Top 5 Hot Chocolates in Paris: Tips from Paris Family Photographer

The Ultimate guide to the best hot chocolate Paris has to offer

You know what’s underrated? Hot chocolate.

Since when did hot chocolate become something only kids could enjoy? Not everyone likes coffee and tea, and not everyone wants a caffeine rush on a daily basis. Sometimes a sweet treat in the form of some velvety dark chocolate is good for the soul. So let’s not neglect all of the chocolate lovers out there!

Okay, I admit that I may be slightly influenced by the high quality of french chocolate available to me here and the no-nonsense attitude Paris has toward hot cocoa. This city takes it so seriously that the hot cocoa experience in the french capital might actually be unfamiliar to many people. Traditional hot chocolate in France gets rave reviews because it’s has a rich flavor, thick texture, and like a good velvety hot chocolate, it’s intense, and delicious. Your taste buds will be rejoicing. Swiss Miss mixed with hot water could never!

And then, of course, there’s the ambience. Sipping a hot chocolate in Paris adds a special element of old timey-ness and charm. Maybe it’s the cozy cafés tucked along cobblestone streets, or the feeling of history that permeates the city, but one thing is certain: Paris knows how to elevate hot chocolate into an art form. I’d go so far as to say hot chocolate is a parisian institution. And a hot drink in the colder months is one of the best things in the world.

WHy i love the chocolate tradition

As a professional portrait photographer, I’ve spent countless mornings warming up with a steaming cup of chocolat chaud while waiting for sunrise or taking an afternoon break after family portrait sessions in the winter. I’ve actually done plenty of really sweet portrait sessions with families in cafés, using hot chocolate as cozy props (and yes of course, drinking them too!).

As a mom living in Paris, I also love going out for dates with my sweet kids, and watching them smile with glee as a mug of hot cocoa with a swirl of whipped cream is placed in front of them. It’s probably one of my personal favorite cafe outings to do with them. It’s a special treat for everyone, which is why it’s important to find the best spot. As with everything, there are plenty of bad options around if you don’t know where to look.

So whether you’re visiting the city of lights for a romantic getaway, a family trip with young kiddos, or just to experience the city’s iconic charm while staying warm, this hot chocolate crawl is a perfect way to explore Paris—and its most indulgent cups of cocoa. So without further ado, let’s take advance of this time of year to discover some of the best chocolate drinks on my Paris list.

1. Angelina

No hot chocolate list would be complete without Angelina paris, the grande dame of Parisian hot chocolate. Their signature chocolat chaud l’Africain is legendary, and for good reason. Thick, rich, and almost pudding-like, it’s served with a side of whipped cream that’s so fluffy it feels like a cloud landed on your table. Angelina’s Belle Époque decor on Rue de Rivoli sets the scene perfectly, making this stop feel like stepping back in time. Honestly, Angelina’s hot chocolate is one of my favorites!

Pro Tip:

Head to Angelina early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Tuileries Garden (jardin des tuileries) and snap some photos with the Louvre in the background. It’s one of my top picks for family portrait locations!

Check out their website HERE

2. Carette

Nestled on the elegant Place des Vosges in the Marais, Carette offers a hot chocolate experience that’s equally indulgent but with a more understated charm. Their hot chocolate is velvety smooth and served with a smile. It’s slightly lighter than Angelina’s, which makes it a perfect second stop on your crawl.

Why i love it

Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, and its symmetry makes for incredible photos. It’s also a great place for kids to run around between hot chocolate stops. I’ve seen some of my favorite family moments here—kids laughing under the arches while parents sip their cocoa. This would make such a perfect portrait setting.

Check out their website HERE

3. Jacques Genin

This recommendation is mostly for the true chocolate lovers. The ones who care more about the quality of the chocolate than an old architectural atmosphere.

For a modern twist, head to Jacques Genin’s boutique in the Haut Marais. Known primarily as a chocolatier, Genin’s hot chocolate is smooth and deeply flavored, with a luxurious bitterness that chocolate purists will adore (they make it with little sugar). While the shop doesn’t have the old-world charm of Angelina or Carette, its sleek design and exceptional chocolate make it a must-visit.

