These 10 Paris Cafés Have Witnessed More Drama, Secrets & History Than You Can Imagine

When you visit these famous Paris cafes, you enter the pages of history & the crème de la crème of French society sits on a table next to you.

Parisian cafe culture is known around the world. The effortlessly chic people, the busy waiters in their black and white outfits, and the history that spills out onto the pavements is the stuff that Paris dreams are made of. When you visit these famous Paris cafes, it’s like you’re entering another world where elegance reigns supreme, and the crème de la crème of French society sits on a table next to you.

But which cafe saw the likes of Benjamin Franklin write a famous treaty at one of their tables? Which one can boast the best hot chocolate in Paris, and which cafe shot to fame in the movie Amélie? The history behind these ten Parisian cafes is fascinating, as each has its own story to tell.

The History of Cafe Culture in Paris

Paris’s café culture dates back to the late 19th century, when artists, intellectuals, philosophers, writers, and even political figures would gather to talk about anything and everything. These cafés became hubs of creativity, debate, and sometimes even history-making.

Some of Paris’s most famous cafés are tied to extraordinary events. Books were written, art movements were born, philosophies were debated, and treaties were signed at their tables. And let’s not forget the legendary clientele. If walls could talk, they’d be name-dropping some of history’s most iconic figures. Imagine the people-watching back then; it would have been a whole other level.

Before diving into the list, let’s clear up some terminology. In French, “café” refers to both the drink and the establishment, and we’ll use both meanings here. A French café might surprise you if you’re expecting a place that serves only coffee because it often serves alcohol, full meals, and, of course, coffee.

Their menus tend to overlap with those of brasseries (originally breweries), and cafés also follow similar hours, staying open all day. Over time, some places have switched between being cafés, brasseries, or restaurants, so you’ll find a mix of all three on this list.

10 Famous Paris Cafes

La Maison Rose

​​La Maison Rose is cuteness personified and it just happens to be in one of my favorite Paris arrondissements of Montmartre. Here, you’ll find French culture, cuisine, and wine all served with a side of Parisian charm.

Its iconic pink-and-green facade, tucked away on cobblestoned streets and framed by ivy-draped walls, makes it impossible to miss. In the early 1900s, it was owned by Germaine Pichot, a model for Picasso, and her husband, painter Ramon Pichot. They transformed it into a haven for artists and writers, including Picasso and Albert Camus. Inspired by Catalan houses, its pink facade was immortalized in paintings by Maurice Utrillo. 

In 1948, Beatrice Miolano took over, and her granddaughter Laurence revitalized it in 2017, blending French and Italian heritage into its offerings. If romance is on your Paris itinerary, Montmartre and La Maison Rose need to be on your Paris bucket list.

​​La Maison Rose recently gained even more fame thanks to the hit show Emily in Paris. In an episode in Season 1, Emily and Mindy share a glass of wine at La Maison Rose’s outdoor tables. Love or hate the show, you have to admit it knows how to spotlight a perfect photo op.

In fact, the entire street is Instagram gold. As you stroll down Rue de l’Abreuvoir from the top of Montmartre, you’ll discover one of the most photogenic streets in the city.

📍 Address: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 18th arrondissement 

Café des Deux Moulins 

Tucked away in a quieter corner of Montmartre, Café des Deux Moulins rose to fame more recently than many of Paris’s iconic cafés. Its claim to stardom? A central role in the 2001 French film Amélie.

In the movie, Audrey Tautou’s character works as a waitress here, and the café quickly became a pilgrimage site for fans. Today, its walls are decorated with movie memorabilia, and yes, there’s even a ceramic garden gnome in the restroom—a cheeky nod to the film.

It’s true that Café des Deux Moulins won’t make the list of non-touristy Paris spots. But for Amélie fans, it’s worth a stop. Be sure to order the Goûter d’Amélie: a classic crème brûlée paired with a hot drink of your choice, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. I had breakfast there a couple of years ago, and it was affordable and the perfect start to my day. 

And the name? “Le moulin” means windmill in French, but you won’t find two windmills here. Instead, the café pays homage to Montmartre’s two historic windmills, the last of their kind in the neighborhood.

📍 Address: 15 Rue Lepic, 18th arrondissement

La Bonne Franquette Café

Another one for Montmartre is La Bonne Franquette Café. While the building dates back to the 16th century, La Bonne Franquette Café didn’t open its doors until 1925. Before that, it was known as “Aux Billiards en Bois” (Wooden Billiards) and had an artist clientele that reads like a wall in the Louvre—Van Gogh, Renoir, Pissarro, Degas, Sisley, Cézanne, Monet, Gauguin, and Toulouse-Lautrec were all regulars.

