I would never describe myself as a coffee snob. Truthfully, I’m usually happy with whatever caffeine ends up in my cup. But Paris is probably my favorite city in the world to truly enjoy coffee.

As the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I spend a great deal of time in Paris scouting neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants and hidden gems for clients. And over the years, I’ve made something of a ritual out of seeking out the best coffee shops in Paris—whether that’s a tiny espresso bar tucked into Le Marais, a charming café terrace on the Left Bank or a reliable takeaway spot before a morning meeting.

The Best Coffee Shops in Paris

Paris has an excellent specialty coffee scene and while traditional French cafés will always have their place, the city has become home to some truly wonderful coffee shops serving everything from expertly pulled espresso to filter coffee, flaky pastries and inviting places to linger.

If you’re wondering where to get the best coffee in Paris, these are my favorite Paris coffee shops worth seeking out across the city.

What Makes a Great Coffee Shop in Paris?

Paris may be famous for café terraces, but the city’s specialty coffee scene has grown tremendously over the last decade.

While classic Paris cafés are wonderful for people watching over an espresso or café crème, many of the best coffee shops in Paris now focus on small-batch roasting, expertly sourced beans and beautifully designed spaces that feel ideal for either lingering or grabbing a takeaway cup between neighborhood strolls.

A few things to know before seeking out coffee in Paris:

• Many specialty coffee shops open later than you may expect (often around 8:30 or 9AM)
• Takeaway coffee culture exists, but it’s still less common than in the U.S.
• Seating can be quite limited, especially in smaller neighborhood coffee shops
• Some of the best spots are tucked into quieter side streets and easy to miss

If I’m in Paris, I almost always carve out time to visit at least a few of my favorites each trip.

Best Coffee Shops in Le Marais

Le Marais has some of my favorite specialty coffee shops in Paris. Whether you want a quick takeaway coffee before exploring Place des Vosges or a cozy corner to linger with a pastry, this neighborhood has plenty of excellent options.

WHITE Coffeeshop

A newer hole in the wall spot for takeaway coffee on a favorite street of mine in the Marais. Perfect to grab coffee before or after a visit to Place des Vosges or the Picasso museum nearby.

fringe

Another great Marais option, fringe is an espresso bar and photography space that serves single origin specialty coffee, tea and chocolat chaud alongside simple, healthy food.

Sevenly Heart

Their minimalist storefront in the Marais means you could walk by this and easily miss it. But it’s well worth a stop for its beautiful interiors and delicious coffee. 

Recto Verso

Another favorite in the Marais. Run by a lovely couple who delight in hand pouring coffees for locals and visitors alike.

Boot Cafe

I adore this spot in Le Marais that is housed in a former cobbler’s shop. There’s only about 3 seats so prepare to take your coffee to go.

Yellow Tucan

Nearby Boot is also Yellow Tucan. Just near Place des Vosges, Yellow Tucan is a sunny spot serving specialty coffees, pressed juices & pastries.

I.O Café

Tucked away in the Haut Marais this spot has some tables outside that are perfect to enjoy your coffee on a sunny day. If you’ve ever been to Fragments before it closed, you’ll know this spot. I.O took over the former Fragments space.

Once you’ve enjoyed your coffee, head down the street to OFR Bookshop – one of my favorites.

Dreamin Man

A newer, more discreet coffee shop right next to the Marais – over in the 11th. You could easily miss while walking by but worth the takeaway cup if you can’t nab one of a few seats.

Artesano Coffee

A newcomer in the 4th arrondissement and just steps away from the Seine, this bright and airy coffee shop also sells some pieces of art and offers some charming benches outside to enjoy your coffee en plein air.

Best Coffee Shops Near Saint-Germain & The Left Bank

If you’re spending time in Saint-Germain, browsing nearby boutiques or wandering toward the Seine, these are a few favorite Left Bank coffee stops worth bookmarking.

