Enjoying Café culture in Paris is a rite of passage while visiting the City of Lights. It’s a pastime and staple of Parisian life that dates back to the 17th century. If you want to truly feel like a Parisian while visiting, you'll embrace the idea of visiting the many cafes in Paris daily.
You can soak in Paris' culture by simply stopping by a café, without even visiting some of its top attractions. Luckily, Parisian cafés are easy to find as they appear on nearly every corner of the French capital.
During the Age of Enlightenment in Europe, gathering in a social setting became common to share new, exciting ideas. Initially, this practice was reserved for royals and those that were considered to be elite.
However, gathering and sharing ideas quickly became a favourite pastime for every Parisian during the French Revolution. Cafes became the ideal location for this type of get-together. Although the first café opened in 1672, it was not until Café Procope opened (about 15 years later) that cafes became an important part of Paris culture.
Over the next 30 years, the number of Parisian cafes jumped to 300. By the end of the 18th century, the number of cafes had increased to around 2000. This history of cafes in Paris provides a look into the importance of cafes in this lively city.
Part of the appeal of these cafes is the offering of complete meals. They are not like cafes that you would find in other countries, which simply serve coffee and pastries. Instead, you'll find spots with full menus you can order from throughout the day. Since you can order full meals at cafes, Parisians often refer to them as restaurants.
Another major part of Parisian café culture is people-watching. It's a must to people watch while enjoying a meal at a café. This tradition began in the 1800s when Paris rapidly became one of the world's greatest cities. During this time, famous poets and writers would stroll down the streets and observe interesting passers-by. It is said that some pedestrians would even walk with a turtle to slow down their pace.
Now, visitors can experience the café culture in Paris by visiting aesthetically pleasing locations, some of the most Instagrammable cafés in Paris. These cafes have helped bridge Paris’ history of café culture with a new and exciting twist that allows us, as a younger generation, to continue enjoying Paris’ café traditions.
So, how can you explore some of the most Instagrammable picture spots in Paris and the rich history of cafes? Work your way through the list below featuring some of the most Instagrammable cafes in Paris.
1 - La Favorite
Address: 6 rue de rivoli, 75004 Paris
Tel: +33 1 42 78 56 48
It’s challenging to miss La Favorite while exploring the streets of Paris, as this café announces itself with a pink and white striped awning covered in pink flowers. These brightly colored flowers continue inside the café, with vines hanging from the ceiling. Whether sitting inside or outside, you’ll be afforded many options for Instagram-worthy photos.
The creativity of the dishes perfectly compliments the colorful exterior of this café. During a visit, you can expect a combination of traditional French cuisine with the option of innovative dishes.
Vegetarian meals are also available at this restaurant. Each dish is carefully prepared to offer a harmonious experience, even with an ever-changing menu.
La Favorite is frequented by tourists, business professionals, and Paris locals who wish to enjoy a friendly environment. Pick a seat outside the café to partake in people-watching for the full Paris experience.
2 - Café Cassette
Address: 73, rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris
Tel: +01 45 48 53 78
Many of the most Instagrammable cafes in Paris include a floral display or other greenery, which helps distinguish them from a typical Parisian café. In this case, you'll find flowers displayed along the awning of Café Cassette and inside the brasserie. Inside, the foliage-covered walls and unique lamps help create a comfortable spot for a relaxed meal.
Here, you can experience traditional French cuisine with a modern twist at affordable prices. Dishes like tuna ceviche with coconut milk and truffle crunch are displayed on the menu. Each dish is curated from fresh, seasonal ingredients for the best flavor.
Café Cassette also includes fun, original cocktails you won't find anywhere else in Paris. For example, you can order Aunt Suzanne, which includes gin infused with raspberry and unique chamomile, pepper, and lemon flavor.
3- Villa Marquise
Address : 111, rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
Tel : +33 1 45 44 67 25
A blue-painted exterior, pink awning, and an abundance of large purple, pink, and blue flowers welcome you to Villa Marquise. Live music and friendly waitstaff will ensure you continue to feel welcome during your meal. This café is not new in Paris. Instead, it has been situated at this location for many years under the name La Marquise. A recent makeover has taken this restaurant from a traditional Parisian café to a bright, kitschy, Instagrammable experience.
Villa Marquise provides extremely tasty food at affordable prices, with many traditional French dishes found on the menu. If the colorful exterior indicates the food offerings, you can expect a few unexpected Thai dishes on the menu.
Of course, there's a large terrace outside (complete with fake caged birds) where you can partake in people-watching.
4- La Diva des Prés
Address : 79 rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Tel : +33 1 42 03 94 59
Situated in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you’ll find La Diva des Prés, the newest café offering in the neighborhood. This café offers a romantic atmosphere with lush flowers, fun statues (including a blue gorilla and pinup women), and unique pink lighting.
The fun pink hue, inside and out, makes this one of the most Instagrammable locations in Paris. Even the menus are pink (and glittery). Whether you pose next to a fun statue or sit with a cocktail near the lush foliage, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities here.
Additionally, the food offerings are excellent, with a seasonal menu and traditional French cuisine.
5- Cafe Odessa
Link: https://odessa.paris/
Address : 28, rue d’Odessa, 75014 Paris
Tel : +33 1 43 20 64 84
Café Odessa is an ideal stop while sightseeing, as it’s found near the Montparnasse Tower. This café has found a way to provide a typical Parisian café experience with a modern twist. Fake orange trees and a trendy orange and brown color combination extend through the exterior and interior of the café.
This beautiful café features long hours, so you can stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite to eat. You'll be delighted by the food offerings with a menu that changes twice per year.
You’ll also find this café close to attractions, such as Bobino Theater, Edgar Theater, and Gaumont Montparnasse Cinema.
6- Madame Pampa
Link: https://madame-pampa.fr/
Address : 64, rue du montparnasse, 75014 Paris
Tel : +33 1 53 71 95 20
Madame Pampa is a bohemian-style café featuring a bright green exterior, brightly colored pampas bouquets, and a pampas-covered ceiling. The atmosphere and décor here are truly unforgettable. You'll find this to be the perfect spot for a café visit during the summer.
Expect the menu prices to be higher, though you're paying for the experience and the food. Unlike the other cafes, Madame Pampa specializes in international cuisine. Vegan and vegetarian meals are also included on the menu.
Head to this café earlier in the day to avoid crowds, as it gets popular in the afternoons and evenings.
7- Mam’y Rosa
Link: https://mamyrosa.com/
Address : 28, rue d’Odessa, 75014 Paris
Tel : +33 1 43 35 39 07
Mam’y Rosa is another Instagrammable spot you'll find easily because of its appearance. The exterior of the café is bright pink, with flowers climbing up the awning and a bright, lit-up sign. The interior of the café is just as fun, with everything in a bright pink color. The unique décor includes pink flamingos and upside-down lamps on the ceiling.
The café is open for breakfast and brunch, with the option to take food to go. However, with the fun atmosphere and cozy seating, you’ll likely want to stay and enjoy the atmosphere of the café. The menu includes an array of items, from street food to bowls and more. You can even grab an ice cream cone during your stay.
If you should choose to grab your food and go, you can order online and pick it up for even quicker service.
If you need more Paris recommendations, do not hesitate to contact me. If you’re unsure of what to do during your time in Paris, consider scheduling a 5-day plan in Paris : This will allow you to see some of the city's greatest sites while tasting the local cuisine at cafes and restaurants. The itinerary offers an excellent starting point for longer trips, with the option to explore the streets of Paris in a controlled environment (so you won't get lost!).