Best Hot Chocolate in Paris: Top 6 Must-Visit Cafés & Chocolateries

by

Imagine strolling through the charming cobblestone streets of Paris on a chilly morning when suddenly, a craving hits you — not for coffee, but for something richer and more comforting.

That’s right, I’m talking about hot chocolate.

best hot chocolate in paris

Or, as the French locals call it, ‘chocolat chaud.’

In Paris, hot chocolate is not just a drink, but an experience. From grand tea salons serving ‘chocolat viennois‘ to quaint chocolate shops with their secret recipes, each stop offers more than just a great hot chocolate.

They offer a story, complete with a taste of history and a proud Parisian heritage.

As we discover where to find the best hot chocolates in Paris, each cup will be a journey through the city’s rich culture and enticing flavors, savoring one delicious sip at a time.

1. Les Deux Magots

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots is a historic café that has been charming customers since 1884.

The name originates from the two statues displayed within the establishment. This noteworthy venue has attracted famous personalities like Jean-Paul Sartre and Coco Chanel.

When visiting Les Deux Magots, you can choose to sit indoors or at an outdoor table with a view of the lovely Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. The cafe is famous not only for its rich history and ambiance but also for its delectable hot chocolate.

Their hot chocolate is made with Valrhona’s Equatorial 55% chocolate, known for its smooth, round, chocolatey flavor with hints of vanilla.

The presentation adds to the enjoyment, as it is served in a small pot accompanied by a cup and a silver tray, allowing for more than two servings if you desire!

💸 Price: A cup of this divine hot chocolate costs around €8, and the experience and flavor are well worth the price.

In addition to its exquisite beverages, the café regularly hosts events such as jazz concerts, literary meetings, exhibitions, and awards.

While in the area, make sure to explore nearby attractions like the scenic Luxembourg Garden or simply meander through the charming streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

As a hot chocolate enthusiast, I can confidently say that Les Deux Magots is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the true essence of French café culture while savoring the finest hot chocolate in Paris.

2. Café de Flore

Café de Flore, situated in the sixth arrondissement, traces its roots back to 1887. This prestigious café was once a popular gathering place for well-known figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Jean-Paul Sartre, among others.

Stepping inside, I was immediately taken by the quintessential French style: Art Deco design, red banquettes, mahogany tables, and mirrored walls. Waiters dressed elegantly in black vests and bow ties, with white aprons and cloth draped over one arm, were eager to serve.

Café de Flore caters to both locals and tourists, providing a lively atmosphere to unwind after a day of shopping or sightseeing.

Their hot chocolate, or chocolat chaud, is a standout offering, served in individual silver teapots and accompanied by parfait glasses brimming with whipped cream.

When I tasted the hot chocolate, I was greeted by a rich, steaming, sweet and creamy concoction, striking a perfect balance between bitterness and sweetness.

💸 Price: Although the price of around €8 might be considered steep, I found it to be a worthy indulgence, particularly during the colder months.

Café de Flore stands as a testament to the artistic and literary heritage of Paris, and its central location offers easy access to nearby landmarks and attractions.

As you savor your Parisian hot chocolate, you can’t help but be reminded that you are following in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest minds.

3. Angelina

angelina paris

At Angelina, located on the famous Rue de Rivoli, one can taste what many consider the best hot chocolate in Paris.

Steeped in history, this iconic Parisian tearoom opened in 1903 by Austrian confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer and his son René is named after his daughter-in-law.

The ambiance at Angelina is simply breathtaking, featuring art nouveau designs, intricate moldings, cornices, beveled mirrors, and frescoes painted by Vincent Lorant-Heilbronn.

angelina paris dining room

One comforting sip of their renowned hot chocolate transports you to a heavenly, luxurious experience.

Angelina’s luscious hot chocolate, called “Africain,” is made from a unique blend of African cocoa sourced from Niger, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. The successful formula has been developed and fine-tuned over the past 120 years.

As a result, the hot chocolate has an unctuous feel, with just the right balance between rich, thick, and sweet.

best hot chocolate in paris
best hot chocolate in paris

💸 Price: A cup of their hot chocolate costs around €8, which is a reasonable price considering the exquisite indulgence it offers.

While visiting, don’t forget to indulge in some of the refined pastries available!

Besides enjoying the decadent treat at Angelina, you can also take advantage of its close proximity to some of Paris’ most iconic attractions. A leisurely walk to the nearby Tuileries Garden or a visit to the famous Eiffel Tower adds to the memorable experience their hot chocolate provides.

