Best hot chocolate in Paris: the 2nd and 3rd arrondissements
The two central neighborhoods of Paris gather several museums and galleries, lovely covered passages with charming boutiques, and beautiful hôtels particuliers.
They are the perfect arrondissements to go for a cultural stroll and to enjoy some Parisian sweets.
We fell in love with four spots in the area, all serving the most delectable hot chocolate.
Park Hyatt Vendôme
Landing at the heated terrace of the Park Hyatt Vendôme in winter is like buying a first class ticket to the French Alps.
Imagine the décor: snow covered fir trees, a small cabin straight from the mountains, candles and furry chairs. The experience wouldn’t be complete without a cup of thick hot chocolate of course. We could almost see the snow fall.
Park Hyatt Vendôme5 rue de la Paix, 75 002 Paris
Métro: Opéra
A Priori Thé
When the rain shows up, we know exactly where to stop for a delicious snack: A Priori Thé. Hidden in the luminous Galerie Vivienne, this romantic tea room offers a variety of cakes, tarts, scones and of course, a delightful hot chocolate.
When it’s sunny, we love to sit outside and admire how the light passes through the glass roof.
A Piori Thé35 Galerie Vivienne, 75 002 Paris
Métro: Bourse
Charles Chocolatier
In this cocoa temple, chocolate is a real family business. Since 1910, chocolates have been made here with care and passion, using natural products only (no animal fat).
As for the hot chocolate, it is prepared with cocoa powder, milk and a dash of sugar in a copper cooking pot. The result far exceeds our expectations: a dense texture and a powerful flavor. The hot beverage can only be ordered to take away.
Charles Chocolatier15 rue Montorgueil, 75 002 Paris
Métro: Etienne Marcel, Les Halles
Café Charlot
The Café Charlot is one of those typical bistrots where all the Parisians rush into as soon as the first sun rays show up.
Sat at the terrace among young trendy bobos, we watch the coming and going of the waiters in their traditional black and white suits. It’s high time to plunge our lips in a heart-warming hot chocolate. Délicieux!
Café Charlot38 rue de Bretagne, 75 003 Paris
Métro : Filles du Calvaire
Have you got any favourite cafés to add to our list? Add your suggestions in the comment box below!
Find hot chocolate in other arrondissements…1st // 4th // 5th // 6th // 7th // 8th
9th // 10th & 11th // 12th & 13th // 14th & 15th // 16th & 17th // 18th // 19th & 20th Image credits:
1. Parisian hot chocolate, by Nichole, via Flickr.
2. Park Hyatt Vendôme, by Christopher H. via Yelp.
3. A Priori Thé, by Elisa Dudnikova via Flickr.
4. Charles Chocolatier, by Cristina via CristinaHomemdeMello*.
5. Café Charlot, by Membre Qype via Yelp.
About the Contributor
Judy MacMahon
Oh my. I think I might have to make chocolat chaud for dessert tonight! It’s cold enough in my apartment to make it worth my while.
Judy (or anyone else?) did th chilli-in-hot-chocolate craze ever take off in France?? A few years ago it was all the rage in Melbourne. It’s what the Aztecs did, and what modern day Mexicans do today, but it was a brief fad here. Did it happen in Europe too?
From what I know it didn’t do that well – chilli and chocolate don’t mix for some people. And europeans don’t really have a high tolerance of spicy foods (usually), some have quite a chilli palate.
Chili-in-hot-chocolate is definitely on offer in Amorino’s – personally, I really like it, but I can’t really speak for the French!