WHERE TO DRINK HOT CHOCOLATE IN SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS?

When the first autumn leaves begin to cover the pavements of rue de Seine and the light softens across the façades of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, hot chocolate naturally returns to the neighbourhood’s cafés. Thick and indulgent or lighter in texture, served on its own or with a pastry, it offers the perfect excuse for a break between two galleries, after a museum visit or on the way back from a walk through the Luxembourg Gardens.

Several renowned addresses can be reached within just a few minutes on foot from Hôtel Bel Ami.

 

 

 

LE CAFÉ DE FLORE
to watch life unfold along the boulevard

Just a few steps from rue Saint-Benoît, Café de Flore is the closest stop to Hôtel Bel Ami. Its hot chocolate can be enjoyed overlooking boulevard Saint-Germain, either from the terrace or inside among the café’s iconic red banquettes.

The appeal of the café lies as much in what happens around the cup as in the drink itself. Regulars, visitors, students and elegantly dressed passers-by cross paths in an almost constant flow. In autumn, a table near the window offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the lively atmosphere while remaining comfortably sheltered indoors.

Ideal for:
A first morning in Paris, a break for two or a moment spent observing everyday life in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Practical information:

• Address: 172 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th arrondissement
• Walking time from the hotel: approximately one minute
• Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
• Reservations are not available

 

LES DEUX MAGOTS
for traditional hot chocolate

On the other side of the boulevard, Les Deux Magots serves traditional hot chocolate made with 55% Valrhona chocolate. The chocolate is melted into a heated milk mixture to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Located opposite the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the café makes an ideal starting point for a walk towards place de Fürstenberg, the neighbourhood’s bookshops or the galleries along rue de Seine. It is a particularly fitting address for combining a gourmet break with an exploration of the Left Bank’s literary heritage.

Ideal for:
Fans of historic cafés, couples and visitors discovering Saint-Germain-des-Prés for the first time.

Practical information:

• Address: 6 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6th arrondissement
• Walking time from the hotel: approximately two minutes
• Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

 

TOWARDS ODÉON
le Procope and its café lounge

From place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, rue de Buci naturally leads towards the Odéon neighbourhood. At 13 rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie, Le Procope welcomes visitors into a setting that evokes the intellectual history of the 18th century.

Founded in 1686, the establishment played a role in developing the Parisian tradition of serving coffee at the table in porcelain cups. Today, its café lounge opens from Monday to Friday without reservations, offering a break dedicated to hot drinks and desserts.

The “Pause gourmande” set menu can notably be used to pair a hot chocolate with a dessert. The profiteroles, served with warm chocolate sauce, provide a more indulgent alternative to a simple cup.

Ideal for:
A cultural stop, afternoon tea with friends or a family outing indoors when the weather becomes cooler.

Practical information:

• Address: 13 rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie, Paris 6th arrondissement
• Walking time from the hotel: approximately ten minutes
• Café lounge: Monday to Friday, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• “Pause gourmande” set menu advertised at €17.50
• Restaurant open daily from noon to midnight

 

 

NEAR THE LUXEMBOURG GARDENS
Mademoiselle Angelina

For a longer walk, head towards place Saint-Sulpice before continuing to the gates of the Luxembourg Gardens. Near the Musée du Luxembourg, Mademoiselle Angelina serves the house’s famous hot chocolate, renowned for its rich and enveloping texture.

This stop is particularly suitable for families. The walk can be organised around the central pond and the garden’s wide paths, followed by a visit to the tearoom before returning to the hotel. Takeaway options also make it possible to enjoy a drink or pastry outdoors when the weather permits.

Ideal for:
A family outing, an afternoon in the Luxembourg Gardens or a sweet break after an exhibition.

Practical information:

• Address: 19 rue de Vaugirard, Paris 6th arrondissement
• Walking time from the hotel: approximately fifteen minutes
• Open Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. and Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Takeaway available

 

LADURÉE BONAPARTE
for afternoon tea in an intimate setting

Just a few minutes from Hôtel Bel Ami, Ladurée Bonaparte offers a more intimate alternative to the large terraces of boulevard Saint-Germain. Located on the first floor, the tearoom is a peaceful place to enjoy hot chocolate accompanied by a pastry or a selection of macarons, slightly removed from the neighbourhood’s lively streets.

This stop can easily be incorporated into a walk between the galleries of rue de Seine, place de Fürstenberg and place Saint-Sulpice. Ladurée itself presents this address as an intimate tearoom designed for a quiet and indulgent moment.

Ideal for:
Afternoon tea for two, an elegant break with friends or an afternoon with children who enjoy pastries and macarons.

Practical information:

Address: 21 rue Bonaparte, Paris 6th arrondissement
Walking time from the hotel: approximately five minutes
Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Restaurant, tearoom and takeaway service

 

LE CAFÉ PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS ODÉON
for a more contemporary hot chocolate

Continuing along boulevard Saint-Germain towards Odéon, Café Pierre Hermé offers a more contemporary interpretation of hot chocolate. Its Infiniment Chocolat stands apart from more traditional, milk-based recipes thanks to its pronounced cocoa flavour and lighter texture. A Viennese version is also available for a more indulgent break.

The drink can be paired with a macaron, a cake or a seasonal pastry. The café is also conveniently located for continuing a walk towards the Cour du Commerce-Saint-André, the bookshops of Odéon or the Odéon Theatre.

Ideal for:
Chocolate lovers, visitors looking for a contemporary address and families wishing to create their own afternoon tea selection.

Practical information:

Address: 126 boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris 6th arrondissement
Walking time from the hotel: approximately eight minutes
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pastries, macarons, chocolates, drinks and ice creams available depending on the collections

 

HOTEL BEL AMI
the starting point for the Left Bank’s most beautiful walks

Located at 7 rue Saint-Benoît, Hôtel Bel Ami is within walking distance of the cafés, bookshops, galleries and major cultural institutions of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. In 1885, the building housed the printing press where Guy de Maupassant’s novel Bel-Ami was printed, creating a historic connection that naturally anchors the hotel in the neighbourhood’s literary life.

Couples can return to its contemporary and intimate atmosphere after a walk along the Seine or a museum visit. For families, some Executive Rooms connect with Deluxe Rooms. The hotel also offers a two-bedroom apartment for up to four guests, featuring a separate living room and a kitchenette.

The Clefs d’Or concierge team can recommend an itinerary suited to the pace of each stay, make reservations at selected addresses or suggest additional visits. Upon returning to the hotel, the spa offers a final opportunity to relax in the heart of the neighbourhood.

 

FAQ

What can you explore on foot in Saint-Germain-des-Prés during autumn?

Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the galleries of rue de Seine, place de Fürstenberg, Odéon, the Luxembourg Gardens and the banks of the Seine can all be explored during the same day. A hot chocolate break provides a natural pause along the way.

Is Hôtel Bel Ami suitable for couples?

Yes. Its location makes it easy to organise a walk along the Seine, a visit to the Musée d’Orsay, a jazz concert or afternoon tea in a historic café. The concierge team can also recommend or book experiences nearby.

Does the hotel offer accommodation for families?

Yes. Some Executive Rooms connect with Deluxe Rooms. Hôtel Bel Ami also offers apartments, including a two-bedroom apartment designed to accommodate four guests.