Café d’Auteur

Nestled right in Saint Germain, this friendly spot is serving specialty coffee finely selected from some of the best crops and terroirs in the world. There’s plenty of seating here so it actually is a nice place to work from and you can also choose from their small menu of food or get a pastry to accompany your coffee.

Le Pont Traversé

Situated on a photogenic corner, this cafe is just next to the Luxembourg Gardens making it the perfect pitstop to grab a takeaway coffee to go enjoy in the park. 

If you’re gluten free, this is one of the best cafes in Paris to visit, too. 

Cuppa Cafe

A hole in the wall spot in Saint Germain this place is a charming spot to take a rest and grab a good coffee.

Saint Pearl

Cuppa’s sister cafe is easily spotted usually due to the line out the door. The spot is super cozy and therefore usually has a wait for their pancakes, yogurt bowls, avo toast and of course their coffees.

Coutume Cafe

This is a big and beautiful cafe in the 7eme and great for either a quick coffee or breakfast or lunch. Head to Le Bon Marche and La Grand Epicerie to browse before or after. Coutume is often lauded as being one of the spots to finally bring craft coffee to Paris.

Not going to the Left Bank? You can still enjoy Coutume’s coffee by popping by their outpost just off Rue Saint Honore.

Maison Fleuret

Situated on a lovely street in Saint Germain and boasting walls adorned with books, this storybook two story cafe is well worth a coffee enjoyed at one of their few tables. 

Terres de Café

One of the names most associated with specialty coffee in Paris, Terres de Café is a great option for anyone who wants to go a bit deeper on beans and roasts. They have multiple locations, so it’s also an easy one to find depending on where you’re staying. I like the one tucked down a side street in Saint Germain personally.

Best Coffee Shops Near the Louvre & 1st Arrondissement

This is one of the most central areas in Paris and thankfully there are several reliable coffee shops nearby if you’re sightseeing around Palais Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré or the Louvre.

Cafe Kitsune

This popular spot started as a hole in the wall within the interior courtyard of the Palais Royal but has expanded to several other locations in the same neighborhood that boast more seating but I am still partial to the original in Palais Royal.

They have darling takeaway cups that have become Instagram famous and also serve up tea cakes and cookies.

The location just outside the gates of the Palais Royal also has a good public restroom.

Le Peloton

Fan of cycling? I’ve got the perfect coffee shop for you. This charming spot in a location just off Ile Saint Louis and near the Marais caters to cycling culture but also brews a good cup in a sunny and welcoming spot.

Telescope Coffee

Telescope offers some of the best coffee in Paris and is tucked away on a little street a stone’s throw away from popular sites like Le Louvre and Palais Royal. There’s plenty of seating so it is a great spot to get together with friends for a pick me up. 

YSL Rive Droite Cafe

I’d be lying if I said I went to this store for the cups more than anything else. But how chic, non? It’s a literal hole in the wall around the corner from the brand’s Saint Honore flagship store.

Café Nuances

A newer spot in a great location nestled in Paris’s 1st arrondissement – this is a chic place with great speciality coffee. Their beans come in beautiful bags, too which I think makes for a fun souvenir to bring home.

Update: They have also now added a small outpost in the 8eme arrondissement and are continuing to expand across Paris. 

Café Verlet

This spot has been making home-roasted & single-origin coffees and teas since 1880. Located on the famous Rue Saint Honoré, this spot is home to cozy tables as well where you can order hot chocolate, have tea service or enjoy other simple dishes.

Noir Coffee Shop

Noir has expanded to several locations around Paris, making it a reliable option to keep in your back pocket while exploring. The interiors are polished, the coffee is consistently good and it’s a nice modern alternative to a classic café. I am partial to the location on Ile Saint Louis. 

Arabica Paris

Located in one of Paris’ oldest and most charming passageways this is a great spot for a little takeaway coffee. They’ve since expanded past their original passage location and you’ll find other Arabica spots in the city.

