When it comes to capturing the unique charm of Paris, few experiences compare to visiting its lovely cafes. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a pastry lover, or simply someone who enjoys soaking in the ambiance of a beautifully designed space, visiting the cutest cafes in Paris is the perfect thing to do on a trip to France. With thousands of cafes all over the city, the choice of cafés in Paris seems endless! But don’t worry, you don’t have to wander the streets of Paris, testing countless cafes to find the perfect spot. I’ve asked my travel blogger friends about their favorite cafes and compiled a list of the cutest, most iconic, instagramable, and most charming cafes in the City of Light.
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Map of the Cutest Cafes in Paris
The Cutest Cafes in Paris: Arrondissement 1-6
Angelina
Recommended by Samantha from Find Love and Travel.
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli (1st Arrondissement)
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am to 7 pm, Friday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturday – Sunday from 8 am to 7:30 pm.
You can’t visit Paris without stopping at Angelina, one of the cutest cafes in Paris! This famous tea room has a beautiful belle epoque-style atmosphere and is perfect for brunch with the girls or a romantic stop with someone special. The tearoom opened in 1903 and is most famous for its hot chocolate. Some say it is the best in Paris. You are served thick, creamy hot chocolate poured into your cup with whipped cream on the side. It’s especially excellent to visit on a rainy or cold day in the city. Aside from hot chocolate, they have other great pastries and even good food, but at a higher price.
Because Angelina is so famous, it is best to visit close to opening or closing to avoid crowds. You can also get hot chocolate and pastries to go if you don’t want to wait too long. Additionally, they have a location inside the Louvre, but the best location is outside the Louvre at Rue de Rivoli.
Cafe Petibon
Recommended by Nick from The World Overload.
Address: 15 rue Montorgueil (1st Arrondissement)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6:30 pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 7 pm.
The café life in Paris can’t be missed when you are visiting. And one of the stops you should make is at Café Petibon. It’s popular enough to have 3 locations but I decided to go to the one located at 15 rue Montorgueil. What makes the café special in my opinion is that it is the quintessential definition of the small, cute, and brightly colorful place every person imagines when they think of enjoying the Parisian café lifestyle. It is also located on Montorgueil, which is one of the most popular food areas in the entire city. So, this is a perfect place to start in the morning or afternoon before exploring the rest of this foodie heaven. You won’t get panoramic views here but it’s also a great place if you just want to get off your feet for a bit and simply be a people watcher.
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
Recommended by Ashley from Museums & Miles.
Address: 24 Rue Chanoinesse (4th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: every day from 12 – 2:30 pm and from 6 – 9:30 pm
Whenever I’m in Paris, I stop by Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole. Just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame in the 4th arrondissement, heading to 24 Rue Chanoinesse feels like a step back in time. Its vibrant purple wisteria and vintage interior make it a great escape from the bustling city. What really sets Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole apart is its enchanting atmosphere. The interior boasts antique furniture and vintage décor that transports you to a different time. The cochineal red walls and ceiling were very popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. It’s a very small café so you’re best to make a reservation.
It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed brunch or a quiet evening meal. The café isn’t too crowded and the intimate setting makes it easy to meet fellow travelers. Their specialty is lavender honey ice cream. I usually don’t like lavender, but it’s excellent. Try to visit in the spring when the wisteria is in full bloom. It’s an absolutely stunning sight and one of the cutest cafes in Paris. Also, ask for a table on the terrace to enjoy the view of the quaint streets of Île de la Cité.
Café de Flore
Recommended by Denise from Chef Denise.
Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain (6th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: every day 7:30 am – 1:30 am
For me, no trip to Paris is complete without a visit to Café de Flore in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Since the name translates to “Cafe of Flowers,” pretty colorful blooms adorn the outdoor signage. It’s one of my favorite Instagram spots in Paris. But I also love the leather booths and Art Deco decor inside that has been carefully preserved.
