lemiSay bonjour to the finer things in life. France is set to romance you with remarkable architecture, art, and fine dining
The French Café Capital
Paris
Paris has finally jumped on board the third-wave coffee revolution. The cafe culture of sitting around, people-watching, and conversing for hours now comes with delicious brews—most of which are even roasted in-house. Have brunch at a tiny cafe in the 11th arrondissement, or take your espresso to go from a shoebox in Upper Marais. Whatever you choose, the city is the place to be for your caffeine fix!i
A hotspot for hipsters, Ten Belles is a lively store located in the stylish Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood. It doles out blends that change every coffee season, as well as guest brews from other well-known roasters. The space is tiny, so unless you’re set on a sit-down meal, take your fresh joe to go!
- +33 1 42 40 90 78
10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, Paris, France
- https://www.tenbelles.com/
Café Loustic dispenses java from Belgium-based Caffènation, one of Europe’s best independent specialty roasters. Choose between seasonal grinds, V60 pour-overs, or Chemex cups—all served with a side of friendly banter. There’s also something for non-caffeine drinkers here, such as their delightful Milk Oolong Thé (“teh,” French for “tea”)!
- +33 9 80 31 07 06
40 Rue Chapon, Paris, France
- https://www.cafeloustic.com/
Coffee is serious business at Coutume Café. Founded by Antoine Nétien (Comité Français du Café’s best roaster in France for 2012), the upscale coffee shop is heaven for the caffeine-obsessed! Its extensive menu includes the usual espresso variants, as well as different filtered brews. Ask for recommendations from the baristas, and they’ll even throw in a few fun facts about your drink!
- +33 1 45 51 50 47
47 Rue Babylone, Paris, France
- https://www.coutumecafe.com/
A pioneer in Paris’s third-wave coffee scene, Télescope is frequented by locals for consistently excellent coffee, milk-based beverages, and teas. The minimalist joint exudes a homey vibe, complete with mismatched plates carrying made-by-mom type eats. Note that Télescope doesn’t offer free wifi, and using gadgets is also frowned upon. Settle for an afternoon of observation and conversation for a pleasant change.
5 Rue Villedo, Paris, France
- https://www.telescopecafe.com/
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Café Oberkampf’s quiet atmosphere attracts students, work-from-anywhere types, and caffeine-dependents. The espresso selections are superb, particularly the Piccolo, Flat White, and Cold Brew. While you’re here, don’t miss out on their scrumptious brunch menu. The Shakshuka (poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions) is one of their bestselling dishes, so get it before the café runs out!
- +33 1 43 55 60 10
3 Rue Neuve Popincourt, Paris, France
- https://www.cafeoberkampf.com/
Join the brunch-loving crowd at Holybelly for the city’s best pancakes, eggs done all ways, and a glorious cup of Flat “Walter” White. The restaurant’s seasonal menu constantly changes, but it’s also the only place in Paris that serves London Fog (earl grey latte). For us, that alone merits a visit!
- +33 1 82 28 00 80
5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, Paris, France
Thanks to its enviable Jardin du Palais Royal address, Café Kitsuné is usually packed with a diverse mix of customers. Locals take to the garden area to escape the city hustle, foreigners stop by for a mid-tour pick-me-up, and people watchers sit alfresco to watch life pass by. Whether you’re staying for a few hours, or just grabbing something for takeaway, their flat white is a must-try. Gluten-free cakes are also part of their menu, in case you feel a little famished.
- +33 1 40 15 62 31
51 Galerie Montpensier, Paris, France
One of the original roasters in Paris, La Caféothèque continues to satisfy its regular base of coffee connoisseurs with reliable brews. The ambiance is slightly outdated, but the smell of freshly ground beans is enough to lure you in! The best part—they have a roster of coffee beans available for purchase, which they will happily grind for you!
- +33 1 53 01 83 84
52 Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Paris, France
- https://www.lacafeotheque.com/
The Broken Arm marries fashion and coffee in their cool Scandinavian space in the third arrondissement. After a few rounds of shopping in the store, enjoy an exceptional latte at the in-house cafe. Don’t skip on their ever-changing breakfast and lunch menu, but remember to save some room for dessert!
- +33 1 44 61 53 60
12 Rue Perrée, Paris, France
- https://www.the-broken-arm.com/
The moment you drop by this shoebox-sized coffee joint, you’ll realize that you might have to drink your espresso outdoors! Boot Café is a true hole-in-the-wall, offering tasty baked goods and mean cups of joe. Once you're able to snag a coveted seat inside, be prepared to receive jealous looks!
- +33 6 26 41 10 66
19 Rue du Pont aux Choux, Paris, France
- https://www.facebook.com/bootcafe
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