When it’s icy, cold, and forbidding outside, consider exploring some of the best hot chocolate Paris has to offer. Unfortunately, the corner cafe often serves subpar versions—a common occurrence where you’re met with barely warm water and undissolved cocoa powder floating at the top. Additionally, you may end up spending four or five Euros for this disappointing experience, often called chocolat chaud.
Fortunately, the artisanal hot chocolate shops highlighted below are the real deal. They utilize high-quality cocoas and bar chocolates, premium milk (an indulgent surprise!), and often creatively enhance their rich chocolate drinks with unique flavors such as spicy ginger, cardamom, sweet mint, and orange. Here are our top picks for where to indulge in warmth and richness in the French capital. Just remember to wipe the frothy milk off your lip before continuing with your sightseeing or shopping adventures!
Angelina
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 42 60 82 00
Website: Visit website
Angelina is arguably the most desirable location for hot chocolate in Paris, consistently bustling with tourists. This Vienna-style Belle Epoque tearoom, established in 1903, is renowned for its exceptionally rich and traditional chocolat chaud. While I personally find it a bit overly sweet and thick, many regard Angelina’s hot chocolate as the gold standard. Therefore, it’s wise to reserve in advance, particularly during colder months and on weekends, when long queues for a table often stretch onto Rue de Rivoli.
- Metro: Tuileries, Concorde
Chocolaterie Jacques Genin
Address: 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 45 77 29 01
Website: Visit website
While I have yet to taste the hot chocolate at Jacques Genin’s recently opened boutique in the Marais, it comes highly recommended. According to a foodie network, Genin’s chocolat chaud is considered some of the finest in Paris, served with warmth and elegance. Moreover, the shop’s ultramodern ambiance invites you to spend some time lounging after exploring or shopping in the trendy Marais district.
- Metro: Filles de Calvaire
Maison du Chocolat
Address: 52 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 47 23 38 25
Website: Visit website
This prestigious French gastronomic house offers a superb hot chocolate experience at various locations. If you enjoy a coarser, richer, and less sweet variety of chocolat chaud, Maison du Chocolat’s version is sure to satisfy your craving. Additionally, if you’re short on time, you can purchase bags of pure chocolate “beads,” available in different strengths, allowing you to create your own delicious hot chocolate at home.
- Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Jean-Paul Hevin
Address: 41 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris, France
Phone: +33 9 72 60 82 02
Website: Visit website
Jean-Paul Hevin is widely recognized as one of Paris’ premier chocolate artisans. Hevin has curated a diverse menu of hot chocolates tailored for different times of the day—some designed to energize and others to relax. Our absolute favorite is the 4 pm “Aphrodisiac,” featuring bold notes of ginger and spices. For the more adventurous, he also offers unique options such as Chocolat aux huitres (Chocolate with oyster), Chocolat a la carotte (carrot), or Chocolat zen with matcha green tea. Additionally, classic recipes made with high-quality chocolates are readily available for traditionalists.
- Metro: Tuileries