The cafe is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris, dating back to 1887. Renowned for its intellectual and artistic clientele, it was a popular meeting place for existentialist philosophers, writers, and artists, including Jean-Paul Sartre and Pablo Picasso. Today, Café de Flore is still a popular meeting spot for Parisians and those seeking traditional pastries and coffee for breakfast and snacks throughout the day. For a quintessential French lunch, I like to order a croque monsieur and a glass of white wine. On a nice day, eating outside is a must on your Paris bucket list for some of the best people-watching in the city.
Le Choupinet
Recommended by Eleanor from Elevate Your Escapes.
Address: 58 Bd Saint-Michel (6th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: every day from 8 am – 1 am
Le Choupinet is one of my favorite cafes in Paris because of its charm. When arriving at this corner restaurant, guests are immediately greeted by enormous teddy bears sitting in seats. The fun continues inside, as the big, cuddly teddy bears are placed in seats around the restaurant, dining with patrons. The cafe is well-decorated with modern vibes and quirky decor accents. It also has a greenhouse-like patio lining the street, which makes you feel like you are outside, from the comfort of the inside. The cafe is perfect for any time of day but I think it’s best suited for girls’ lunch, given the atmosphere. Le Choupinet offers a mix of French and international cuisine, including frog legs delicacy. Being one of the cutest cafes in Paris, this one is located right across from the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens in the Latin Quarter.
Laduree
Recommended by Kim from Explore Your Bucket List.
Address: Ladurée Jardin du Luxembourg, 4 Place Edmond Rostand (6th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00 am – 7:30 pm and Sunday 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Started back in 1862, Ladurée is a known institution in Paris. There are many locations across the city, but I personally enjoy the location near Luxembourg Gardens in the 6th arrondissement. After a lovely stroll in the park, you can sit at one of its outdoor tables and enjoy a wonderful snack. The store is so welcoming and beautifully decorated. Walking inside you feel like you are in a location for royalty. The display cases are beautifully presented, and the products are wrapped in lovely pale green boxes.
Here is where the concept of the macaron was born back in 1930. And today this is still the most decadent pastry that is on offer. There are many different flavours of this delicate treat that literally melts in your mouth. This can be combined with a cup of coffee or the chocolate chaud which is like drinking a melted milk chocolate candy bar! It is the perfect way to indulge while taking a quiet break in the city. And for special occasions be sure to ask about personalizing your macaron – it can be printed with messages for the perfect gift.
La Rotonde
Recommended by Donna from Nomad Women.
Address: 105 Boulevard du Montparnasse (6th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: every day from 7:30 am – 2 am
If patronizing the famous hangouts of the writers and painters, musicians, and philosophers of Paris’ 20th century “vie bohéme” appeals, you must head to Montparnasse. Here’s where Picasso and Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald and Debussy, Modigliani and Simone De Beauvoir ate and drank, argued, and got drunk. And one of their favorite places to do that was La Rotonde. Located on the corner of Blvd. du Montparnasse and Blvd Raspail, across from Le Dome, La Rotonde opened in 1911. It’s still there, still lovely with its red velvet banquettes and brass fixtures, red-fringed hanging lamps, and portraits by Modigliani, a one-time regular, adorning the walls.
On a sunny day, enjoy one of the many tables outside, as I did, with a café créme and a croissant. Stay as long as you want. No one will hurry you as you watch Paris go by. It’s also a fabulous place for a full meal. (It’s one of President Emmanuel Macron’s favorite restaurants.) The food is classic French brasserie fare, with an emphasis on very fresh fish and oysters, coquille St. Jacques, escargots, and excellent steak frites. Their French onion soup is legendary (deservedly so, as I can personally attest). The Baba au Rhum is served with a bottle of Clement rum left on the table for additional soaking. To feel the true Paris vibe of old, you owe yourself the treat of a café créme or a great meal at La Rotonde.
The Cutest Cafes in Paris: Arrondissement 7-17
Le Recrutement
Recommended by Paula from La Vie En Marine.
Address: 36 Bd de la Tour-Maubourg (7th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am – 2 am, and Saturday to Sunday 8 am – 2 am.
