In Paris, even the simplest of pleasures somehow seem extraordinarily elegant. The coffee is just a little smoother, the gardens are just a little fancier, the lights are just a little brighter. Well, the same goes for their hot chocolate.
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Like many cuisine-related things, the French take their hot chocolate very seriously. The most traditional version of this delightful drink being chocolat chaud à l’ancienne. Chocolate-lovers rejoice, but those with sweet-sensitive tastebuds beware – the classic French chocolat chaud is essentially a cup of silky, velvety melted chocolate mixed with a little milk or water. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it!
If you’re planning a trip to Paris during the colder months, tasting the hot chocolate here is a must. When the temperatures drop and the layers of clothes pile on, a warm cup of chocolat chaud will truly make your insides smile. Since there are so many to choose from, we’ve rounded up a list of the best chocolat chaud in town so you can make the most of your chocolate appetite. Happy sipping!
Angelina
Winter in France would not be complete without hot chocolate from Angelina. Pouring in Paris since 1903, Angelina has kept their hot chocolate recipe a dark secret for over 100 years. It is a meticulous combination of cacao beans originating from three different African countries – Niger, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire – in order to perfectly balance the fruity and bitter flavor notes. The exceptional cocoa produced from this blend is what has made Angelina world renowned. Also worthy of note is their equally delectable white hot chocolate!
226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
108 Rue du Bac, 75007
19 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006
Carette
This most velvety hot chocolate with the most gorgeous mountain of creamy chantilly (whipped cream) can be found in three locations around Paris, but most famously, right on the idyllic Place des Vosges. A day of shopping in the Marais is best accompanied with an afternoon pause at the quintessentially Parisian café Carette where the hot chocolate is an absolute must (and is best paired with one of their perfect pastries, of course).
25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003
4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016
7 Pl. du Tertre, 75018
Plaq
Down an unassuming street near the famed cobblestone rue Montorgueil is a quaint store/café with a modern industrial white façade. This would be none other than Plaq chocolat shop. Neighboring the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant Frenchie, Plaq could be equally worthy of a Michelin star for its hot chocolate! Their “pure and naked” chocolate is made by artisans right at the factory behind the counter. Obsessed with quality, the cocoa is crafted from the best and rarest cacao beans, hand picked and cultivated via agroforestry, to make the most pristine treat. For hot chocolate, the cocoa can be blended with your choice of milk, or water – for those who don’t mind a little bitterness and want to taste the most unadulterated form of cacao.
4 Rue du Nil, 75002
Charles Chocolatier
If the natural taste of Plaq is not your thing, you can find a more traditional hot chocolate just down the road at another delicious chocolate shop, Charles Chocolatier. At this time of year, it’s hard to miss the whimsical holiday decorations framing the window, and perhaps even more eye-catching are the chocolate sculpture creations just behind the glass. Step inside and take a good whiff of that chocolatey air and walk away with a warm cup in hand.
15 Rue Montorgueil, 75001
Hotel Lutetia
Situated steps away from the high-end mall Le Bon Marché, Hotel Lutetia offers a welcome reprise from a day of shopping at one of their two restaurants: Brasserie Lutetia and Le Saint-Germain. At the only Palace hotel on the Left Bank of the Seine, you’ll find a silky hot chocolate that can accompany one of their seasonal pastries, or you can taste the full decadent experience with tea-time in the salon. (Or should we say chocolate-time?)
45 Bd Raspail, 75006
Les Deux Magots
Situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots welcomes flocks of patrons in search of a traditional French café experience – and perhaps a strike of inspiration – under its teal green awnings. One of the oldest cafés in Paris, this establishment once served many of the famous artists and writers in the early 1900s and offers one of the best chocolat chaud à l’ancienne to this day. The thick chocolate drink is easily best enjoyed with a warm, cozy scarf and good book in hand to channel the literary spirit.
6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006
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