Motors Coffee

Motors opened in a spot in the 1st that I don’t totally love (Les Halles) but often find myself in given its proximity to so much. I’m happy to have a reliable spot now for a takeaway coffee! They serve specialty coffees & baked goods in industrial-chic vibes.

Best Coffee Shops in Pigalle

Café Pigalle

With a charming store front and just below the Montmartre neighborhood, check out this cute spot for a good cup next time you’re in the northern 9eme.

Best Coffee Shops in Monmartre

Boris Lumé Café Pâtisserie

This bright and airy spot in Montmartre is one one of my favorite streets in La Butte and has great pastries alongside coffee. 

Related: A Guide to Paris’s Montmartre Neighborhood

Best Coffee Shops in the 10th

Ten Belles

If you plan to go to the hipster and artsy 10eme arrondissement, hit up Ten Belles which is one of the best known coffee shops in Paris. The coffee is excellent and so are the pastries. Wander along the Canal Saint Martin while you sip or head to brunch at HolyBelly afterwards.

Alternatively, the brand has expanded and now offers locations in the 6eme as well as other arrondissements.

Best Paris Coffee Shops for Takeaway Coffee

Sometimes in Paris I simply want a quick coffee while heading to a museum, before a meeting or while wandering between neighborhoods. These are some of my favorite spots for takeaway coffee when I don’t necessarily want to sit and linger.

• Café Kitsuné
• WHITE Coffeeshop
• Dreamin Man
• Arabica Paris
• YSL Rive Droite Café
• Motors Coffee

Best Coffee Shops in Paris to Sit and Work

If you’re looking for a Paris coffee shop where you can linger a bit longer, catch up on emails or meet a friend, these cafés tend to have a bit more space and a more relaxed atmosphere.

KB Cafeshop

A longtime favorite in the 9th arrondissement, KB CaféShop has been roasting coffee since 2010 and remains one of the best known specialty coffee spots in Paris.

Located near Rue des Martyrs and within easy reach of Montmartre, it’s an ideal place to stop before or after exploring one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. If you luck out with good weather, the outdoor seating makes it an especially lovely stop.

Back in Black

From the team at KB, this is a newer spot that’s great for a coffee date thanks to ample seating. The space is so light and airy and the staff friendly.

Passager

I always pop into Passager when I am visiting the 11eme arrondissement to go to Promenade Plantée and Rue Cremieux. It has the coolest vibe and I will also always remember it as the place I nearly forgot to pay! Unlike the U.S., this spot serves you your coffee to enjoy and then has you pay before you depart.

Well, one time I forgot this only to step one foot out the door and realize. I turned around apologetically to some very shocked faces on the baristas – ha! 

Paris Coffee Shop FAQs

What is the best specialty coffee shop in Paris?

Paris has no shortage of excellent specialty coffee, but some of my personal favorites include KB CaféShop, Telescope, Coutume, Café Kitsuné and Café Nuances.

What coffee should I order in Paris?

If you want to order like a local, common options include an espresso, a café crème, a noisette or a café allongé.

How to Order Coffee in Paris

What time do coffee shops open in Paris?

Unlike in many U.S. cities, many Paris coffee shops open later than expected. Quite a few specialty coffee shops don’t open until 8:30 or 9AM, so I always recommend checking hours in advance.

Can you work from coffee shops in Paris?

Yes, though not all are ideal for working. If you want more seating and a more relaxed setup, I particularly like Coutume, Passager and Café d’Auteur.

Is takeaway coffee common in Paris?

It’s become more common thanks to the city’s growing specialty coffee scene, but Paris is still more geared toward lingering than grabbing coffee on the go.

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Heading to Paris? My travel atelier, En Route to Rêverie, specializes in crafting bespoke trips to France and can help pair you with hotels, neighborhoods, restaurants and thoughtful recommendations tailored to how you actually like to travel—coffee stops included. If you’d like a more intentional Paris experience, you can request to book with us here.

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