Located in the 7th Arrondissement the café Le Recrutement is one of those places where all your ideas and dreams about Paris come to life! Within walking distance of the Louvre, the Pont Alexandre III, and the Eiffel Tower it is in the midst of the most Parisian places one can imagine. The Recrutement has the classical metro tiles and bistro chairs out on the streets, creating that effortless yet chic atmosphere that makes Parisian cafés so special. The cute and picturesque café is located on a busy corner, making it the perfect place to have a coffee while doing some people-watching, which is one of my favorite activities. It is also a great place for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. It doesn’t matter if you are rather the sweet or savory type, their omelets and croissants are equally delicious!
L’Éclair
Recommended by Lisa from Travel to Lyon.
Address: 32 Rue Cler (7th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 am to 1:00 am
L’Éclair is definitely one of the cutest cafes in Paris! You’ll find it in the 7th Arrondissement, my favorite neighborhood in Paris. I love its bright yellow awning and the profusion of cheery yellow flowers, and that it’s right next to a charming flower shop. It will certainly catch your eye as you stroll down Rue Cler! Check out the quirky décor inside the restaurant (look for the parrot). If the weather is nice, dine on the terrace and enjoy people-watching on this famous pedestrian shopping street.
While this café is open daily from 8:00 am to 1:00 am (with a breakfast menu and a Sunday brunch menu), I recommend visiting L’Éclair for happy hour dinner and drinks. Enjoy some creative cocktails and share a charcuterie board, or for something more substantial, try the Croque Madame or steak frites. And if you have a sweet tooth like I do, be sure to save room for dessert! It’s hard to choose between crêpes, mi-cuit chocolat (molten chocolate cake), and crème brûlée, so why not order two desserts and share?
Cuppa Gallery
Recommended by Ossama from Awesome Traveler.
Address: 86 Rue de l’Université (7th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 4pm every day
Cuppa Gallery is a lovely comfortable coffee and a perfect hangout spot near L’Orangerie and Musée d’Orsay. This delightful small Café offers a delicious cuisine and coffee serving. I highly recommend it because of its reasonable prices and delicious French local cuisine.
For breakfast, I tried French Toast with matcha Latte, and it was different than Starbucks, which is the place where I usually drink my Matcha Latte. Somehow the texture has more flavor in it and feels stronger. I really liked it. My brother had a hot chocolate with Croissant. The Croissant was tender and tasty. It is suitable for people who seek vegan and gluten-free options. You can try their gluten-free scones and buns. They are out of the world. It is also suitable for people who want to work and relax. Meeting new people is also possible, but it is a small Café, so you will not meet a lot of people.
Buddy Buddy
Recommended by Amber from Vegetarian in Paris.
Address: 15 Rue de Marseille (10th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 7 pm on the weekends
Just a few blocks from the ever-trendy Canal Saint Martin in the 10th arrondissement is Buddy Buddy, one of the cutest cafes in Paris. This little cafe is famous for its nut butter coffee, which they prepare with homemade peanut butter or cacao butter. I especially love the signature Buddy Buddy latte, which comes with peanut butter and is available hot or iced. The interior is small but adorable, perfect for sitting with friends or journaling for a few minutes. There’s also a lovely terrace outside where you can relax while you sip your coffee. Alongside your latte, you can try one of their famous nut butter doughnuts, which are filled with blueberry jam and drizzled with a peanut butter glaze. It’s delicious, and definitely big enough to share.
Le Pure Café
Recommended by Soline from On The Road Diary.
Address: 14 rue Jean Macé (11th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: every day from 8 am to midnight, or 5 pm on Sundays.
Pure Café is a traditional establishment in the heart of Paris’s 11th arrondissement, far from the tourist trail. It opens the Rue Jean Macé and is adored by locals. The charm of its façade conquers all who pass in front. It’s one of those charming Parisian cafés that has kept old engraved inscriptions from the previous century. The interior is just as stunning, with a large, sublime central bar, wooden tables, and banquettes in vintage burgundy carpeting.
The café’s clientele changes according to the time of day. Regulars have their coffee every morning without exception, from the opening hour at 8 am, on the terrace in front of the café. Then come the workers with their computers in the early morning, followed by the epicureans who come to enjoy their food or a drink for the rest of the day. We’re not the only ones who love this café, as French films are regularly shot here, such as Danny Boon’s La Vie Pour de Vrai.
