Café Chronicles

Exploring the Enchanting Coffee Culture of Paris

Paris, renowned for its vibrant café culture and rich history, boasts a captivating coffee drinking culture that has become an integral part of the city’s identity. From iconic establishments to cozy neighbourhood cafés, Paris offers a haven for coffee enthusiasts to indulge in the art of savouring a cup of joe amidst the charm and elegance of the French capital.

Legend has it that at the historic Le Procope café in the late 19th century, a customer’s request for coffee with cream led to a serendipitous discovery. The waiter mistakenly poured hot milk instead of cold cream, creating a unique blend. This accidental invention became the beloved café crème, cherished by coffee drinkers in Paris.

Fast forward to the 1920s, and renowned writer Ernest Hemingway was captivated by this Parisian specialty. At Café de la Rotonde, Hemingway would order a café crème but with a twist—a shot of brandy on the side. This unconventional combination became part of Hemingway’s Parisian coffee rituals, adding to the intrigue and conversation surrounding his unique preferences.

Another story mentions events that reportedly happened in Café de Flore in Paris during the 1940s – Jean-Paul Sartre, the famous existentialist philosopher, unintentionally spilled his coffee while engrossed in a philosophical discussion. The incident ignited a spirited debate among patrons, with interpretations ranging from symbolic representations of existential theories to mere clumsiness, forever imprinting Café de Flore as a symbol of intellectual discourse and coffee drinking culture in Paris.

Read our article about coffee and enhance your café experience in Paris by learning how to order coffee in French. With this guide, you’ll feel at ease as you engage with the coffee culture, using essential phrases and understanding the unique offerings of Parisian cafés, or learn more about clumsy Jean-Paul Sartre, the influential philosopher whose ideas continue to inspire and challenge conventional thinking.