Our top 10: the best hot chocolate in Paris

The streets of Paris are shining with flickering lights and decoration. The temperature tumbles down. We have more layers on than an onion and all we’re craving for is a hot and heart-warming beverage.

All we want is a hot chocolate to perk us up! We’ve done our research (what a hardship) to find the hottest, the creamiest, the most simmering in the capital. We’ve reviewed what others say are the best spots in Paris for fabulous hot choclate and picked our favourites and then we’ve added some we think are musts.

Take off your gloves and let’s get started!

Angelina

Founded in 1903, Angelina has always attracted the crème de la crème – pun intended – of the Parisian aristocracy. Among their famous clients were Proust and Coco Chanel.  Even Audrey Hepburn herself had a soft spot for their delicious hot chocolate. Accompanied by a small pot of whipped cream, the hot chocolate at Angelina is a classic.

Jean-Paul Hévin

Today he is a famed and well-respected chocolate maker in France and abroad, but would you believe that Mr Hévin formerly wanted to be an electrician? He is now a reputable chocolate expert: according to The Guardian, Jean-Paul Hévin’s chocolate is one of the best in the world! And a tip: his hot chocolate should be drunk with a pâtisserie au chocolat, what else?

Le Grand Colbert

In this café – classified as a historic monument – the hot chocolate is served on a tray with a pot of warm milk, chocolate and a ramekin of Chantilly cream. A pleasure for the eyes but also for the palate, it’s authentic and gourmand. Of course, as those of you who know this elegant spot know, it is also famous because it was featured in ‘Something’s Gotta Give‘  the American romantic comedy film in 2003 starring  Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton.  You can slip in and sit with your back against the wall, indulge in some of the best hot chocolate in Paris and surreptitiously people watch.

Les Deux magots

Verlaine, Rimbaud, Mallarmé and Picasso: all were regulars at this café in Saint Germain. History does not record if they succumbed to the creamy and smooth hot chocolate, but one thing is certain: we did! Le Deux Magots does seem to attract colourful expats and tourists, so there is much of interest to observe and then there is the passing parade so ears, eyes and taste buds on the alert!

L’heure gourmande

Located in a charming paved courtyard, this cozy teahouse is a peaceful haven near the bustle of Odéon and Saint Germain – perfect to enjoy your thick hot chocolate. For the more courageous, two colorful tables wait for you outside. It’s a quiet calm spot in Paris to enjoy your hot chocolate.

La chocolaterie de Jacques Génin

The worldwide-famous chocolatier and caramel-maker inevitably serves one of the most flavorful chocolate beverages in the capital city.  Paris by Mouth has even ranked Jacques Génin as their number one spot for hot chocolate in Paris. In our view paired with a soft caramel, it’s a delight!

Un dimanche à Paris

In this elegant concept-store dedicated to chocolate in all its forms, you won’t know where to start. According to David Liebovitz in his Paris Hot Chocolate Address Book, “this mini chocolate empire […] is a sleek hommage to all things chocolate”. How about their hot chocolate? Sweet and fruity, it will warm you up immediately.

Ladurée

Ladurée is probably one of the best patisseries in Paris. Its hot chocolate cannot be underestimated though. Served with homemade Chantilly cream, their drink has an intense chocolate flavor. One (or two) macaroons won’t hurt of course.

Bar de l’Hôtel Bristol

Some say that drinking a hot chocolate at the bar of the Hôtel Bristol is like savoring one of the finest wines.  A beautiful setting, an old traditional recipe, a thick texture and a deep flavor – all that’s left is to enjoy!

Café de Flore

Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir used to spend whole days at Café de Flore working, chatting and meeting friends. Perhaps they did so around a delicious hot chocolate served in a silver teapot and sweet whipped cream? Frequented by locals this is one of our regular spots and we don’t always partake of hot chocolate.

Enjoy great hot chocolate in Paris wherever you are –  we’ve mapped our favourites for you on Foursquare!

So, which one would you like to taste first? Which is your favourite spot for hot chocolate in Paris? Let us know in the comments box below!