Café de Flore
Iconic Parisian café, a historic haunt for intellectuals and artists, famous for its legendary hot chocolate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy breakfast
Café de Flore
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy breakfast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Parisian café, a historic haunt for intellectuals and artists, famous for its legendary hot chocolate.
"An unforgettable Parisian experience at Café de Flore! The hot chocolate deserves a gold medal."
🎯 Iconic Hot Chocolate
Don't miss the famous hot chocolate, especially with whipped cream!
🥐 Best Croissant in Paris?
Many rave about the croissants here – a must-try for breakfast!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Hot Chocolate
Main seating area
Rich, velvety, and utterly indulgent, this is a must-try. Order it with cream for an extra decadent treat.
Historic Ambiance
Interior and exterior seating
Soak in the atmosphere where writers and artists like Sartre and Picasso once gathered.
The Croissant
Pastry selection
Praised as potentially the best in Paris, this flaky delight is a breakfast standout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hype (or Avoid It)
Timing is Everything for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Iconic Hot Chocolate
Don't miss the famous hot chocolate, especially with whipped cream! +1
🥐 Best Croissant in Paris?
Many rave about the croissants here – a must-try for breakfast!
⏳ Beat the Tourist Rush
Arrive early, around 8 AM, to avoid long queues and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
✍️ Writer's Corner Vibe
Imagine Hemingway and Sartre here. The ambiance is perfect for creative inspiration.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Iconic Hot Chocolate
Don't miss the famous hot chocolate, especially with whipped cream! +1
🥐 Best Croissant in Paris?
Many rave about the croissants here – a must-try for breakfast!
⏳ Beat the Tourist Rush
Arrive early, around 8 AM, to avoid long queues and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
✍️ Writer's Corner Vibe
Imagine Hemingway and Sartre here. The ambiance is perfect for creative inspiration.
💸 Pricey but Worth It?
It's a bit of a splurge, but many feel the history and experience justify the cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café de Flore is celebrated for its legendary hot chocolate, delicious croissants, and undeniable historical mystique, offering an iconic Parisian café experience. While it can be crowded and pricey, many find the ambiance and connection to literary history well worth the visit.
"Even though it’s packed with tourists, I still love the mystique and magic of this place. It’s legendary. I wish I could sit upstairs and write but I’m not sure it’s the right vibe. The omelette was ok. The hot chocolate was excellent. I loved the special napkin for holding the pot. Sometimes I stop by for a glass of wine with friends when I’m in the neighborhood."
Philippa Pham Hughes
"Loved this famous and prestigious cafe in Paris. Historic and highly regarded, I can tell why. We went for breakfast on Sunday, and didn't need to queue. We did go at 8am though, and there was a crowd starting to develop inside.
We ordered the-
Special flore dark chocolat with creme
Croissant
Toast with echire butter
The Le The de flore tea creation
Croque Monsieur special flore
Has to be the best croissant we had in Paris. Can't recommend the croissant enough. The hot chocolate was delightful and wasn't too sickening. I recommend to order it with the creme. The french butter was tasty too. Next time I would love to try the French onion soup and cafe de flore terrine.
Overall 10/10 and highly recommend when looking for an authentic French cafe experience in Paris."
aaron arasasingham
"Very very busy cafe. A bit of a wait for food and drink, but I was determined to experience because of its cultural significance. Mixed drinks were creative and delicious! However I saw many patrons order the hot chocolate and I was a bit remorseful I had not gone that route. Must see for any “lost generation” aficionados. Timeless, elegant. In the corner by the stairs, there is a delightful little dollhouse recreation of the cafe with small pictures of its famous guests, Hemingway, Fitzgerald. I can easily see how this would invite conversation and creativity. And I just love Paris. A win win!"
Natalie Richmond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Café de Flore is located at 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement. The easiest way to reach it is by taking the Paris Métro to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés station (Line 4). From there, it's a short walk. Many visitors also find it convenient to walk from other central Paris attractions. +1
Yes, it's very accessible. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés Métro station is right nearby, making it simple to get to via the extensive Paris Métro system.
The address is 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France.
Absolutely! If you're exploring areas like the Latin Quarter or the Louvre, Café de Flore is within walking distance, offering a pleasant stroll through charming Parisian streets.
Street parking in this area of Paris can be very challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or a taxi/ride-share service to reach Café de Flore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While reservations aren't always mandatory, especially for casual visits, booking in advance is recommended, particularly if you plan to visit during peak hours or for a specific meal. Some visitors have found they didn't need to queue if they arrived early.
Café de Flore typically opens early in the morning and stays open late into the evening, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current opening hours, as they can vary seasonally.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Café de Flore. It operates as a regular café and restaurant, so you pay for what you order.
