One of my favorite things about Paris is its emphasis on café culture, which encourages people to sit, relax, chat with friends, and enjoy watching life go by. Unlike in the US, people don’t really bring their laptops to coffee shops, and those “1-hour limit” table signs are nowhere to be found. Parisians tend to embrace a slower life, which is apparent in cafés. During my 4-month study abroad, going to coffee shops to read, write, and people-watch became a ritual for me, and it’s one of the things I miss most from my time there.
If you’re embarking on a trip to Paris anytime soon, I would strongly encourage you to experience this café culture for yourself. The following coffee shops are just a few that I felt truly embodied the Parisian way of life.
BUDDY BUDDY
BUDDY BUDDY is located in the 10th arrondissement (Paris’s equivalent to neighborhoods), right next to the Canal Saint-Martin (A.K.A. the Seine for locals). The 10th arrondissement is a favorite of many and is known for its artsy, youthful vibe. BUDDY BUDDY perfectly encapsulates this; it feels like a hub for edgy, alternative Parisians with its stylish clientèle and baristas. BUDDY BUDDY offers unique drinks as well, with every menu item incorporating their house-made nut butters. The butters come in all sorts of flavors, from chocolate hazelnut to peanut butter cup, and they are available for purchase (of course, I had to bring some back home with me). I absolutely loved their peanut butter matcha latte, which was rich and creamy, yet not overly sweet. All of their hot drinks also come in beautiful customized ceramic mugs (you can also purchase these as a souvenir!), which I found to be a really nice touch. Another great thing about BUDDY BUDDY is how friendly the baristas are. Every time I went there, I was greeted with a smile, and they were very forgiving of my less-than-perfect attempts at speaking French.
FAUNA
If you like matcha, FAUNA is the place to go. After trying over 20 different matchas around Paris, this was my favorite. Its vivid, forest green color and slight nutty flavor were irresistible, something I came back for time and time again. Beyond the matcha, FAUNA has delicious baked goods, which you can watch being made in-house each day. The café is Scandinavian-inspired, featuring traditional foods such as a Scandinavian breakfast and Kanellbullar buns (a cardamom-flavored pastry similar to cinnamon rolls). With both indoor and outdoor seating, FAUNA is a great place to sit and enjoy tasty, homemade food and drinks. With everything being made from scratch, in-house, FAUNA feels authentic and intentional, making it a great spot to soak in the Parisian vibes. And I can’t forget to mention that the food and drink presentation is incredibly Instagrammable!
The Monocle Café & Shop
When I stumbled across Monocle for the first time, I felt like I had found a hidden gem. Nestled on a lovely, quiet street near “Les Halles”, The Monocle Café & Shop is a tranquil escape from the bustling center of Paris. The coolest thing about Monocle is that it’s an independent news outlet that publishes magazines, newspapers, and radio programming, focusing on a variety of topics, from travel to entrepreneurship. This Paris location offers both a café and a store where you can buy the latest Monocle print products, which I found to be very unique. The experience of browsing products while enjoying a warm latte was very enjoyable, and I loved hearing about Monocle’s background from the staff. If you are looking for a relevant and culturally informed café, The Monocle Café & Shop is a must-visit spot.
Maison Fleuret
If you’re a book lover, Maison Fleuret is the place for you. When I first heard about a literary coffee shop in the heart of the iconic and historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés, I made immediate plans to experience it for myself. Upon entering Maison Fleuret, I felt as if I were traveling back in time and half-expected to find Ernest Hemingway sitting next to me as I sipped my matcha. The shop originally dates back to 1872 and was reopened as Maison Fleuret to preserve its charm and historic appeal. As their statement of commitment reads, Maison Fleuret is “a place conducive to unwinding the body and soul, a timeless yet connected bubble, where one can savor the moment, inhale existence, and recapture lost time”. What’s not to love!!
Bonjour Jacob
Venturing back to the 10th arrondissement, we’ll head to another artsy spot called Bonjour Jacob. Offering coffee, books, and magazines, this place serves as a refuge for creatives and a place to appreciate the eclectic mix of individuals who make up the city. During my visits to Bonjour Jacob, I would often see customers working on graphic design projects, writing, reading, and chatting with other chic Parisians who looked like they had come straight from Paris Fashion Week. Each time I went, I felt inspired by the sense of community there, and I even met one of my closest friends from my semester abroad at Bonjour Jacob!
Looking back, I realize that my time spent at these cafés was about far more than just getting a coffee or matcha. These moments gave me a deeper appreciation for Parisian culture and taught me to appreciate the little things in life. So, while visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre is essential, I believe that taking a few hours to enjoy the Parisian cafe experience is just as important.
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