Want the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris? Try These 7 Hidden Cafés!
Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by April Nicole
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Looking for the best hot chocolate in Paris?
Then you’re in the right place!
Attention all chocolate lovers! Get ready to embark on a decadent journey through the streets of Paris as we unveil the crème de la crème of hot chocolate spots in Paris for 2023. Indulge your senses in the ultimate Parisian delight as you sip on velvety, rich cocoa concoctions that will leave you craving for more.
I have handpicked the best hot chocolate in Paris that are guaranteed to transport you to chocolate heaven. From charming, centuries-old cafés to trendy, modern establishments, each spot offers a unique twist on this classic beverage.
Whether you prefer your hot chocolate dark and intense or smooth and creamy, rest assured, I’ve got you covered.
If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best hot chocolate in Paris:
What is different about French hot chocolate compared to the US?
In comparison to the US, many individuals choose sipping hot chocolate in Paris. here are three primary factors that affect how hot chocolate tastes in Paris and the US.
- The quality of chocolate used in Paris is the first and most important factor. The high-quality chocolate used in Paris is created from sourced and roasted cocoa beans. In comparison to the chocolate power you’ll find in the US, this provides the hot chocolate a deeper flavor.
- The second reason is that hot chocolate is frequently made with whole milk or even cream in Paris, giving it a creamier and richer texture. In the US, skim or low-fat milk is more common.
- The last reason has to do with how hot chocolate is made in French culture. Instead of cocoa powder, melted chocolate is used to make hot chocolate in Paris. The hot chocolate has a thicker texture thanks to the melted chocolate. Some people in Paris would even whisk their hot chocolate, which can give it a creamier texture.
Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
These days, there are many different methods to enjoy hot chocolate, from doubling the cream to adding spices. In fact, we all have our favorites! Discover more about the Parisian “chocolate hot scene” by reading on!
1. Best Hot Chocolate in Paris – l’Eclair de Genie
Addresses:
- 35 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
- 14 Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris, France
Photo Credit: L’Eclair de Genie
If you’re looking for a delicious and unique hot chocolate experience in Paris, look no further than L’Eclair de Genie. This charming café is located in the heart of the city, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a delicious éclair.
The hot chocolate at L’Eclair de Genie is made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and it’s served in a way that is both creative and delicious.
The éclairs are also made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and they are truly a work of art.
Each one is unique and will tantalize your taste buds.
What to order: Chocolat chaud – 8,10€
2. Ladurée
Addresses:
- 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
- 16 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris, France
- 21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
- rez-de-chaussée, 62 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
With worldwide locations including the fashionable Rue Royale, Ladurée is known for their decadent pastries and stunning interiors. But what you might not know is that they also make a mean hot chocolate.
Their version is made with dark chocolate and milk, and it’s absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for something truly special, try the Marie Antoinette – a hot chocolate topped with macaron pieces, whipped cream, and edible gold leaf.
Tip: I suggest trying their teatime formula, which is offered in their café on the Champs Élysées from 3 to 6 p.m. You get a pastry, three macarons, two finger sandwiches, a hot beverage, and more for 39 euros.
What to order: Chocolat chaud – 7,30€
3. Les Deux Magots
Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots is a Paris institution. It’s well known for being a hangout for intellectuals and artists like Hemingway, Picasso, and existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. But it’s also beloved for its delicious hot chocolate.
Made with a blend of Venezuelan and Ghanaian cacao, the best hot chocolate in Paris is at Les Deux Magots, which is rich and chocolatey. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a cold day. And it’s even better when enjoyed with one of the café’s famous madeleines.
Tip: The patio is one of the greatest spots to people-watch while enjoying your hot chocolate; it’s one of the Parisians’ hobbies!
What to order: Chocolat des Deux Magots à l’ancienne 8,50€
4. Jacques Genin
Addresses:
- 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France
- 27 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Jacques Genin is a renowned chocolatier in Paris, known for his innovative and exquisite takes on classic hot chocolate. A visit to his shop is a must for any chocolate lover looking to experience the best that the city has to offer.
Genin’s hot chocolate made with only the finest ingredients, including Valrhona chocolate, milk, and cream. The resulting drink is rich and decadent, with a perfectly balanced sweetness.