Its garden played muse to Vincent Van Gogh, who painted Guinguette (also known as Terrace of a Café on Montmartre) here, likely while sipping absinthe. The café’s charm has long been a draw for creative minds, from painters to writers and performers.

In the 1940s, La Bonne Franquette became part of another legend’s story: Edith Piaf. She filmed scenes for the 1941 film Montmartre-sur-Seine at the café. This wasn’t just a film set for Piaf; it’s said that during this time, she discovered Charles Aznavour, who would later become one of France’s most beloved singers. Aznavour lived upstairs, and Piaf played a pivotal role in mentoring his early career. 

📍 Address: 18 Rue Saint-Rustique, 18th arrondissement

Le Consulat

Our final cafe in Montmartre is Le Consulat. You can’t miss it with its distinctive red-and-white facade, and its prominent position on the corner means you see it as you walk up the hill into the center of Montmartre. 

It has been a gathering place for artists and thinkers since the 19th century. Legends like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet once frequented its cozy interior, seeking inspiration and perhaps a glass of absinthe.

But Le Consulat’s story doesn’t end with its famous patrons. The building is steeped in history, once serving as the “Ambassade de Savoie,” a nod to Félix Desportes, the first mayor of Montmartre in 1790. A scandalous affair with Abbess Marie-Louise de Montmorency, the head of the Abbey of Montmartre, marked his tenure. Their romance shocked the community, as the abbess was bound by vows of chastity.

Today, Le Consulat continues to captivate visitors with its vintage charm and traditional French cuisine. Whether you’re savoring a classic onion soup or simply enjoying a café au lait on the terrace, it’s easy to imagine the bohemian conversations that once filled the air. And while it has become a popular spot for tourists, especially those seeking the perfect Instagram shot, the café retains an authentic ambiance that transports you back to Montmartre’s artistic heyday. 

📍 Address: 18 Rue Norvins, 18th arrondissement

Angelina Paris

Angelina was founded in 1903 by an Austrian confectioner on Rue de Rivoli, spitting distance from the Jardin des Tuileries. Its refined decor and indulgent desserts quickly became a favorite of the Paris elite, including Coco Chanel. Over a century later, Angelina remains a favorite with the tourists for its cafe Paris vintage style.

But what Angelina’s is most famous for is its hot chocolate. If you’re a fan of chocolate, you must try their Chocolat Chaud L’Africain. This hot chocolate is impossibly rich and thick, the kind of treat you’ll dream about long after you’ve left Paris. Pair it with their signature Mont-Blanc pastry, a heavenly blend of meringue, whipped cream, and chestnut cream, and you’ve died and gone to chocoholic heaven.

Before you leave, stop by the boutique to pick up some of the best Parisian gifts.

📍 Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement

Le Procope

It’s hard to imagine Paris without its cafés, but they haven’t always been a fixture. In 1686, Sicilian chef Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli opened Le Procope, now the oldest café in Paris. Back then, coffee was an exotic drink, freshly arrived from the Middle East, and Le Procope was at the forefront of introducing Parisians to this new indulgence.

Over time, Le Procope became a hub for some of history’s most influential figures. Benjamin Franklin drafted the 1778 Treaty of Amity and Commerce at Le Procope. This treaty marked France’s recognition of the United States as an independent nation and established commercial relations between the two countries. 

Legend has it that a young Napoleon Bonaparte, then a lieutenant, dined at Le Procope but couldn’t pay his bill. He left his iconic bicorne hat as collateral, promising to return with payment. Today, this hat is displayed in a glass case at the restaurant’s entrance, offering diners a tangible link to history. 

Voltaire is said to have fueled his writings with an astonishing 40 cups of coffee a day at Le Procope — yes, I did say 40! His desk, along with other antiques, still graces the café, lending it a museum-like atmosphere.

Today, dining at Le Procope feels like stepping into history. It’s no longer the kind of place where you can linger over just a coffee; it’s now more of a restaurant than a cafe. But it’s worth it to have the chance to experience the setting and the fabulous ambiance there. You won’t regret it, although your wallet might; mine certainly did.

📍 Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 6th arrondissement

Cafe de la Paix

Many of Paris’s best cafés catered to the rising stars of the arts, literature, and intellectual circles in the early days. That’s what makes Café de la Paix stand out, as it didn’t start out as a haven for creatives; it was always posh and luxurious.

Situated across from the stunning Opéra Garnier (the Paris Opera House), Café de la Paix has one of the best views of any street café in Paris. If you close your eyes, you can imagine the beautiful horse-drawn carriages pulling up outside the Opera House for the elite of Parisian society to alight and spend a night of people watching from their opera box.

Given its lavish decor and prime location, it didn’t take long for this grand café to become a favorite of French society when it opened in 1862. Declared a historic monument in 1975, Café de la Paix has hosted some of the most notable figures in history. 

