Paris, the city of lights and love, is adored for its art, culture, and of course, its gastronomy. While the city's gourmet repertoire boasts a myriad of culinary delights, there's one timeless treat that resonates with Paris aficionados perhaps more than any other – the exquisite comfort of hot chocolate. Join us in this exploration of the cocoa elixir that captures the essence of Parisian indulgence. We'll be dipping into the velvety richness of five renowned venues, each serving up its unique take on this classic pleasure.
Angelina: The Belle of Indulgence
Kicking off our tour is Angelina, a renowned tearoom that has been a beacon of luxury since the early 20th century. Its hot chocolate, le chocolat à l'ancienne, is not simply a beverage; it’s a legend. Crafted from a secret recipe that calls for three kinds of African cacao, this historic blend steeps you in a legacy of decadence. Angelina's hot chocolate is revered for its intense, velvety sweetness that needs no accompaniment to shine. The main location on rue de Rivoli beckons the weary traveler for respite and revival. Be sure to visit to experience the opulence of Belle Époque Paris, served in a cup.
photo courtesy of @angelina_paris
Bontemps: The Artisanal Marvel
Next, we set our compass for Bontemps, a chocolate shop with a heartwarming story. Founded by two childhood friends, Bontemps is a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship. Their hot chocolate is a testament to their dedication to quality, featuring ganache-based creations that transform the familiar warmth of cocoa into an extraordinary sensory experience. The shop offers a rotating menu of hot chocolate flavors, each with a distinct character – from nutty infusions to smoky undertones. With two charming boutiques within the city, Bontemps is a must for those seeking a contemporary twist on this traditional luxury.
Les Deux Magots: The Intellectual Elixir
Moving from the sweet to the quintessentially Parisian, we arrive at Les Deux Magots. This historic café has played host to the conversations of luminaries from Picasso to Hemingway. And what were they sipping? Café crème, of course, but also an exceptional chocolat chaud. Les Deux Magots offers a refined version of hot chocolate, blending rich cacao with frothy milk to create a delicate balance of flavors. The result is a beverage that mirrors the ambiance of intellectual fervor that has long enveloped this beloved establishment.
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Un Dimanche à Paris: A Modern Masterpiece
For those in search of a modern take on the Parisian hot chocolate, Un Dimanche à Paris is the perfect spot. Situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this sleek emporium unites a patisserie, chocolate shop, and restaurant under one elegant roof. Their hot chocolate, an ode to simplicity, showcases the shop's ethos of using the finest single-origin cacao. It’s a bittersweet symphony that appeals to the contemporary palate with its clean flavors and ethereal smoothness. Pair it with one of the shop's delicate pastries for a truly harmonious tasting experience.
Plaza Athenee: The Golden Experience
Our final stop takes us to the glamorous setting of Plaza Athenee, a luxury hotel that boasts one of Paris’s most lavish breakfast experiences. The hot chocolate here is a standout, not only for its opulence but also for the showmanship that accompanies it. Served in a tall glass, this is a 'drinking chocolate' – a thick, rich custard-like potion that steers into the territory of desserts. Each sip feels indulgent, with the addition of whipped cream making an already rich drink the epitome of extravagance.
Final Thoughts
In the City of Light, hot chocolate is not a mere beverage; it is a bridge between past and present, an homage to tradition, and an invitation to savor the moment. Each of these Parisian venues offers a unique interpretation of this timeless classic, each a chapter in the ongoing narrative of the city's culinary prowess.
