Picture this: a chilly Parisian morning, the kind where your breath forms little puffs of cloud in the air.
You’re wandering the cobblestone streets, and suddenly, a craving hits you – not for a cup of coffee, but for something richer, more comforting.
That’s right, we’re talking about hot chocolate, or as the locals call it, ‘chocolat chaud’.
But hold up, not just any hot chocolate. I’m on a quest to share with you the best places in Paris for that perfect cup of cocoa.
You see, in Paris, hot chocolate is not just a drink; it’s an experience. From the grand tea salons with their ‘chocolat viennois’ to quaint chocolate shops hiding their secret recipes, each place offers more than just a good hot chocolate; they offer a story.
Each serving their hot chocolate with a side of history, each sip taking you back to the traditional hot chocolate recipes of old Paris.
We’ll explore together the list of the best hot chocolates in Paris, where each cup is a journey through the city’s culture.
Let’s dive into the world of Parisian hot chocolate, one chocolate drink at a time!
In this post, you'll find...
1. Les Deux Magots
Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots is a historic café that has been delighting patrons since 1884.
The name comes from the two statues (“deux magots”) that are proudly displayed in the café. This venue holds a special place in Parisian culture and has been frequented by famous figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Coco Chanel.
When you visit Les Deux Magots, you’ll have the choice of sitting indoors or enjoying your hot chocolate at an outdoor table overlooking the beautiful church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This café is not only renowned for its rich history and ambiance – their hot chocolate is also an experience that will have you coming back for more.
For their hot chocolate, Les Deux Magots uses Valrhona’s Equatorial 55% chocolate, known for its round, smooth, and chocolatey flavor with hints of vanilla.
Adding to the allure of this delightful drink is the way it is presented: served in a small pot alongside a cup and a silver tray, you’ll be able to enjoy more than just two cups if your craving persists!
💸 Price: A cup of this heavenly hot chocolate will set you back around €8, but it’s well worth the price for the experience and the taste alone.
The café also frequently hosts events such as jazz concerts every Thursday at 7:30 pm, literary meetings, exhibitions, and even literary awards.
And while you’re in the area, don’t forget to explore the nearby attractions, such as the picturesque Luxembourg Garden, or simply wander the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Now that you have a glimpse of what Les Deux Magots has to offer, there’s no better place to embrace the true essence of French café culture while sipping on the finest hot chocolate in Paris!
⚡ Related read: A Guide to Visiting Paris in February: What to See & Do
2. Café de Flore
Address: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Located on the famous Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement, Café de Flore has a rich history dating back to 1887.
It was once a hotspot for renowned authors, painters, and literati, including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Jean-Paul Sartre, just to name a few.
Walking into Café de Flore, you are immediately immersed in quintessential French style – Art Deco design with red banquettes, mahogany tables, and mirrored walls. The waiters, dressed in black vests and bow ties, along with crisp white aprons and cloths draped over one arm, are ready to serve.
The atmosphere is a lively blend of locals and tourists, which makes it a great spot to rest after a day of shopping and sightseeing.
The hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud, is presented in individual silver teapots accompanied by parfait glasses filled with delectable whipped cream.
When tasting their hot chocolate drinks you’ll discover a rich, steaming hot, sweet, and creamy delight, with just the right balance of bitterness and sweetness.
💸 Price: Priced around €8, it might be considered a bit of a splurge, but trust me, it’s a good idea!
It’s the perfect way to warm you up in the winter months!
While enjoying your Parisian hot chocolate, remember you’re in the company of some of the greatest minds in history, and that Café de Flore is a testament to Paris’s artistic and literary heritage.
Plus, its central location means you’re just a short stroll away from other famous landmarks and attractions.
⚡ Related read: The 55 Most Beautiful Attractions and Landmarks in France
3. Angelina
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
At Angelina, you can immerse yourself in a historical atmosphere while indulging in the best hot chocolate in Paris.
This place is my favorite spot for a classic French hot chocolate experience and is the ideal place for visitors looking for a hot drink made with top-quality chocolate.
This legendary Parisian salon de thé opened in 1903 by Austrian confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer and his son René is named in honor of his daughter-in-law. The art nouveau style shines through the intricate moldings, cornices, beveled mirrors, and frescoes painted by Vincent Lorant-Heilbronn.
One sip of the famous Angelina’s hot chocolate will transport you straight to heaven.
The secret to Angelina’s signature taste lies in their bespoke African cocoa blend from Niger, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Perfected over 120 years, this exceptional hot chocolate has people lining up even during the coldest winters.
While you’re there, make sure to try some of their refined pastries. Their decadent hot chocolate offers a perfect balance between thick and rich without being too sweet.
💸 Price: The average price for a cup of hot chocolate at Angelina is around €8, which is well worth the investment for such a luxurious treat.
After indulging in Angelina’s delicacies, you can take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Tuileries Garden or visit one of Paris’ most famous landmarks, the Eiffel Tower.
This makes Angelina an ideal stop for those looking to experience the best hot chocolate in Paris while also exploring some of the most iconic sights the city has to offer.