Le Café des Chats
Recommended by Vanessa from Traveling Cats.
Address: Le Café des Chats, 9 Rue Sedaine (11th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: The café is open every day except Mondays, from 10:00 am to 10:30 pm (11:00 pm on weekends).
Are you a cat lover? Great! Then Le Café des Chats is one of the cutest cafes in Paris you’ll visit. I found the café to be quintessentially Parisian, with an atmosphere of timeless elegance and relaxed sophistication. With its bustling chatter and comfortable seating, it’s perfect for enjoying an espresso or croissant. I counted 13 (!) real-life cats at the café. Some were reserved, others wanted to mingle with guests. They are all former strays who have been given a second chance at Le Café des Chats.
And the food? Cat cafés can often be lacking in food options and quality. But not Le Café des Chats. It’s top-notch, with a variety of salads, burgers, charcuterie, pies, and an assortment of coffees and teas. The only downside? It gets way too busy, especially on weekends and after work hours. If you’re just like the cats and don’t like crowds, you might prefer to visit for breakfast or a late afternoon snack.
Au Passage
Recommended by Irina from Tripwis.
Address: 1 bis Pass. Saint-Sébastien (11th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: 7 pm to 11 pm from Tuesday to Saturday
Hidden at the very end of the narrow and unassuming side street in a hip 11th arrondissement, the French bistro Au Passage is my all-time favorite eatery in Paris. A simple mosaic facade and a bric-and-brac interior of Au Passage serve as a perfect backdrop for a revolutionary gastronomic experience. With a culinary ethos focused on elevated classics of French comfort foods (think stuffed zucchini blossoms and duck confit), you would assume the space would feel too stuffy. On the contrary, beautifully crafted smaller-sized plates at Au Passage are meant for sharing in a convivial atmosphere, seated hip-to-hip with friends and strangers alike. Au Passage is only open for dinner service (starting from 7 p.m.), Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is pretty compact, so I encourage you to make a reservation in advance.
Insider Tip: They don’t have the usual starter/main course/dessert concept here, but rather a dozen of tapas-style small plates (€10–25), a couple of desserts (€9–10), some perfectly stinky cheeses, and a wide selection of natural wines. The menu changes daily, but it’s always distinctive and vitally French!
Café Mericourt
Recommended by Simona from Better Travel With Food.
Address: 22 Rue de la Folie Mericourt (11th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: From Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Café Mericourt in the 11th Arrondissement is one of the cutest cafes in Paris that you must visit. I recommend this café because it is a casual all-day brunch spot with delicious food and specialty coffee drinks. Café Mericourt is a great spot for brunch with friends or lunch with colleagues, and the service is excellent. The wait staff speaks English, which is very helpful. The exterior of the café is light green and stands out from the other buildings on the block. The café is easy to spot because there are always bicycles parked outside.
The interior of the café is sophisticated and minimalist, with white walls and wooden tables. I like the relaxed and casual vibe of the café compared to other Paris cafes. Since it’s a popular brunch spot, I suggest you make a reservation in advance. I highly recommend the avocado toast with egg and the shakshuka dishes! The coffee and desserts are excellent as well. Bon Appetit!
The Cutest Cafes in Paris: Arrondissement 18-20
Sylon de Montmartre
Recommended by Lizet from A Wander Food World.
Address: 4 bis rue Piémontesi (18th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: for food 8:30 am – 3 pm on weekdays, 9:30 am – 3 pm on weekends and holidays. For coffee, they remain open until 6 pm.
Sunrise at the Sacre Coeur, overlooking the city, is a popular activity in Paris. So, it’s no surprise that plenty of restaurants have set up for breakfast to serve these tourists on their bright and early adventures. With tourist prices and vibes, of course.
I managed to find a cute restaurant, tucked away in an alley, which gave a more local vibe. Sylon de Montmartre offers a small selection of your typical breakfast and brunch items, like pancakes and avocado toast, but often served with a twist. The focus, however, seems to be their amazing coffee, which is even sold to bring home. There’s no wifi and no laptops allowed, making it the perfect place to sit down with a book or even start a conversation with a local. With the cute set-up with couches on the edges and a small terrace on hot days, it’s the perfect place to recharge from the hustle and bustle of busy Paris.
