The most beautiful historic cafés in Paris
Paris and its cafés share a love affair that dates back centuries. As true hubs of socializing, creativity, and intellectual debate, Parisian cafés have welcomed writers, artists, philosophers, and travelers from around the world.
From Île Saint-Louis, some of the capital’s most beautiful historic spots are easily explored on foot. From Belle Époque decor to literary legends and legendary terraces, here is a selection of iconic cafés where you can fully savor the Parisian art of living.
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Le Procope: the oldest café in Paris
Founded in 1686, Le Procope is considered the oldest café in Paris still in operation. Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this historic venue has welcomed Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, and even Benjamin Franklin.
Today, its elegant decor, historic salons, and unique atmosphere transport you to the Paris of the Enlightenment. Each room evokes a different era and recalls the major role the establishment played in French intellectual life.
Just a few minutes from the Hôtel du Jeu de Paume, this spot is a must-visit for lovers of Parisian history.
Les Deux Magots: the café of writers and artists
Located across from the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots remains one of the most famous cafés in Paris. Since the 19th century, it has attracted writers, poets, and artists.
Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Pablo Picasso, and Albert Camus have all left their mark here. The café still hosts the prestigious Prix des Deux Magots, established in 1933.
Its terrace is the perfect spot to watch the neighborhood come to life while enjoying a place deeply rooted in Parisian cultural history.
Café de la Paix: the elegance of the Belle Époque
Located across from the Opéra Garnier, the Café de la Paix has been one of Paris’s great institutions since 1862.
Its spectacular decor, gilded details, and quintessential Second Empire architecture make it one of the capital’s most elegant cafés. Over the decades, it has been a gathering place for numerous figures from the artistic and literary worlds.
For a refined break after a stroll through the Opera district, this spot remains a Parisian classic.
Angelina: A Parisian Culinary Institution
Founded in 1903 on Rue de Rivoli, Angelina is world-renowned for its hot chocolate and its famous Mont-Blanc.
Its Belle Époque decor, inspired by early 20th-century Parisian salons, charms visitors and Parisians alike. Coco Chanel was a regular here, adding to the legend of this must-visit spot.
After a visit to the Tuileries Garden or the Louvre, Angelina offers an elegant interlude in a setting steeped in history.
Café Verlet: Paris’s historic coffee temple
Less well-known to international visitors, Café Verlet is nonetheless a true Parisian institution. Founded in the late 19th century, this historic establishment specializes in selecting and roasting exceptional coffees.
Its upstairs lounge, with its discreet and authentic charm, offers a more intimate atmosphere than the capital’s major tourist hotspots.
An ideal stop for coffee lovers wishing to discover a more intimate side of historic Paris.
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One of the great perks of staying at the Hôtel du Jeu de Paume is that you can easily reach many of these attractions on foot.
From the peaceful streets of Île Saint-Louis, a pleasant stroll takes you along the banks of the Seine, through the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and even to the Louvre, all while stopping at some of Paris’s most iconic cafés.
Much more than just places to have a coffee, these institutions tell the story of several centuries of Parisian history and offer a unique immersion into the soul of the capital.
