Germain-des-Présv
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Carette
Carette is a longstanding classic spot in Paris that has gone viral on social media, thanks to its hot chocolate and Eiffel Tower views in Trocadero. Unfortunately, according to many, there are insanely long queues due to its viral hype, and possibly not-so-pleasant service where you’d be rushed for your table. Here’s a tip instead: check out Carette’s other branch in Le Marais for a calmer experience.
Cafe du Trocadero
Carette’s not the only hot chocolate place at Trocadero. Cafe du Trocadero may be a lesser-known spot compared to Carette, but its hot chocolate & pastries certainly deserve as much spotlight. So pop by here instead if you’re visiting the area and enjoy that hot chocolate peacefully with the Eiffel Tower in view.
Location: Trocadéro
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Ladurée
You already know Ladurée is a must-visit spot in Paris for its macarons, but did you know they also make fantastic French hot chocolate? Beautifully silky and rich, with a hint of bitterness, Ladurée is certainly up there for the best hot chocolate in Paris.
P.S. We love their hot chocolate in London too!
Le Cafe Marly
For the best views of the Louvre, like you see on Pinterest, head to Le Cafe Marly. The emblematic restaurant boasts beautiful Napoleon III-style interiors and a lovely terrace that offers sweeping views of the Louvre’s iconic glass pyramid. They make a good French-style hot chocolate and are also renowned for their Pavlova.
Location: Rue de Rivoli
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Le Cafe Carrousel
You can find Cafe Carrousel at the Rue de Rivoli arcades, with charming views over the Tuileries Garden and the Louvre. It’s a nice pit-stop en route to the Louvre for a hot chocolate and their signature Pain Perdu.
Location: Rue de Rivoli
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Angelina
Just around the corner from Cafe Carrousel is Angelina, an iconic and historic Parisian tearoom that’s known for its signature hot chocolate. Their hot chocolate is composed of African cocoa from Niger, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, creating this intense dark chocolate flavour. If dark chocolate isn’t your thing, they also do white chocolate. Anglina is now a global brand with stores in the Middle East, Asia, and the United States.
Location: Rue de Rivoli
(click to open location on Google Maps)
Cafe de Flore
Cafe de Flore, dating from 1887, is often named the most famous cafe in Paris and has a long historical rivalry with Les Deux Magots across the road. They are known to make a nice cup of hot chocolate, best served with whipped Chantilly cream.
Location: Saint-Germain-des-Présv
(click to open location on Google Maps)