Angelina offers a unique experience with its beautiful art nouveau decor, delicious hot chocolate, and historical significance.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor the most famous hot chocolate in Paris and create lifelong memories at this Rue de Rivoli gem!
⚡ Related read: The 10 Coolest Rooftop Bars in Paris
4. Carette Paris
Address: 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris
If you find yourself in Paris craving some creamy hot chocolate, Carette Paris is the place to go.
With a reputation for serving the best hot chocolate in the city, this elegant tea room offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy more than just your average cup of cocoa.
Located in three chic areas of Paris, Carette Paris offers a unique and delicious hot chocolate experience.
Their rich and dark beverage is served hot in a silver pot alongside a silver dish piled high with homemade whipped cream.
The thrill is in the details; pouring the thick, chocolatey goodness into a fine china cup, making sure to leave room for a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Apart from their famous Parisian hot chocolate, Carette Paris is also known for their mouthwatering array of French pastries, such as croissants, pains au chocolat, madeleines, macarons, and chocolate éclairs.
The à la carte indulgence doesn’t stop there; expect to discover more elaborate and exquisite desserts to accompany your cocoa.
Carette has three locations across Paris:
- Carette Paris Trocadéro: 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris. Near the Place du Trocadéro with a picturesque view of the Eiffel Tower.
- Carette Paris Place des Vosges: 25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 Paris. Located close to the beautiful and underrated Carnavalet Museum.
- Carette Paris Place du Tertre: 7 Pl. du Tertre, 75018 Paris. Nestled in Montmartre, near the iconic Sacré Coeur Basilica.
Though the menu remains the same at each location, it’s worth trying them all and savoring the subtle differences that come with the ambiance of each spot.
💸 Price: The average price for a cup of hot chocolate at Carette Paris is around €7-8 ($8-9). It may be a bit of a splurge, but it’s worth every sip!
Surrounded by notable landmarks and attractions, each Carette Paris location offers more than just a delicious treat. Take in the charm of the city while indulging in the best hot chocolate in Paris—you’ll thank yourself for it!
⚡ Related read: 17 Coolest Hidden Bars & Speakeasies in Paris
5. Jacques Genin
Address: 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
Jacques Genin‘s hot chocolate is perfect for those who appreciate the art of simplicity. Thriving in a minimalist ambiance, their rich and smooth elixir is made from a blend of top-quality chocolates.
As you take a sip, the flavors blend harmoniously with the freshly whipped cream, making each sip a memorable experience.
At Jacques Genin, you can expect to find more than just exquisite hot chocolate. They’re also known for their caramels and pâtes de fruits.
During your visit, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a luxury jeweler’s shop, as the airy space is filled with stunning floral arrangements and attentive white-gloved staff.
Their favorite chocolates include the menthe fraîche (fresh mint), noisette-feuilleté (crispy hazelnut praline), and fève tonka (tonka bean). If you’re in the mood for caramels, you might want to try their mango-passion fruit flavor or the delightful plain nature version.
As for their pâtes de fruits, expect the selection to change with the seasons, so you may find orange sanguine (blood orange) in winter or berry flavors like fraise and framboise (strawberry and raspberry) in summer.
💸 Price: The typical price for a cup of hot chocolate at Jacques Genin falls in the range of €8-€10.
Located in the northern Marais, Jacques Genin is easily accessible from anywhere in Paris. As you enjoy your indulgent treat, make sure to take in the beautiful surroundings.
And if you’re looking to explore the area further after visiting Jacques Genin, you’ll find plenty of notable landmarks and attractions nearby, like the Picasso Museum and Place des Vosges.
⚡ Related read: 10 Most Stylish Hotel Bars in Paris for a Luxe Night Out
6. La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac
Address: 25 Rue Chanzy, 75011 Paris
If you find yourself wandering through the 11th arrondissement, do yourself a favor and stop by La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac.
This artisanal patisserie, run by celebrity chef Cyril Lignac, is a true heaven for chocolate lovers. With its stylish interior and a bit of outdoor seating, you’ll feel right at home indulging in their delicious chocolate creations.
As you take your seat, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the cup of hot chocolate. Made with dark chocolate and topped with fresh whipped cream, it’s the perfect balance of rich and velvety.
💸 Price: The hot chocolate is priced reasonably, at around €9 per cup – so you can savor this Parisian delight without breaking the bank.
To complement your hot chocolate, consider trying one of their other delectable treats, such as the buttery pain au chocolat. If you’re in the mood for something even sweeter, go for the house specialty chocolate-covered marshmallow bear.
Trust me, you won’t be able to resist taking a bite!
La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac is conveniently located on Rue de Sèvres, making it easy to add to your exploration of the city. With a variety of landmarks and attractions nearby, a visit to this charming patisserie is a delicious and easy way to add some Parisian flavor to your day.
⚡ Related read: 15 Non-Touristy Ways To Spend A Day in Paris
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading my guide to the best hot chocolate spots in Paris!
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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!