A terrace, a café, a croissant – that’s part of the Paris cliché we love so much. It has to be said that the City of Light boasts some very fine places to sit on a terrace and enjoy a coffee. Some have breathtaking views, while others are veritable institutions and among the most beautiful cafés in the world. Discover our non-exhaustive list of must-visit cafés in Paris.
Au Rocher de Cancale
If you’re passing through rue Montorgueil, you can’t miss it! This sublime café / bistro became world-famous thanks to Balzac, who quotes it in his work“La Comédie Humaine“. Originally, it was an oyster restaurant! Today, you can enjoy lunch here, of course, but also a hot drink or cocktail at any time of day. A very pretty address!
📍 Location: 78 rue Montorgueil 75002 Paris
Au vieux Paris d’Arcole
This is undoubtedly the most flower-filled café in Paris. Covered in magnificent wisteria, there’s something magical about this café. Its country-style terrace will be your favorite place to sip a coffee or eat a delicious pastry on a spring afternoon!
📍Location: 24 rue Chanoinesse 75004 Paris
Le café Marly
What could be more spectacular than sipping a delicious coffee... opposite the Louvre Pyramids! This exceptional literary café offers one of the finest views of the museum. It’s the place to go for delicious pastries, ice creams and sorbets in fine weather, and to take in the sights, with its listed Second-Empire-style woodwork.
📍Location: 93 rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Angelina
We love Angelina for its signature comforting hot chocolate. But we also love it for its setting, steeped in history. Founded in 1903, it has always welcomed the whole of Paris, whether in its gilded salon with Art Nouveau and Art Deco details or on its terrace on Rue Rivoli. An institution the world envies!
📍Location: 226 rue de Rivoli
Le café du musée de la Vie romantique
This sublime café nestled in the garden of the Musée de la Vie Romantique is just gorgeous. Tucked away in its own garden, it offers a relaxing, almost timeless setting. Enjoy the freshness of the trees and savor your coffee in a bucolic setting. Please note, however, that it is currently closed for renovation and will not open until March 2026! So please be patient!
📍 Location: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
🕒 Reopening: March 2026
Café 1902
Inside the Petit Palais lies a secret… or rather, a café! Café 1902 is certainly one of the most beautiful cafés in Paris. We recommend you take a seat on its terrace, which overlooks the extremely pleasant plant-filled inner courtyard. It’s truly breathtaking!
📍Location: avenue Winston Churchill, 75 008 Paris