10 Beautiful Cafés and Bakeries in Paris
There’s no shortage of cafés and boulangeries in Paris, but some places go beyond just what you’re eating; they’re also beautiful spaces to sit in and soak up the vibe. Think painted ceilings, floral-covered exteriors, Belle Époque details, or historic spaces that have barely changed in a hundred years.
Some of these spots are known for their breakfast pastries or elegant desserts, while others offer excellent meals, but all of them are just as easy on the eyes as they are on the taste buds.
1. Cafe Saint Honoré
In the 1st arrondissement, Café Saint Honoré is impossible to miss with its mint-green façade, pink-and-white striped awnings, and the oversized teddy bears that have become a recognizable part of its décor.
It’s open continuously from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, so it’s an easy stop whether you want coffee and croissants in the morning, a satisfying lunch, or a late-night glass of wine.
2. Au Petit Versailles du Marais
On a quiet side street in the heart of the Marais, Au Petit Versailles du Marais lives up to its name with gilded moldings, chandeliers, and painted ceilings that would look right at home in the Palace of Versailles itself. The space is stunning, truly an ornate setting for croissants, pastries, and baguettes.
The bakery’s owner is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France, a national title awarded to craftsmen recognized as the best in their field. Order to go at the bakery counter, or head next door to the associated tea room if you want to sit down in an equally beautiful space.
3. Ladurée Champs Elysées
Ladurée is best known for its colorful macarons, but the Champs-Élysées location takes things far beyond the boutique experience.
Housed in a grand 19th-century building, it’s a full restaurant with an aesthetic and elegant vibe: pastel interiors, a sweeping staircase, ornate chandeliers, and even a baby grand piano tucked into the corner.
The food is just as excellent as the setting, whether you’re ordering pastries or a full meal. And if you want something a little different, you could opt for the afternoon tea, a dedicated dessert bar, and a grand Sunday brunch.
4. La Favorite Saint Paul
In the Marais, La Favorite is one of those cafés you spot from a block away. The exterior is completely covered in pink flowers, and between the scalloped awnings and the rows of classic bistro chairs, it leans into the aesthetic hard (and really pulls it off).
But what really completes the setting is the view. It sits directly across from the Eglise Saint-Louis Saint-Paul, one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. Sitting on the terrace here with that backdrop? It’s about as pretty as it gets.
5. Maison Bergeron
A few blocks from the Eiffel Tower, Maison Bergeron is a beautiful bakery with everything you could want, from rows of flaky croissants and glossy desserts to loads of savory options for lunch on the go.
If you can pull your eyes away from the mouth-watering display cases, you’ll notice the ceiling crafted from hand-painted panels. Intricate trim, mirrors, and delicate mosaics cover the walls, creating a truly elegant boulangerie.
This is a great spot if you’re headed to the Champ de Mars and want to pick up sandwiches or quiche for a picnic.
6. Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
Just around the corner from Notre Dame, Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole is most famous for its spring look, when thick drapes of purple wisteria spill over the façade, mixed with climbing greenery and a few sidewalk tables tucked beneath it all.
But even without the blooms, the ivy-covered exterior still makes it one of the prettiest restaurant fronts in the city.
The building dates back to 1512 and was originally used by the church for nearly two centuries. In 1723, it transitioned into a wine bar and later a restaurant, and it’s held onto that historic feel ever since.
7. Starbucks by the Opera
Look, I get it. Starbucks on a list of best places in Paris? It makes me feel a little weird too. 😆
But there’s no denying that the Starbucks location right next to the Opera Garnier (at 3 Boulevard des Capucines) is incredibly beautiful.
The ceilings are covered in intricate gold trim, floral details, and frescos, and chandeliers hang between black marble Corinthian columns. It feels appropriately grand for being next door to the Paris Opera House, one of the most ornate landmarks in the city.
The menu is nothing special, your usual lineup of lattes, cold brew, and snacks, but the setting is certainly a happy surprise.
8. Stohrer
Stohrer has the honor of being the oldest bakery in the city, opened in 1730 by the pastry chef of King Louis XV. While everything they make is delicious, they’re particularly famous for their baba au rhum, puits d’amour, and religieuse pastries.
The pastel-painted mirrors and ceiling make the perfect backdrop for this historic, high-quality boulangerie. It’s tucked into Rue Montorgueil, one of my favorite market streets in Paris.
9. Café de la Paix
Right next to the Opéra Garnier, Café de la Paix is a Second Empire showpiece: all Corinthian columns, frescoed ceilings, and polished elegance, with the ambiance of a grand salon.
It opened in 1862 and has drawn a steady stream of notable guests ever since. Victor Hugo, Ernest Hemingway, British royalty, and even John Travolta have all dined here.
Whether you’re stopping in for a coffee or sitting down for a delicious meal, it’s one of those places where the atmosphere is half the experience.
10. Angelina
A Paris institution in the 1st arrondissement for over 120 years, Angelina is best known for its hot chocolate which is thick, rich, and served in the cutest little teacups. It really does taste like melted chocolate – easily one of the best chocolat chaud in the city.
There are several Angelina locations around Paris now, but the Rue de Rivoli tearoom is the one you want. The Belle Époque decor gives it that classic, old-world feel.
If you’re looking for a meal, the food is excellent. But besides the hot chocolate, the Mont Blanc is their signature dish. It’s an incredible pastry made with sweet chestnut cream, named after the tallest mountain in the Alps.