To sum it up, savoring Angelina’s luxurious and famous hot chocolate while soaking in the tearoom’s magnificent art nouveau ambiance is an experience not to be missed during your Paris visit!

4. Carette Paris

At Carette Paris, you can satisfy your craving for creamy hot chocolate in an elegant tea room that’s renowned for offering the best hot chocolate in the city. Its cozy atmosphere adds to the delightful experience.

Served hot in a silver pot, along with a silver dish heaping with homemade whipped cream, you’ll indulge in the thrill of pouring the thick, chocolatey goodness into a fine china cup and topping it off with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

💸 Price: The average price for a cup of hot chocolate at Carette Paris is around €7-8 ($8-9).

Besides their famous Parisian hot chocolate, Carette Paris also tempts visitors with a mouthwatering selection of French pastries.

You’ll find classics such as croissants, pains au chocolat, madeleines, macarons, and chocolate éclairs, as well as elaborate and exquisite desserts to accompany your cocoa.

With three chic locations in Paris, each offers a unique environment to savor Carette’s rich and dark hot chocolate.

Here are the three Carette locations across Paris:

Although the menu is consistent at each location, discovering the subtle ambiance differences is an experience in itself.

As each location is surrounded by notable landmarks and attractions, take in the charm of the city while indulging in the best hot chocolate in Paris.

You’ll be happy that you did!

⚡ Related Read: 7 Bakeries with the Best Croissants in Paris

5. Jacques Genin

Jacques Genin paris
  • Address: 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
  • Known for: Luminous cafe with exposed-brick walls serving handcrafted chocolates & pastries
  • Price: €8-€10 per cup

Located in the third arrondissement, Jacques Genin is a revered chocolate shop that offers a marvelous hot chocolate experience.

Visiting Jacques Genin felt like entering a luxury jeweler’s shop, as the space was adorned with stunning floral arrangements and attended by courteous, white-gloved staff.

Their hot chocolate is perfect for people who appreciate simplicity, as it is made from top-quality chocolates, resulting in a rich and smooth blend.

Jacques Genin best hot chocolate in paris
Jacques Genin pastries

As you sip your hot chocolate, you will taste the harmony between the chocolate and the freshly whipped cream, making every sip a memorable experience.

💸 Price: The typical price for a cup of hot chocolate at Jacques Genin falls in the range of €8-€10.

Apart from the hot chocolate, Jacques Genin is also well-known for its caramels and pâtes de fruits.

Some of their beloved chocolates include the fresh mint, crispy hazelnut praline, and tonka bean flavors. For caramels, Jacques Genin offers options like mango-passion fruit and the delightful plain nature version.

Jacques Genin paris

The pâtes de fruits selection changes with the seasons; blood orange in the winter and strawberry or raspberry in the summer.

Nestled in the northern Marais, Jacques Genin is easily accessible from anywhere in Paris. If you wish to explore the area after your visit, you’ll find several notable landmarks and attractions in the vicinity, such as the Picasso Museum and Place des Vosges.

6. La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac

As I strolled through the 11th arrondissement, I couldn’t resist stopping by La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac.

This boutique patisserie, managed by the renowned chef Cyril Lignac, is a true paradise for those who adore chocolate. Its tasteful interior design and a few outdoor seats make it impossible not to feel comfortable while savoring their delightful chocolate treats.

Made using dark chocolate and garnished with fresh whipped cream, their hot chocolate strikes an exquisite balance between richness and smoothness.

💸 Price: With a price of approximately €9 per cup, it’s a reasonably priced Parisian indulgence.

In addition to the hot chocolate, I suggest trying one of their other scrumptious offerings, such as the buttery pain au chocolat.

Or, for something even sweeter, opt for their signature chocolate-covered marshmallow bear.

Conveniently situated on Rue de Sèvres, La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac is surrounded by various landmarks and attractions, and can be easily included in your city exploration.

Adding a visit to this delightful patisserie is a tasty and straightforward way to integrate some Parisian taste into your day!

Thanks for reading!

my paris itinerary about me

I genuinely hope that my recommendations on the places to enjoy the best hot chocolate in Paris have been helpful to you.

With the chill of winter setting in, it’s truly the perfect time to explore amazing hot chocolate spots to warm up while immersing yourself this amazing city!

Related Reads