Last Updated on September 4, 2023 by April | Dreaming in French
Paris in the winter is a magical time. The holiday lights, the chilly weather, and the warm atmosphere all make for the perfect setting to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. And Paris is the perfect place to find the best hot chocolate in the world. In this blog post, I’ll share with you the best hot chocolate in Paris you need to experience!
From Café Angelina to Jacques Genin, these spots are sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling warm and cozy. So whether you’re looking for a classic hot chocolate or something a little more interesting, be sure to check out these spots the next time you’re 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 Spots in Paris Map
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Best Hot Chocolate in Paris
1. l’Eclair de Genie
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€
Address:
- 35 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
- 14 Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris, France
2. Ladurée
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€
Address:
- 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
3. Les Deux Magots
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 hot chocolate at Les Deux Magots 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€
Address: 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
4. Jacques Genin
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€
Address:
- 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France
- 27 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
5. Angelina Paris
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€
Address:
- 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
- 19 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006
- 108 Rue du Bac, 75007
6. Café de Flore
Last but not least, if you’re looking for a hot chocolate 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€
Address: 172 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
7. Charles Chocolatier
Photo Credit: Charles Chocolatier
Purists in chocolate will like 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€
Address: 15 Rue Montorgueil, 75001
8. Carette
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
Address:
- 7 Pl. du Tertre, 75018
- 25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003
- 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016
9. Hotel Lutetia
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€
Address: 45 Bd Raspail, 75006
10. PLAQ Chocolat
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
Address: 4 Rue du Nil, 75002
11. Cyril Lignac La Chocolaterie
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€
Address: 25 rue Chanzy, 75011
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
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder optional, but delicious for intensifying chocolate flavor
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate at least 70%, chopped*
- Giant bowl of whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until small bubbles appear around the edges. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Remove from saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate until melted, returning the sauce to low heat if needed for the chocolate to melt completely. Serve warm, topped with lots of whipped cream.
Notes
- *Choose the best quality chocolate you can, as the flavor really carries the drink. I love Guittard for a splurge, Ghirardelli, or Godiva, but the Trader Joe’s Pound Plus 72% bar is quite good too. I do not recommend chocolate chips, as they contain stabilizers and do not melt as well.
- Leftover French hot chocolate can be cooled to room temperature, then refrigerated in an airtight container (empty mason or jam jars work particularly well). Reheat gently the in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
You may also add a small amount of fleur de sel from the Camargue for a more opulent French hot chocolate.
Enjoy your chocolat chaud while reading one of these recommended books on Paris. In no time, you’ll think you’re in a cafe in Paris!
Thank you, Well Plated by Erin for this recipe!
Final thoughts on 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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