7 Of The Coolest Cafes In Paris

Paris has no shortage of cafes, making it easy to find a spot to enjoy a drink and watch the world pass. But on your next trip to Paris, why not seek out a cafe that’s a little more original?

We made a little list of 7 cafes you should absolutely check out during your next trip to Paris.

1. Merci Used Book Café

Address: 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris 75003

Price: €€€ | (Coffee 3€, Pastries 5-6€)

Best known for: Freshly pressed juices, hard boiled eggs served with crispy bread for dipping

Located in Paris’ hip Marais neighborhood, this cafe/ used book store is a favorite among Parisians and visitors alike. Merci has over 10,000 books meaning that you can easily spend hours in this cozy spot reading and sipping freshly-brewed coffee. In the morning, Merci serves up scones and bagels, while muffins and cakes dominate the afternoon offerings. Great coffee, tasty pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere, Merci is the perfect spot whether you want to read, study, or catch up with friends.

2. Café des Chats

Address: Marais location-16 rue Michel le Comte, Paris 75003 or Bastille location- 9 rue Sedaine, Paris 75011

Price: €€€ | (Tea 5€, Desserts 4-7€)

Best known for: Brunch, relaxing atmosphere

With two locations in Paris, the Cat Cafes offer up hot drinks, salads, and desserts with a side of cute. Each location is home to a dozen rescue cats chosen based on their sociability and kindness. Customers are invited to pet and play with the cats while they enjoy a cup of coffee or a light lunch.

The prices are a bit high and the food is fairly average for Paris, but these cafes are worth the trip for their unique atmosphere.

3. Shakespeare and Company Café

Address: 37 rue de la Bûcherie, Paris 75005

Price: €€€ | (Coffee 3€, Bagel 9, 50€)

Best known for: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options

The Shakespeare and Company bookstore is a Paris landmark that has been in existence (in one form or another) since 1919. Over the years it has attracted famous writers from Henry Miller to Richard Wright. The proprietors have dreamed of adding a café next door and finally succeed in building one in 2015.

Featuring locally roasted coffee, vegan protein shakes, and bagels, Shakespeare and Company is the ideal café for health-conscious anglophiles in Paris.

4. Soul Kitchen

Address: 33 rue Lamarck, Paris 75018

Price: €€€ | (Set menu 13, 50€, Pastries 4€)

Best known for: Organic offering, vegetarian options, brunch

This organic café located in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris is truly a find. While most restaurants in the area offer up overpriced generic food targeted at unsuspecting tourists, Soul Kitchen prides itself on preparing fresh, organic food at a reasonable price. For 13, 50€, diners get an appetizer, a main dish, and a dessert.

The menu items change daily meaning you can go often and never get bored. As if that weren’t enough of an enticement, the interior is designed to look like a normal kitchen, which gives a relaxing, laid back vibe to this café.

5.Café Marlette

Address: 51 rue des Martyrs, Paris 75009

Price: €€€ | (Coffee 3-5€, Pastries 2-6€)

Best known for: Breakfast sandwiches, organic pastries, brunch

Café Marlette started out as an organic bake mix company and its offerings continue to reflect this history. Organic pancakes and muffins are always available, as well as “Le Prince,” a breakfast sandwich that can be prepared to go, a rarity in Paris.

On the weekends, Café Marlette serves up scones, fresh cheese, and house- made granola. The décor is simple, stylish, and most importantly, cozy, with couches lining the walls.

6. La Maison Rose

Address: 2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, Paris 75018

Price: €€€

Best known for: Traditional French food, terrace

This cafe/ restaurant, whose name means Pink House, certainly merits its name. Located in the Montmartre neighborhood, La Maison Rose is the most unique, and possibly, the cutest building.

On the menu, find traditional French dishes like Croque Monsieur sandwiches (ham, cheese, and cream sauce) and snails. The prices are fairly steep, even for Paris, but at least stop by for a coffee to have a look at this charming building.

7. Boot Café

Address: 19 rue du Pont aux Choux, Paris 75003

Price: €€€ | (Coffee- 2,50-4€, Pastries- 3,50€)

Best known for: To-go coffee, carrot cake

This café, which is housed in a former shoe repair store, is one of Paris’ smallest cafes. The original façade was maintained, while the interior was completely renovated, decorated with bright prints and freshly cut flowers.

Three tables are available inside, but this is mostly a spot to grab a freshly-brewed coffee and a tasty pastry to go, which is difficult to find in the French capital.

Do you know any of these cafés or have other recommendations for cafes you love? Share in the comments below!