NEED YOUR DAILY CAFFEINE FIX? SIT BACK AND UNWIND AT THE BEST PARISIAN CAFÉS
It’s difficult to think of a city that adores cafés more so than Paris. There is truly something special about perching on a street-side terrace in The City of Light - and whether you’re in the thriving city centre or exploring the outskirts, you can’t walk a block without passing a traditional Parisian-style Bistro. So take a break from the museum hopping, grab an espresso and watch Paris float by in front of you with our list of Paris’ top 5 cafés.
TEN BELLES
10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010 Paris | Open 9am - 6pm
In a city that is well known for it’s cafés but not for the quality of it’s coffee, Ten Belles stands out for having some of the best caffeine in Paris. Nestled by the picturesque Canal Saint Martin, Ten Belles is a hipster hub with a cool, trendy atmosphere, a good range of sweet and savoury food options and, most importantly, seriously good coffee.
CAFÉ OBERKAMPF
3, rue Neuve Popincourt, Paris 75011 | Open 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tired of croissants and pain au chocolat for breakfast? Cafe Oberkampf is our top pick for a pre-noon feed with a difference. Sporting a breakfast/brunch menu that would be more at home in Melbourne than in Paris, this hipster hot spot is a must visit for foodies. It sits just off Rue Oberkampf, one of the trendiest strips in Paris, and offers quality coffee to match it’s menu. If halloumi and hummus on sourdough isn’t your thing though, try the avocado on toast - it is simplicity at its tastiest.
LA MER À BOIRE
3 Rue des Envierges, 75020 Paris | Open 9am - 8pm
Located in the colourful and multicultural district of Belleville, La Mer à Boire makes our list for the truly glorious views it offers while you sit back and sip your coffee. Perched on one of the highest points in Paris, it overlooks the Parc de Belleville and beyond to a breathtaking cityscape that stretches all the way to the Eiffel Tower. Be prepared to wait a little while for an outside seat in the summer though - its terrace overflows with Parisian locals soaking up the sun and the view.
SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris | Open 9:30am - 8pm
While the world-famous bookshop Shakespeare and Co. has been a left bank literary institution since 1951, it only extended it’s repertoire to tea and coffee in 2015. Overlooking The Seine and beyond to Notre Dame cathedral, it’s the perfect place to relax with a brand new book and watch the world go by. It also offers freshly squeezed juice, and a largely vegetarian menu.
LA FOURMI
74 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris | Open 8am-4am
Sitting in Pigalle, a district famous for it’s cafes and bars and infamous for it’s red light district, La Fourmi stands out for it’s inexpensive menu, generous servings and cool atmosphere. Only a 5 minute walk from the Moulin Rouge and just below the Basilique du Sacré Cœur and artistic hub of Montmartre, it’s an ideal spot to stop off for a drink after a stint of sightseeing. In one of Paris’ most touristic areas, this is a boho cafe/bar that is frequented by Parisian locals, which can only mean good things.