La Maison Rose
Recommended by Dani from No Hurry To Get Home.
Address: 2 rue de l’Abreuvoir (18th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday 12 pm – 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm
La Maison Rose is one of the most iconic and cutest cafes in Paris for its distinctive pink façade and green shutters. It’s located in the Montmartre district, right in the corner of Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Saules, and makes for the perfect spot to relax and grab a bite or coffee after checking out the attractions in the area. The interior is equally inviting, featuring a cozy and intimate atmosphere with vintage decor, wooden furniture, and a warm color palette that you’ll fall in love with!
Aside from the delicious coffee, you’ll also be able to eat here if you wish to stay a little longer as the menu offers a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ranging from classic French onion soup and escargots to more contemporary fare. The restaurant also boasts a selection of fine wines, perfect for pairing with any meal. Even though it’s extremely popular these days due to its incredibly photogenic architecture, it’s always been a popular spot in Paris, so much so that numerous artists, writers, and musicians have frequented it over the years!
Hardware Société
Recommended by Kayla from The Stickered Suitcase.
Address: 10 rue Lamarck (18th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: weekdays from 9:30 am – 4 pm and weekends from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
People from all over the world flock to the 18th arrondissement each day to see the stunning Basilica of Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre. But many do not realize that if you walk down the street to the right side of the Basilica, you can have brunch at one of the best and cutest cafes in Paris: Hardware Société. The eatery has Australian roots with locations in Melbourne, Montmartre, and Barcelona. The Montmartre location gets a ton of buzz though. The interior is a perfect fusion of fun color pops and traditional European charm that make for Instagrammable vibes. But the food is the star of the show and is absolutely bursting with rich flavors.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, which features both Australian and European influences, but the fried brioche topped with a medley of spices and fresh fruits is to die for. Hardware Société doesn’t accept reservations. The inside is cozy, but there is ample seating outdoors if you want the true Parisian experience.
La Main Noire
Recommended by Bradley from Dream Big Travel Far.
Address: 12 Rue Cavallotti (18th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (weekdays) and 10 am – 5 pm (weekends)
La Main Noire is a small cafe with a cozy ambiance. It lies in the 18th arrondissement in the Montmartre district, which was once an artist’s neighborhood where the likes of Picasso and Dali used to live. This is one of my favorite cafes in the city because of its warm, charming atmosphere and delicious food.
There’s an indoor area with a vintage-industrial style, which features exposed brick walls, hanging greenery, and wooden tables. It feels very elegant and simple at the same time, which I think captures the essence of Paris really well. Meanwhile, the terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy your food or coffee, especially in the spring and summer. It’s perfect for people-watching too. La Main Noire is best known for its brunch menus (the pancakes are a must-try) and the coffee is also excellent. I personally have never sat down to work here, but I heard from some people that they’ve been able to do that without being rushed by the staff!
Le Vrai Paris
Address: 33 Rue des Abbesses (18th Arrondissement)
Opening hours: every day 7 am to 2 am.
Le Vrai Paris, located in the heart of Montmartre, is one of the most charming Parisian cafes. This café offers a delightful ambiance with its classic French decor, featuring ornate mirrors, vintage posters, and a cozy outdoor terrace perfect for people-watching. Known for its excellent coffee, exquisite pastries, and traditional French cuisine, Le Vrai Paris provides a genuine taste of Parisian cafe culture.
Final Words on the Cutest Cafes in Paris
As I wrap up my list of the the cutest cafes in Paris, it’s clear that each season brings its own unique charm to these delightful spots. When visiting Paris in the fall, the cozy interiors and warm beverages offer the perfect refuge and create comfort and charm. On rainy days in Paris, they become a romantic escape, where you can watch the world go by from a snug corner with a cup of hot chocolate. And in the summer, the abundance of outdoor seating allows you to soak up the sun and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. No matter when you visit Paris, these cafes provide the perfect Parisian experience!
What are the cutest cafes in Paris according to you? Let me know in the comments down below! 😊
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