Literary giants like Émile Zola, Marcel Proust, Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant, and Victor Hugo, as well as Sergei Diaghilev and Ernest Hemingway (he seems to be associated with most cafes), were regulars here.

This iconic café has left its mark on pop culture, too, appearing in countless films, songs, novels, poems, and paintings. It’s as much a part of Paris’s history as any landmark.

📍 Address: 5 Place de l’Opéra, 9th arrondissement

Brasserie Lipp

Saint-Germain in the 6th is a beautiful area in Paris. I’ve stayed there a few times and enjoyed a meal at Brasserie Lipp. Established in 1880 by Léonard Lipp, who fled Alsace for Paris, the brasserie gained fame for its generous portions and excellent beer. In fact, Léonard brewed his own beer on-site, which is why he opted to call it a brasserie rather than a café, a name that has stuck for over a century.

Some of the original Alsatian dishes that made Lipp famous are still on the menu today, including the classic Choucroute Garnie, an indulgent sauerkraut and sausage dish. Inside, the Art Nouveau decor is cafe Paris decor at its best, with exotic mosaics and belle époque chandeliers setting the scene. 

If you can, snag a table in the first or second room, as the upstairs is typically reserved for tourists, and you’ll want to soak in the authentic ambiance.

Brasserie Lipp’s location, directly across from Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, places it at the epicenter of Paris’s literary and artistic history. Not to be outdone by its neighbors, Lipp even created its own literary prize. Marcel Proust and Albert Camus were among its regulars, and Ernest Hemingway penned pre-war dispatches here. 

In more recent years, it has welcomed everyone from French presidents François Mitterrand and Jacques Chirac to Hollywood stars like Harrison Ford, Sharon Stone, and Richard Gere. Whether you come for the food, the history, or just to people-watch, Brasserie Lipp remains an essential stop on any Paris café tour.

📍 Address: 18 Rue Saint-Rustique, 18th arrondissement

Café de Flore

Our final two cafes are directly opposite each other and have an enviable history. They are café Paris chic at its absolute best. Café de Flore was established in the 1880s. Its name is inspired by a nearby sculpture of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and reflects the timeless elegance that has attracted patrons for over a century.

The café’s Art Deco interior, with its red seating, mahogany accents, and mirrored walls, has remained largely unchanged since World War II, which is one of the drawcards for me. It’s another cafe whose clientele reads like a who’s who of intellectuals and artists, including Georges Bataille, Robert Desnos, Léon-Paul Fargue, Raymond Queneau, and Pablo Picasso. Notably, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai was a frequent visitor during his time in France in the 1920s. 

It was featured in the 1963 film The Fire Within and the 1981 music video for Amanda Lear’s “Égal.” James Baldwin penned parts of his classic Go Tell It On The Mountain on the second floor. Additionally, the annual Prix de Flore, a literary prize established by Frédéric Beigbeder in 1994, is awarded here, cementing its status as a hub of artistic and intellectual activity.

📍 Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement

Les Deux Magots

Our final cafe is the famous Les Deux Magots, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. I had breakfast there on one of my Paris trips and couldn’t resist whipping out my laptop and writing an article. I couldn’t help wondering which seats Hemingway had occupied and whether I was sitting where he once sat.

Established in 1884, its name refers to its origins as a novelty shop, with “magots” referring to the two Chinese figurines still presiding over the establishment. Over the years, Les Deux Magots became a magnet for the literary and intellectual elite.

As well as Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Pablo Picasso were regulars, drawn by the café’s unique ambiance and the stimulating conversations that flowed as freely as the coffee and absinthe. 

In 1933, embracing its literary heritage, the café established the Prix des Deux Magots, an annual literary award celebrating unconventional and avant-garde works. This tradition continues today, underscoring Les Deux Magots’ enduring role in Paris’s cultural and intellectual landscape. 

📍 Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 6th arrondissement

Why Café Culture, From Café Paris Chic to Jazz Cafés in Paris, Captures the World’s Imagination

Parisian cafés are more than just places to grab a coffee—they’re an essential part of the city’s identity. Whether sitting in a café Parisien during the day, watching the world go by, or soaking up the magic of a cafe Paris at night, each visit feels like stepping into a story. The romantic setting is unmatched, especially when paired with views of the Eiffel Tower—nothing says quintessential Paris like a cafe Paris Eiffel moment.

Even luxury brands like Yves Saint Laurent have embraced the café culture with their own Yves Saint Laurent Cafe Paris, proving its global appeal. And, for a touch of whimsy, who could resist the playful idea of a Jellycat Cafe Paris?

Wherever your Paris café adventures take you, one thing is certain—you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this iconic slice of French life.