Pro Tip:

Pair your hot chocolate with one of Genin’s iconic pastries, like a tarte au citron. And if you’re a fan of detail shots, the minimalist aesthetic of his boutique makes for Instagram-worthy photos.

Check out their website HERE

4. Le Consulat

For a touch of Montmartre magic, visit Le Consulat. This historic café is as Parisian as it gets, with its red-and-white façade and artistic history (it’s been frequented by Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh!). Their hot chocolate isn’t the thickest, but it’s delightfully creamy and perfect for sipping while soaking in the bohemian vibe. If you’re hungry, you can also order crepes, omelettes, salades, steak and frites, sweet treats, and many other items off their menu.

Why It’s Special

Le Consulat has been around for decades and it’s seen the neighborhood of Montmartre evolve over time. After your hot chocolate, wander up the hill to Sacré-Cœur for breathtaking views of the city. Montmartre is also one of my favorite places to photograph families. The winding streets, colorful doors, and iconic staircases create a storybook setting.

Tip:

If you want to be sure you get a good table in the café, I’d recommend going in the early morning on a weekday. The weekends, as with most places, always bring crowds. So if you want peace and quiet, I’d avoid going on a Saturday afternoon. Then again, if you like higher energy environments, go for it!

Address:

18 Rue Norvins, 75011 Paris France

5. Café de Flore

End your hot chocolate journey with a visit to the legendary Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. A favorite haunt of intellectuals like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, this café exudes Parisian sophistication. It’s actually one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris which makes it worth a stop on its own!

Their hot chocolate is indulgent but not overwhelming, striking a perfect balance to wrap up your crawl. They typically serve it with a separate glass of whipped cream that you can spoon into your mug, which I think is really fun. The kids will love this part!

If you’re a creative, bookish person, this place should be right up your alley with its history and romantic intellectual vibes! If you can get a spot upstairs, I’d recommend it.

A Photographer’s Dream: The Saint-Germain neighborhood is a treasure trove of photo opportunities. From the classic Parisian awnings to the bookshops lining the streets, every corner feels like a postcard.

Pro TIp:

Because of its history, this spot has become pretty famous over the years. Be prepared to wait in line for a bit, especially on the weekends. You’ll have better luck getting a spot right away if you go on a weekday and earlier in the morning.

Check out their website HERE

Designing Your Hot Chocolate Crawl

If you have several days or even a couple of weeks to explore Paris, then by all means split up your hot chocolate moments so each day gets its own experience.

But if you’re a real chocolate lover and want to make an event out of it, then start your crawl at Angelina in the morning, work your way through the Marais (Carette and Jacques Genin) before heading north to Montmartre and finally circling back to Saint-Germain. I’d recommend, if you’re traveling with kids, sprinkle in a few playground stops or let them burn off some energy in the jardin des Tuileries or Place des Vosges. Isn’t it crazy that you could actually spend a whole day (and probably write a good book) focusing on all the best places to find a cup of hot chocolate in Paris?!

Some of these drinks are really rich, so I’d recommend sharing with a friend, partner, or family member to keep up your stamina, if you’re worried about making it to the end of such an indulgent crawl!

As a portrait photographer, I love how each stop offers something unique. You get vibrant neighborhoods, grand historic interiors, and even chic modern designs.

As a mom, I appreciate that these cozy moments help us slow down and savor the magic of Paris. It’s all about spending time with the ones you love and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So grab your camera, bundle up, and treat yourself to the best hot chocolate in the city of love.

Click below to check out a map of my top hot chocolate spots in Paris:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=14JzY8f-wUq5SNMz8exNPRC8nKb4kNMI&usp=sharing

And if you’re looking for a portrait photographer while in Paris, you can book an indoor or outdoor portrait session with us at Katie Donnelly Photography! Click HERE to book.