Hot chocolate in Saint-Germain-des-Prés : choosing your break

Enjoying a hot chocolate in Saint-Germain-des-Prés can become a highlight of any day in Paris. Two spots let you enjoy this break with their advertised specialties: the Café de Flore at 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain and Les Deux Magots at 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The first offers its signature hot chocolate, also available in a Viennese-style version. The second serves an old-fashioned hot chocolate in a small cup. From the Hôtel Pas de Calais on Rue des Saints-Pères, both cafés are within walking distance of each other. Here’s how to choose your drink, make room for it in your day, and take the time to savor it.

First, choose when to enjoy your drink

Before comparing menus, ask yourself what you’re hoping to get out of this break. After a walk, a hot chocolate on its own might be enough. For a more substantial snack, you might consider a pastry featured on the day of your visit. If you have dinner planned shortly afterward, keep that in mind when ordering. You’ll have more room for a drink if you aren’t in a hurry to leave right away for another reservation.

In November, the dining room is a welcome extension of a stroll, offering the pleasure of settling in and leaving your coats behind. The patio offers a different perspective on the neighborhood when the weather permits. When you’re ready to sit down, let us know your preference based on available seating. For an afternoon treat for two, a conversation that drags on can make this stop just as enjoyable as the food itself.

At Café de Flore, “spécial” or “Viennois” hot chocolate

The official Café de Flore menu distinguishes the “Chocolat spécial Flore” from its Viennese version, which is served with whipped cream. This detail allows you to choose based on your preference: enjoy the drink as it’s served or add the indulgence of a topping. The address is 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain. Check the current menu before your visit for prices and accompaniments.

For your first tasting, take a sip before adding anything. Notice the texture, the cocoa flavor, and the balance that suits you. If you choose the Viennese version, you can taste the drink and the whipped cream separately before combining them. These are ways to discover your preferences without needing a connoisseur’s vocabulary. Some will especially appreciate the overall sweetness; others will be more interested in the chocolate flavor.

At Les Deux Magots, old-fashioned hot chocolate service

Les Deux Magots states that it prepares its hot chocolate the old-fashioned way using Valrhona’s Equatorial 55% chocolate. The café describes its vanilla notes and rich chocolate flavor. The drink is served in a small pot, accompanied by a cup, at 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, across from the church. The service allows you to refill your cup gradually and enjoy the drink at your own pace.

First pour a small amount into the cup and let it reach a pleasant temperature. You can then pour yourself more at your own pace. If there are two of you, each of you should choose whatever you’re in the mood for rather than turning the afternoon snack into a mandatory comparison. To experience both spots during your stay, you can set aside two different times for them: a quick stop after a sightseeing trip one day, and a longer afternoon snack the next. Your experience will also depend on how hungry you are and the time of day.

Order according to your tastes and needs

The name of a drink isn’t enough to know its full ingredients. If you have an allergy or a specific dietary need, let them know before ordering and ask which options are suitable for you. Be sure to specify whether your question concerns milk, cream, toppings, or a side. The response from the staff on site will help you choose the right drink, based on the information available that day.

A side dish adds another texture to the tasting experience. Ask about the pastries available and their portion sizes if you’d like to share. Chocolate can also be the star of your afternoon treat, especially if you plan to have dinner shortly afterward. The key is to give yourself time to savor it, by choosing an order that fits the time of day.

Make room for chocolate on your outing

From Rue des Saints-Pères, head to Boulevard Saint-Germain, then make your way to the two cafés. Choose a café before you leave so you can check its menu and locate its entrance. After your break, you can extend your walk along Rue Saint-Benoît and Rue Jacob. This short detour gives you time to window-shop, chat, or head back toward Rue des Saints-Pères without turning your afternoon snack into a full-fledged gourmet tour.

If you’ve already planned a museum visit, schedule your chocolate break at a time that fits with your admission time. That way, you can enjoy your meal without constantly checking your watch. The Hôtel Pas de Calais, a 4-star boutique hotel at 59 rue des Saints-Pères, offers a neighborhood retreat between your outings. A carefully chosen cup of coffee, a stroll, and a return to your room can be all it takes to round out a lovely late afternoon in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

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