The Parisian café has played host to poets, writers and some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. It’s been the rendezvous point for communities for generations, a place to reconnect with family and friends, but it might surprise you to know that the coffee in Paris is bad… really bad.
While Parisians certainly have a café culture, they don’t have a coffee culture. But thanks to a few caffeinated pioneers and some new kids on the block, the coffee scene in Paris has taken a turn for the better.
So there’s no need to worry – if you’re looking for a caffeine fix in Paris: here’s our coffee lover’s guide to Paris
La Caféothèque
Photo by bambibohemian
A pioneer in Paris’ coffee scene, La Caféothèque is the brainchild of former Guatemalan ambassador to France, Gloria Montenegro. She started this mission to remind Parisians what truly delicious coffee tastes like – no more burnt bitterness served here. Since its inception in 2005, La Caféothèque has become a hub for coffee culture and has provided the setting for other speciality cafés to follow suit. If you need to take refuge from the chaos of the city, there is no better place to do so.
WHERE: 52 rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville 75004
WHEN: Mon-Sun 9:30-19:30
HOW MUCH: €5.00 for a café crème
Coutume Café
Photo by mrzck_
What do you get when put together the caffeinated talents of an Aussie and a Frenchman? The answer is Coutume Café. Since opening in 2011, it has continually worked to promote the ‘science’ behind coffee. This is a place where tap water is served in chemist flasks and bean varieties are abbreviated to resemble the periodic table (like ‘Gu’ for Guatemala). Located in the 7th arrondissement, Coutume’s scientific coffee is not to be missed.
WHERE: 47 rue de Babylone 75007
WHEN: Mon-Fri 8:00-19:00 / Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00
HOW MUCH: €3.50 for a café crème
Loustic
Photo by jessejmorgan
A coffeehouse for locals, Loustic doesn’t aim to be a niche café for the pretentious – it simply serves the best espresso in a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. This is the ideal spot to come if you want to wind down, grab a coffee and have a good chat with friends – or if you want to practice your French with the friendly locals. Inside you can sit back on wicker chairs, sink into patterned couches and even try some pretty good food as well.
WHERE: 40 Rue Chapon 75003
WHEN: Mon – Fri 8:00-18:00 / Sat 9:00-18:00 / Sun 11:00-18:00
HOW MUCH: €4.00 for a café crème
Café Lomi
Photo by chefjonepan
Another successful Franco-Australian partnership, Café Lomi is run by master roaster, Aleaume Paturle, alongside champion Aussie barista Paul Arnephy. The pair opened Café Lomi in 2012 and since then it has become a Parisian coffee institution. Located in the multicultural 18th arrondissement, Café Lomi caters for all palates, with its coffee spectrum ranging from light and acidic to more full-bodied flavours. There is also some delicious food on offer, with the kitchen preparing tasty sandwiches, salads and desserts throughout the day.
WHERE: 3 ter rue Marcadet, 75018
WHEN: Wed-Sun 10:00-19:00
HOW MUCH: €3.90 for a flat white
Télescope
Photo by renke_yi
They say size doesn’t matter? Well in the case of Télescope, it’s true. This tiny café serves up some of the best coffee in Paris in cosy surroundings. With a short menu on offer, Télescope offers its customers a contemporary approach to impeccably crafted coffee. If the limited seating is full, don’t fret, get your coffee-to-go and stroll down to the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries.
WHERE: 5 rue Villedo 75001
WHEN: Mon-Fri 8:30-18:30 / Sat-Sun 9:30-18:30
HOW MUCH: €4.00 for a café crème
Ten Belles
Photo by dagmara_ch
Situated near Canal St. Martin, Ten Belles was opened by Thomas Lehoux, a renowned barista on the Parisian café scene – so you know you’re in safe hands. Ten Belles offers different coffee blends from all over the world, so you’re sure to find one to suit your taste. There’s also a great assortment of sweet and savoury food options to enjoy. The minimalist interior and relaxed atmosphere ensure that this charming little café is a must-visit.
WHERE: 10 rue de la Grange aux Belles 75010
WHEN: Tue-Fri: 8:00-18:00 / Sat-Sun 9:00-19:00
HOW MUCH: €4.00 for a café crème
Lead photo by gotovan
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