I spent one chilly week in Paris fast-walking between cafés, clutching a scarf, and chasing hot chocolate like it was a work project. It kind of was. I tried cup after cup, from fancy salons to old cafés with wobble tables. Some were light and milky. Some were so thick I almost needed a spoon. And you know what? I still dream about a few of them.
If you want another cocoa-lover’s perspective, this list of the 7 best hot chocolates in Paris is a delicious place to start exploring beyond my picks.
Curious where each unforgettable sip landed? I pulled together a longer rundown of the best hot chocolate I had in Paris—and the cups I'd go back for.
Let me explain.
If you’re sketching out your own cocoa crawl, the neighborhood maps on Just France can point you toward every must-sip stop.
Angelina — the legend that really is a legend
Angelina on Rue de Rivoli is the one you see on postcards. Their hot chocolate is called L’Africain. It comes in a white jug with a cloud of Chantilly on the side. I poured too fast and got a tiny splash on my scarf. Worth it.
The texture sits between sauce and drink. Rich, glossy, almost like warm ganache. The sweetness runs a bit high, but the cream balances it. I shared a cup once and regretted it halfway through. The line can be long. Go early or late. Yes, it’s touristy. Also yes, it’s the real deal.
Taste notes: chocolate-forward, sweet, smooth. Mouthfeel: thick, cozy. Price: not cheap, but you feel like you’re in a movie.
Carette — classic, lighter, and great with pastry
Carette (I went to Place des Vosges and Trocadéro) does a gentler style. Still rich, but more sippable. The whipped cream is cold, airy, and a little sweet. I paired mine with a flaky tart and lost track of time watching little kids chase pigeons. It happens.
If Angelina is a velvet blanket, Carette is a warm sweater. You can finish the cup and still go walk the bridge without a sugar crash.
Taste notes: balanced, milky-dark, friendly. Pair it with their salted-butter caramel treats if you want the full cozy set.
Jacques Genin — like drinking silk (with a quiet pause)
In the Marais, I sat at Jacques Genin and ordered hot chocolate that felt like a calm day. It’s sleek. Dark. Not very sweet. A clean chocolate hit with a long finish—like the way a good song lingers after the last note.
No mountain of cream. No fuss. Just a small pot and focus. I grabbed a box of caramels for later and, honestly, ate most of them on the walk to the Métro. Oops.
Taste notes: deep cacao, low sugar, satin texture. For people who like the chocolate to speak first.
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse — for the cacao nerd in me
The shop near Bastille has an industrial vibe—steel, wood, that warm cocoa smell that hits as soon as you walk in. I ordered the dark hot chocolate. It was bold and clear, with that “single-origin” style punch. If you love the words percentage and origin like I do, this is your stop.
They also offer milk versions and seasonal twists. The staff talked flavor the way baristas talk espresso. I appreciated that. It felt like a tasting, not just a treat.
Taste notes: assertive chocolate, low sugar, precise. Mouthfeel: dense but not heavy.
Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots — lighter, but the mood is magic
Let me be straight: these aren’t the thickest cups. They’re lighter, more café-style. But the setting? Pure Paris. I sat outside under the heaters, watched taxis slide by, and felt like a small extra in a black-and-white film.
Flore’s version was smooth and sweet. Deux Magots had a bit more cocoa edge. Both came with that old-school service and a little bowl on the side for packets of sugar you won’t need.
Taste notes: classic, pleasant, easy to sip. Come for the vibe and people-watching. Stay for a second cup if it’s raining.
Jean-Paul Hévin — refined and polished
At Jean-Paul Hévin, the hot chocolate tasted clean and elegant, like the chef ironed it. Some days they feature flavors, like a gentle spice or a fruity origin. I tried a dark cup that was glossy and round. No bitterness. No grit. Just smooth control.
It pairs well with their small cakes. I picked a citrus note to cut the richness. Smart play. Gold star to past me.
Taste notes: elegant, focused, balanced sweetness. Feels “chef-y,” in a good way.
My quick picks (because choices are hard)
- Thick and famous: Angelina
- Thick but less sweet: Jacques Genin
- Pure cacao focus: Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
- Classic café mood: Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
- Easy-drinking with pastry: Carette
- Refined and tidy: Jean-Paul Hévin
A tiny Paris story (and a tiny stain)
One afternoon, the sky flipped from blue to silver in five minutes. I ducked into Angelina, ordered fast, and warmed my hands on the cup. I spilled a dot on my scarf. It left a small mark, like a chocolate freckle. I thought about washing it out, then didn’t. It reminds me of that soft, quiet hour near the Tuileries, when time felt slow and sweet.
Little tips that helped me
- Share a cup if you plan to eat pastry. Some servings are rich.
- Ask for water on the side. It resets your palate.
- Go early mornings or just after lunch to dodge lines.
- Pair dark hot chocolate with something bright (citrus, berries).
- Bring cash and card. Some spots flip between the two.
- Cold day? Sit inside. Warm day? Terrace. Always terrace if the wind is kind.
While I was happily chasing steaming mugs, one of my travel buddies quipped that he was after something “hot” of an entirely different variety once the cafés closed. If your idea of warming up the night involves flirtatious conversation rather than cocoa, the best chat line to find hot sex roundup shares the top phone services, free trial numbers, and safety tips you’ll need to spark real-time chemistry from anywhere.
On nights when Paris feels like a memory and you’re back stateside—maybe working through a cocoa withdrawal in Pennsylvania’s historic Germantown—you might crave company that’s every bit as memorable as that perfect cup. For an evening that mixes warmth, authenticity, and a dash of adventure, the Trans escort Germantown guide lays out vetted profiles, transparent rates, and practical tips to ensure a respectful, hassle-free meetup that suits exactly the kind of connection you’re after.
Planning to roam beyond the capital once your cocoa quest is done? I went city-hopping in France and shared an honest, first-hand take on what surprised me between train rides. On a longer stretch, I traveled across France gathering favorite cities and real moments that still stick—perfect inspiration for mapping the rest of your itinerary.
So… which one is “best”?
Different needs, different cup. For sheer joy and drama, I choose Angelina. For flavor clarity and craft, I pick Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse. On a slow Sunday, I’ll sit at Carette and let the cream melt. And when I want quiet and depth, I’ll head to Jacques Genin.
Paris hot chocolate isn’t just a drink. It’s a mood. It’s a small hug in a cup, on a gray street, with a scarf and a smile you didn’t plan. And if you’re still narrowing down your must-try spots, Frenchly’s roundup of the best hot chocolate in Paris offers even more sweet inspiration for your itinerary.