You can absolutely visit just for a coffee, a hot chocolate, or a pastry. While they offer full meals, a simple beverage is perfectly acceptable. +1
There is no strict dress code. Most visitors dress smart-casual, reflecting the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of a Parisian café.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
Café de Flore is renowned for its historical significance as a meeting place for intellectuals and artists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, its iconic hot chocolate, delicious pastries, and its charming Parisian ambiance. It was also featured in 'Emily in Paris'. +1
The legendary hot chocolate with whipped cream is a must-try. Other popular choices include croissants, French onion soup, omelettes, and various pastries like éclairs and tarts. +2
Yes, Café de Flore is often very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and times. Arriving early in the morning can help you avoid the longest queues. +1
The atmosphere is historic, elegant, and buzzing with energy. It evokes a sense of intellectual and artistic history, making it a captivating place to people-watch and soak in Parisian culture.
Definitely! The iconic green awning, the bustling terrace, and the interior details offer many picturesque moments. It's a popular spot for capturing classic Parisian café vibes. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Prices at Café de Flore are on the higher side, reflecting its prime location and historical status. Expect to pay a premium for food and drinks compared to less famous establishments.
Reviews are mixed but generally positive, with many highlighting the excellent hot chocolate and croissants. Some find the other dishes to be good but not exceptional, especially considering the price.
The hot chocolate with cream is universally recommended. The croissants are also highly praised, and the French onion soup is a classic choice. +2
Yes, Café de Flore serves breakfast. It's a popular spot for morning coffee and pastries, though it can get busy.
Yes, Café de Flore offers a full menu for lunch and dinner, including traditional French fare like omelettes, croque monsieur, and terrines.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic green exterior with the café's name is a classic shot. The bustling terrace, especially with people enjoying their drinks, also makes for great photos. Don't forget to capture the details inside, like the miniature dollhouse replica. +1
Yes, taking photos is generally fine, but be mindful of other patrons and staff. Avoid intrusive photography. Capturing the ambiance and your own experience is usually welcomed.
Early morning, before the main crowds arrive, offers softer light and fewer people in your shots. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots.
Yes, Café de Flore was a filming location for 'Emily in Paris.' You can try to capture shots that evoke scenes from the show, particularly from the exterior or terrace seating. +1
Both smartphones and dedicated cameras work well. The natural light and charming setting are forgiving. A wider lens can be useful for capturing the café's exterior and bustling terrace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the biggest crowds, which can be more manageable with younger children. The pastries and hot chocolate are generally crowd-pleasers. If you're looking for a more relaxed meal, you might want to explore nearby cafes, but for a memorable experience tied to popular culture and history, Café de Flore is a solid choice.
💸 Budget Travelers
If you're on a tight budget, you might opt to visit for a single, iconic item like the famous hot chocolate or a croissant, rather than a full meal. This allows you to experience the ambiance without a significant financial outlay. Alternatively, consider enjoying the exterior views and atmosphere from the outside, or exploring less famous but equally charming cafes in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
📚 History & Literature Buffs
The café's interior, with its historical decor and the charming miniature dollhouse replica depicting famous guests, offers a tangible connection to this rich past. It's a place to soak in the atmosphere, perhaps jot down some thoughts in a notebook, and feel a part of literary and artistic history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub of Intellectual and Artistic History
The café's name itself is inspired by a sculpture of a flower on a nearby column, adding to its unique charm. Its iconic green awning and bustling terrace have made it a symbol of Parisian café culture, attracting writers, artists, and thinkers for decades. The enduring mystique of Café de Flore lies in its ability to transport visitors back to a golden age of Parisian intellectualism and artistic ferment.
Today, while it attracts a significant number of tourists, the café strives to maintain its historical ambiance. You can still feel the weight of history as you sit at one of its tables, imagining the profound ideas that were born within its walls. It's a place where you can not only enjoy a delicious drink but also connect with a rich cultural heritage.
The Iconic Hot Chocolate Experience
This isn't just a beverage; it's an event. The presentation often includes a special napkin for holding the pot, adding a touch of classic elegance. The taste is often described as deeply chocolatey without being overly sweet, making it a perfect treat for any time of day. It's a signature item that many visitors seek out specifically because of its legendary status.
While other menu items receive good reviews, the hot chocolate is the undisputed star. It's the kind of drink that lingers in your memory long after you've left Paris, a comforting and luxurious taste of the city's famed café culture.
Navigating Crowds and Expectations
Some online discussions suggest that the hype surrounding Café de Flore might position it as a 'tourist trap' for those seeking an authentic, uncrowded Parisian experience. However, many others find the mystique and historical significance worth navigating the crowds for. The key is managing expectations and planning your visit strategically.
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving very early in the morning, around 8 AM, as one reviewer did, to enjoy a more serene atmosphere before the main rush. Alternatively, visiting during off-peak hours in the late afternoon might offer a more relaxed experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit