Description:
If you never go to the Louvre, never make it to the Eiffel Tower, if you can't be asked to dare the roundabout at the Arc de Triomphe via taxi -- you can still have the quintessential Parisian experience by hopping from one café to the next or just sitting in one all day long. Don't let anyone tell you different. There is a reason this is a called a café society -- all the good and interesting things happen in the cafes (that and on the metro). So if what you want is to linger for hours and sip one cup of coffee while watching people go by and discuss Nietzche and Kant... don't let anyone tell you you can't. Ha! Au contraire. If you have left Paris without wasting at least a day in one of these great cafés -- you can't really say you've been to Paris.
View Iternary mapParis
-
Café Charbon
Contact:
- 33 1 4357 5740
- visit website
Location:
- 109 rue Oberkampf
-
Map
Description:
This late 19th-century coal merchant's premises have become the Ménilmontant district's trendiest bar. Superbly preserved period features are part of its special charm; thanks to high ceilings and large mirrors, the bar feels amazingly spacious, while subdued lighting and red lamps on the wooden tables provide a cosy touch. Food is tasty and typically French: steak with pepper sauce, cheese pasta, vegeterian salad. Jam-packed evenings and weekends, the bar is frequented by a young, smart, bohemian crowd.
-
Select (Le)
Contact:
- 33 1 4222 6527
Location:
- 99 Boulevard du Montparnasse
- Near Saint-Germain des Prés
-
Map
Description:
Le Select has been a hot favorite since the 1920s. In fact, it was amongst the first cafés on boulevard Montparnasse to stay open all night. It was frequented by greats like Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Pablo Picasso and many more. Even today, painters, models, journalists and commoners hang out at this café.
-
Cafe de la Paix (Le)
Contact:
- 33 1 4007 3636 / 33 1 4007 3030
- visit website
Location:
- Place de l'Opéra
- InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel
-
Map
Description:
This cafe is undoubtedly one of the most popular in Paris. With its exquisite Second Empire style, it has forever been a favored hangout for celebrities and tourists alike. The leafy look combined with the rich decor of ornate work and deep polished wood creates an atmosphere of freshness blending with class. You can drop in here for an early breakfast or a delayed supper as the cafe remains open till late in the night. During winter, you can dine alfresco at the winter terrace that overlooks the Boulevard des Capucines, while summer months see crowds filling in at the open air terrace that gives a great view of the Place de l'Opera. While in Paris, this is one destination you should not miss.
-
Café Lenôtre
Contact:
- 33 1 4265 8510
- visit website
Location:
- Pavillon de l'Elysée
- 10 avenue des Champs Elysées
-
Map
Description:
Warm colors combined with modern décor makes up the ambience of this restaurant. The menu is more innovative than the decor. It includes Cream of Pumpkin with truffle oil, Hamburger with Foie Gras and lip-smacking Lenôtre desserts. A vast selection of wines, coffees, teas, chocolates and herbal infusions add to the uniqueness of this place.
-
Lézard Café
Contact:
- 33 1 42 33 22 73
- visit website
Location:
- 41 rue Tiquetonne
-
Map
Description:
Looking for a good café where you can hang out, read a book, grab a bite, meet friends, people-watch or generally "lizard" around? The Lézard Café should be right up your alley. Located just off of the hip and historic rue Montorgueil, this classic café is known for its long covered terraces, which are packed with 20-, 30- or 40-somethings in both summer and winter. Enjoy solid French fare to the strains of a thumping techno beat while checking out the funky artwork that adorns the walls. If you like what you see, it's yours for the right price.
-
Café de L'Alma
Contact:
- 33 01 45 51 56 74
- visit website
Location:
- 5 avenue Rapp
-
Map
Description:
The newest restaurant owned by the Baudon family, who also own Fontaine de Mars, Café de l'Alma offers typical French fare in an atypical environment. The modern black exterior yields two floors of dining rooms and some of the best food in the area. The wine list is varied and excellent, and the à la carte options include typical French brasserie duck and chicken dressed up with succulent sauces, as well as an amazing tuna tartare appetizer. For dessert, try the crème brulée.
-
Café de Flore
Contact:
- 33 1 4548 5526
- visit website
Location:
- 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain
- St-Germain-des-Prés
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
An historical landmark in Paris since 1890, this cafe was a favourite of many great 19th-century writers and artists. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre always took his coffee and croissant on the terrace. These days you can drop in for a quick snack or glass of Champagne having shopped-till-you-dropped in the district's luxurious boutiques. The smart set that revels in the cafe's upmarket style ensures that its reputation lives on.
-
Cafe de la Paix (Le)
Contact:
- 33 1 4007 3636 / 33 1 4007 3030
- visit website
Location:
- Place de l'Opéra
- InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel
-
Map
Description:
This cafe is undoubtedly one of the most popular in Paris. With its exquisite Second Empire style, it has forever been a favored hangout for celebrities and tourists alike. The leafy look combined with the rich decor of ornate work and deep polished wood creates an atmosphere of freshness blending with class. You can drop in here for an early breakfast or a delayed supper as the cafe remains open till late in the night. During winter, you can dine alfresco at the winter terrace that overlooks the Boulevard des Capucines, while summer months see crowds filling in at the open air terrace that gives a great view of the Place de l'Opera. While in paris, this is one destination you should not miss.
-
Chope des Vosges
Contact:
- 33 1 4272 6404
Location:
-
Map
Description:
Have a steaming cup of coffee or choose from the long list of wines available. This place is always full of locals, who are very friendly and warm. So even if you come alone, you can strike a conversation with anyone and have a nice time.
-
Cafe des Phares
Contact:
- 33 1 4272 0470
- visit website
Location:
- 7 Place de La Bastille
-
Map
- user rating
Description:
Café des Phares is located in the Place de la Bastille, a favorite hotspot of all tourists. If you want to have some fun, you should come here on Sundays and participate in the debates organized by Nietzsche specialist Marc Sautet. You can forget all your problems and relax with a cup of coffee in the open terrace of the café. It also offers its patrons an incredible view of the Bastille.
- Destination(s): Paris
- Type: Best of...
-
User Rating sign in to rate it - Download This Guide
Top Itineraries
- Best Nights Out
- Off the beaten path
- One day in Paris
- The Art de Vivre
- Art Art Art
- Explore
- There are 18 Guides in Paris.
- Find More Paris Guides
- Top Categories
- Explore Paris travel or check out Tours, Romantic Dining, Five Star Hotels, Bars, and more on NileGuide. You can also check out top itineraries in Paris
