Sidewalk Cafés: A Quintessential Parisian Experience
“If you visit Paris, don’t miss the chance to sit at a sidewalk café” is advice found in nearly every travel guide and website about the City of Light
Sidewalk cafés are a defining feature of Paris, offering a unique experience for both locals and tourists. From cobblestone streets with neatly arranged chairs to elegant French courtyards, these spots provide the perfect setting to watch the world go by and relax in an atmosphere that couldn’t be more romantic. Whether you choose a latte, cappuccino, cold beer, or a glass of wine, these cafés are ideal for soaking in a bit of Paris from the sidewalk, an experience many travelers fall in love with.
Cafés have been integral to Parisian culture for centuries. In the 18th century, garden cafés were popular, and they can be seen as the predecessors of today’s “terrasse de café” (sidewalk cafés). Now, cafés are found all over the city, with each neighborhood offering its own distinct ambiance. For example, student-friendly cafés are abundant in the Latin Quarter of the 5th arrondissement, while tourist-heavy spots are located near the city center, along bustling avenues like Champs-Elysées, Opéra, Grands Boulevards, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Saint-Michel, as well as in the hidden alleys of the old districts.
Not every café in Paris has the luxury of outdoor seating, though. Only about two-thirds of cafés have sidewalks wide enough to accommodate a few small tables and chairs. One of the oldest cafés still in operation is “Café Procope,” which opened in 1686. On the other hand, Café Marly is one of the most expensive, offering a prime location right in front of the Louvre Museum. For those interested in literary history, Le Dôme on Boulevard du Montparnasse in the Montparnasse district is a must-visit. Frequented by writers like Hemingway, Picasso, and Henry Miller, this café has remained largely unchanged since it opened in 1925. It’s a bustling spot where you can truly experience life on the banks of the Seine. For a more traditional café, La Palette is a great choice.
“La Palette embodies the quintessential bohemian style with round tables and wicker chairs. There’s nothing better than enjoying a croissant with caviar and soaking in the early morning atmosphere of Paris,” notes Paris Perfect.
Many people instantly think of Parisian cafés when they see images of wicker chairs and round tables. These small, circular or square tables, just big enough for a coffee cup, teapot, and a small plate, are iconic features of Parisian sidewalks.
Smoking is allowed at sidewalk cafés, provided it doesn’t disturb nearby patrons. Despite the hustle and bustle of Paris, with its throngs of tourists, Parisians still take life at a slower pace. They can often be found sitting at a café, reading a newspaper, engaging in lively conversations, or simply catching up with friends, family, or colleagues. Parisians enjoy their café time at any hour of the day, be it morning, noon, afternoon, or evening. The famous TV show “Emily in Paris” vividly captures this aspect of Parisian culture, with many scenes featuring locals at sidewalk cafés.
No matter the season, Parisians love sitting at outdoor cafés, watching the streets and enjoying the weather. The natural conditions and favorable climate give Paris residents the perfect opportunity to savor the special flavor of coffee at these sidewalk spots, breathe in the fresh air, and even bask in the sun.
Spring in Paris typically lasts 2-3 months, bringing warm sunshine, while the hot days of summer are usually brief. Interestingly, Parisians don’t just frequent sidewalk cafés on beautiful days. On chilly days, they’ll huddle in coats or blankets by outdoor heaters, warming their hands on a hot coffee cup and savoring the steam. Cold or rainy days add their own charm to the café experience.