The chocolate is also beautifully presented, making it a perfect treat to enjoy after a meal or on a special occasion.
What to order: Chocolat Chaud – 7€
5. Angelina Paris
Addresses:
- 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
- 19 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006
- 108 Rue du Bac, 75007
Café Angelina is a world-renowned café located in Paris, France. The café is known for its luxurious hot chocolate, which is made with 70% dark chocolate and topped with whipped cream.
Café Angelina also offers a variety of other dessert items, such as cakes, pastries, and ice cream.
The café has a stunning dining room that is decorated with chandeliers and beautiful paintings. Café Angelina is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate and take in the sights and sounds of Paris.
Tip: Angelina’s website allows you to reserve a table in advance. And there are usually tables available for walk-ins, so don’t worry if you are unsuccessful! But if you don’t get there really early in the morning, you’ll likely have to wait for a while.
What to order: Chocolat Chaud “Africain” – 8,20€
6. Café de Flore
Address: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
If you’re looking for the best hot chocolate in Paris with a view, head to Café de Flore. This historic spot is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this café has been a favorite of intellectuals and artists since the early 1900s.
Today, it remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Get there early to snag a seat by the window, and enjoy watching the world go by as you savor every last sip.
The hot chocolate at Café de Flore is made with dark chocolate and is served with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect drink to enjoy with a pastry or sandwich from the café’s menu.
Tip: In the morning, I suggest having the hot chocolate with their oversized croissant, and for dessert in the afternoon, try the millefeuille.
What to order: Chocolat spécial Flore – 7€
7. Charles Chocolatier
Address: 15 Rue Montorgueil, 75001
Photo Credit: Charles Chocolatier
Purists in chocolate will love this! Charles Chocolatier is a family-run business that has been serving up dark, somber, and moody confections since it opened in 1910.
There is extremely little sugar in their original recipe, which is made from 100% pure cacao powder and 100% pure cacao butter from the Ivory Coast.
Fear not; sugar sachets are individually provided, however it is advised that you add your own.
What to order: Chocolat spécial – 5€
8. Carette
Addresses:
- 7 Pl. du Tertre, 75018
- 25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003
- 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016
As fate would have it, Carette is one of the best hot chocolate in Paris, which is pretty much our only reason for visiting this exquisite tea room establishment on Place des Vosges. Consider something velvety, warm, sweet, and rich with a side of freshly made whipped cream.
At Trocadero, Carette has a second tearoom that is beautifully decorated in the Art Deco era. For our neighboring flats, where visitors can savor their delectable hot chocolate with a view of the Eiffel Tower, it’s the ideal afternoon pleasure.
Tip: For a delicious brunch, you should visit Carette; they offer excellent scrambled eggs. And don’t forget to sample the sweets whether you eat lunch or dinner!
What to order: Chocolat “Carette” – 9€40 or Hot Chocolate with Whip cream (Chocolat viennois) – €11
9. Hotel Lutetia
Address: 45 Bd Raspail, 75006
Photo Credit: Hotel Lutetia
Brasserie Lutetia and Le Saint-Germain are two of the hotel’s two restaurants, both of which provide a welcome break after a day of shopping in the upscale mall Le Bon Marché.
You may have a smooth hot chocolate to go with one of their seasonal pastries at the one and only Palace hotel on the Left Bank of the Seine, or you can have tea in the salon for a truly indulgent experience. (Or perhaps chocolate-time?)
What to order: Chocolat chaud – 12€
10. PLAQ Chocolat
Address: 4 Rue du Nil, 75002
Photo Credit: PLAQ Chocolat
A charming store/café with a modern industrial white façade may be found along the well-known cobblestone rue Montorgueil. This is the Plaq chocolate store, of course. Plaq, which is next to the famed Frenchie restaurant with a Michelin star, could also be deserving of a star for its hot chocolate.
Behind the counter at the facility, artists create their “pure and naked” chocolate. To create the most exquisite delight, the chocolate is made from the finest and rarest cacao beans that are hand-selected and grown using agroforestry techniques.
For those who don’t mind a little bitterness and like to experience cacao in its purest form, you may combine cocoa with water or your preferred milk to make hot chocolate.
What to order: Chocolat chaud – 7€80
11. Cyril Lignac La Chocolaterie
Address: 25 rue Chanzy, 75011
My taste buds never stop being delighted by Chef Cyril Lignac! The famous chef from Aveyron, who is frequently seen on television, presents his newest address after a star-rated restaurant, two bistros, and four pastry shops.
This shop-café is called La Chocolaterie, and as its name suggests, it is totally focused on… chocolate!
There is just one type of hot chocolate available, the chocolate chaud, which is regrettably only offered in paper cups. It’s not a good idea to match them with chocolate because they taste and smell like paper.
Nevertheless, this was a lovely hot chocolate. It is made of dark chocolate, had a robust nutty flavor, and was not too sweet like other French chocolates.
Pro tip: The terrace is the best place to enjoy your hot chocolate and chocolate bar.
What to order: Chocolat chaud – 5€
How to Make French Hot Chocolate at Home
You can make your own chocolat chaud at home if you’re seeking a taste of France but are unable to go to Paris. With the first rich taste of this simple French hot chocolate recipe, you’ll be whisked away to Parisian salons!
SERVINGS: 2 large, intense cups or 4 smaller ones
Ingredients
- Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa): 100g, finely chopped
- Whole Milk: 1 1/2 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Powdered Sugar: 1-2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Vanilla Extract: 1/2 tsp
Optional:
- Whipped Cream, for topping
- A pinch of Cinnamon or Nutmeg, for a spicy twist
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate:
- Break the chocolate into small pieces. The finer, the better—it melts more evenly.
- Warm the Milk and Cream:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Watch carefully—you want it warm, not boiling.
- Melting the Chocolate:
- Once the milk mixture is warm, add the chopped chocolate and powdered sugar. Reduce heat to low.
- Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely. This is where the magic happens!
- Add the Final Touch:
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a subtle, yet divine flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolat Chaud:
- Chocolate Quality: The better the chocolate, the better the drink. Opt for high-quality, dark chocolate for an authentic taste.
- Consistency: Prefer it thinner? Add more milk. Love it thick? Less milk, more chocolate.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment. Add a pinch of sea salt, a drop of orange extract, or even a splash of espresso to elevate the flavor.
Best Hot Chocolate in Paris Map
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Final thoughts on the Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
If you’re looking for a delicious hot chocolate to help warm you up during your next trip to Paris, be sure to check out one of these best hot chocolate in Paris.
From classic European-style hot chocolate to rich and creamy Italian-style hot chocolate, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
So whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a dessert to cap off a perfect day of sightseeing, be sure to add one of these hot chocolate spots to your must-try list.
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Great article on Paris’ hot chocolate spots! Your vivid writing and unique insights into each cafe’s ambiance really bring the experience to life. I love the added touch of a home recipe – it’s perfect for bringing a bit of Parisian flavor into our homes.
Wow, you must have had so much fun doing research for your blog post. All of the hot chocolate pictured above looks amazing. On this cold rainy day, I wish I had some hot chocolate. But since you gave us a recipe, I know what I am buying next time I go to the store.
Wow! I think now I may have an excuse to visit Paris😆 I’m a serious hot chocolate 🍫 fan.
I love hot chocolate and all these look amazing. The varieties available sound so good, I’d be interested to see the difference between Italian and European styles. If I ever make it to Paris, I will be sure to stop by as many of these spots as possible.
Loved your article on Paris’ top hot chocolate spots! Your insights really highlight the unique atmosphere of each cafe.
I love this article – because not only do I love Paris, but I looove chocolate. Of this list, I’ve only been to Angelina many years ago and Laudrée. I got to frequent Laudrée when they brought one to Beverly Hills many years ago. Thanks for all the other recommendations. I’ll have to try them next time I’m in Paris. Saving this!
How do Parisians typically enjoy their hot chocolate? Are there specific pastries or snacks that are commonly paired with it?
Hi Trisha, Parisians typically enjoy their hot chocolate with a side of fresh whipped cream, served either on top or on the side. Some common pairings include croissants, pain au chocolat, and chouquettes, are also a popular choice.