Drinking an authentic French hot chocolate in a historic café in Paris is definitely a bucket list activity. The French do love their chocolate. French hot chocolate, also known as Chocolate Chowderis so tempting because it’s real chocolate melted and cooked into this thick, glossy drink. Expect rich, even rich, chocolate flavor and a creamy, velvety mouthfeel. There’s no better place to do this than Paris. In this article, we list the best and most popular places in Paris to try this iconic hot chocolate.
Where to find the best hot chocolate in Paris
Shuangsou
If you like jazz music and hot chocolate, then you must visit Shuangsou Bar. This historic café uses “Equatorial 55%” Valrhona chocolate to make hot chocolate with a hint of vanilla and is considered by many to be the best café in Paris. Additionally, they are famous for their jazz nights and art deco style interior. Many celebrities have visited Shuangsou, such as Hemingway, Picasso, etc.
Carret
Carette is a time-honored classic restaurant in Paris that went viral on social media for its hot chocolate and Trocadéro’s view of the Eiffel Tower. Unfortunately, due to its viral hype, according to many, the lines are extremely long and the service can be less than pleasant and you’ll be rushed to your table. Here’s a tip: Check out Carette’s other forks Marais for a calmer experience.
Trocadéro Café
Carette isn’t the only hot chocolate shop in the Trocadero. Cafe du Trocadero may be less famous than Carette, but its hot chocolate and pastries certainly deserve attention. So if you’re visiting the area, come here and enjoy a quiet hot chocolate with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Ladurée
You already know Ladurée is the go-to macaron shop in Paris, but did you know they also make delicious French hot chocolate? Smooth, rich and slightly bitter, Ladurée is undoubtedly the best hot chocolate in Paris.
PS we like them hot chocolate in london also!
Marly Cafe
For the best views of the Louvre, like the ones you’ve seen on Pinterest, head to Le Cafe Marly. This iconic restaurant has beautiful Napoleon III-style interiors and a lovely terrace with unobstructed views of the Louvre’s iconic glass pyramid. They make delicious French hot chocolate and are famous for their pavlovas.
Café Carrousel
You can find Cafe Carrousel in the arcades of Rue de Rivoli, with stunning views of the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre. This is a nice rest stop on the way to the Louvre to enjoy hot chocolate and their signature Pain Perdu.
Angelina
Café Angelina is located around the corner from Cafe Carrousel, an iconic and historic Parisian tea room famous for its signature hot chocolate. Their hot chocolate is made with African cocoa from Niger, Ghana and Ivory Coast, creating a rich dark chocolate flavor. If you don’t like dark chocolate, they also offer white chocolate. Anglina is now a global brand with stores in the Middle East, Asia and the United States.
Café de Flore
Cafe de Flore, which dates back to 1887, is often called the most famous cafe in Paris and has a long-standing rivalry with Les Deux Magots across the road. They’re known for making a delicious cup of hot chocolate, best served with whipped cream.