When the weather turns cool, one question keeps coming up: Where can you find the very best hot chocolate in Paris?
Forget watered-down cocoa. In Paris, hot chocolate is an art—thick, velvety, and often paired with the kind of pastry that makes you close your eyes with joy. Here’s our guide to the must-visit spots, what to order with your chocolat chaud, and the little details that make each destination unforgettable.
1. Angelina – The Classic Parisian Indulgence
📍 Main location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement (Tuileries Garden)
📍 Other addresses: Galeries Lafayette, Musée du Luxembourg, and more.
What makes it special: Founded in 1903, Angelina has been the go-to salon for Parisian society, frequented by Coco Chanel herself. Its Belle Époque interiors still sparkle with old-world glamour.
The hot chocolate: The famous “L’Africain” is legendary—thick, almost pudding-like, and served with whipped cream on the side.
Pair it with: Their signature Mont-Blanc pastry (meringue, whipped cream, and chestnut cream). It’s rich, indulgent, and the perfect match.
2. Carette – Chic and Cozy
📍 Main location: 4 Place du Trocadéro, 16th arrondissement
📍 Other addresses: Place des Vosges (3rd) and Place du Tertre (18th).
What makes it special: Opened in 1927, Carette is known for its art deco interiors, chic clientele, and prime locations for people-watching.
The hot chocolate: Smooth, creamy, and served in generous pots for lingering mornings.
Pair it with: Their éclairs, especially the chocolate one. A refined Parisian classic that balances perfectly with the warm richness of the chocolat chaud.
3. Jacques Genin – For the True Chocolate Lover
📍 Main location: 133 Rue de Turenne, 3rd arrondissement (Haut Marais).
What makes it special: Jacques Genin is one of the great Parisian chocolatiers, known for exquisite bonbons, caramels, and pâtisserie. The salon is minimalist, modern, and all about quality.
The hot chocolate: Silky, intense, and less sweet than others—made for real chocolate devotees.
Pair it with: A slice of tarte au citron (lemon tart). The sharpness cuts through the richness beautifully, making for a balanced indulgence.
4. Le Meurice – Luxury in a Cup
📍 Main location: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement (inside Le Meurice Hotel).
What makes it special: One of Paris’s most opulent hotels, Le Meurice is part of the Dorchester Collection and has a long history of hosting artists, royals, and creatives (Salvador Dalí once lived here).
The hot chocolate: Served with silverware and in grand surroundings—it’s pure Parisian luxury in liquid form.
Pair it with: A mille-feuille. Flaky, creamy, and elegant—just like the setting.
5. Un Dimanche à Paris – A Hidden Gem
📍 Main location: 4-6-8 Cour du Commerce Saint-André, 6th arrondissement.
What makes it special: A modern concept store devoted to chocolate, tucked into one of the most atmospheric passages in the Latin Quarter.
The hot chocolate: Balanced, smooth, and innovative—a contemporary take on a classic.
Pair it with: Their seasonal pastries or a chocolate tart—playful, surprising, and always delicious.
Final Thoughts
Paris transforms hot chocolate into a small ceremony—a pause in your day to warm up, indulge, and savor the city. From historic salons once frequented by icons, to modern chocolatiers redefining the craft, each address tells its own story.
☕ For more cafés, restaurants, and food experiences recommended by our guides, download our travel guide and restaurant directory. It’s packed with insider tips to make your Paris trip unforgettable.
