If you followed along during my recent month-long trip to Paris you’ll know one of my favorite parts of life in Paris is a slow morning or lingering afternoon at a Parisian café.
People watching, sipping a noisette or a glass of wine, and just soaking in the energy of the city. Cafés are as important to Parisians as baguettes and cheese and have been an integral part of Parisian life dating back to the 1600s when they were synonymous with writers, philosophers, and politicians.
As the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I specialize in planning memorable trips to Paris and have wandered the city often photographing it.
15 Most Instagrammable Cafés in Paris
If you’re looking for cute cafés in Paris, I’ve rounded up 15 beautiful and very Instagrammable cafés where you can experience the best of Paris’s café culture. For more information on how to navigate French café culture, be sure you reference Paris Café Etiquette.
La Maison Rose
This perfectly pink café perched on a corner is perhaps the prettiest building in Montmartre. La Maison Rose is super photogenic from the outside, and they serve a delightful Sancerre alongside some great people watching. Try to snag one of the tables lining the sidewalk if you can! Tip to avoid a wait: they do take reservations for full lunch, brunch or full dinner. 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Shakespeare and Company Café
Tucked just off the Seine and in the shadow of Notre Dame, this Latin Quarter cafe, not far from the Sorbonne University, is the sister spot to the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookshop. Compact and modern, it’s located right next door. You’ll certainly recognize the green facade of the bookstore – it’s the perfect spot to snap a pic if you can grab a table outside. 35 Rue de la Bûcherie
Treize au Jardin
This super cute café is located just across from the Luxembourg Gardens and has major secret garden vibes. It’s super feminine and dainty with a lovely terrace – it’s the perfect spot for brunch, afternoon tea, or a fun cocktail. One of the owners is American, so you’ll even find a few American favorites on the menu like buttermilk biscuits. 5 Rue de Médicis
Café de Flore
Famous for good reason and popular with both locals and tourists alike, there’s nothing like breakfast at Café de Flore. Enjoy the people watching and soak up what it must have been like to visit in the café’s heyday when famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Marcel Proust used to frequent for fare and conversation. The outdoor tables are lovely in warm weather, and don’t forget to snap a pic of your plate with the iconic “Café de Flore” in green script. 172 Bd Saint-Germain
Le Consulat
Just minutes from Sacre Coeur in the heart of Montmartre is Le Consulat with its Wes Anderson-esque exterior. This neighborhood is full of cobbled streets and narrow lanes and oozes charm. Enjoy a steak frites, or simply sip a café and watch the world go by. Like many of the most photogenic cafés, try to arrive early if possible to have your choice of prime tables. 18 Rue Norvins
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
You may recognize Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole from Pinterest but it can be hard to find, which only lends to its charm! It’s tucked away on a tiny street, just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame Cathedral on Ile de la Cite. While known for its blooming exterior (catch the wisteria in the spring and summer), the inside is also cozy and charming! 24 Rue Chanoinesse
Les Deux Magots
Another gorgeous Parisian café with loads of history the likes of Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots is the perfect spot for a traditional breakfast or an afternoon drink to rest your feet. It’s located in one of Paris’s most popular and famous neighborhoods: Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its popularity means there is likely to be a wait, so try to go early in the morning to avoid crowds. And don’t miss ordering the hot chocolate! 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés
Le Café Marly
Imagine sipping a noisette alongside the famed pyramids of the Louvre. The terrace of this spot overlooks the Louvre’s courtyard and – while they serve breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner – it is rather wonderful to take in during the breakfast hour. While you can expect the prices to match the views, it’s such a beautiful spot to snap a photo. 93 Rue de Rivoli
Odette
While not technically a café, this pastry spot squeezed in at the end of a charming cobblestone street is so cute I couldn’t leave it off the list. It has a couple of small tables outside, upstairs seating with views of Notre Dame Cathedral, and some of the best choux pastry in Paris. 77 Rue Galande
Le Vrai Paris
This cute café in the heart of Montmartre is known for the stunning lavender vines climbing the exterior walls and its perfectly Parisian bistro chairs and tables lining the sidewalk. This is the perfect spot to start your day of exploring in Montmartre. Order a coffee so you can snap a picture of their customized cups, they’re adorable. 33 Rue des Abbesses
Les Editeurs
Serving up french classics in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this café-meets-library is a cozy spot to tuck away for some french onion soup and a glass of wine. One of the most unique aspects are the 5,000 books scattered about the restaurant. With comfy leather chairs and white tablecloths, this elegant café is a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 4 Carr de l’Odéon
Le Bonaparte
You can’t help but be captivated by the charming exterior of this spot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Not far from Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, this is a great spot to head to if the others are full! If you’re lucky, you can grab a seat under the red, white, and blue (the color of France’s flag!) striped awning. 42 Rue Bonaparte
Le Nemours
This is a prime people watching spot perfectly situated near the Louvre, Palais Royale, and the Tuileries. Enjoy a café crème on the majestic terrace and watch the world go by! 42 Rue Bonaparte
Le Saint Germain
Another spot with amazing curb appeal, you can’t beat the location and vibe of this aptly named café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This is a great place to stop in for a glass of wine on the terrace. I find this cafe especially festive at Christmas! 62 Rue du Bac
La Fontaine de Mars
I just adore the façade of this old world café a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower! The patio is absolute heaven on a sunny day and the perfect place to enjoy a noisette and rest your feet after a day of walking. 129 Rue Saint-Dominique
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