Museums in Paris – Discover Hidden Cafés in the Top 16 : A Unique Blend of Art and Culinary Delights
When exploring the best Paris museums, it’s easy to overlook the hidden gems tucked away inside—charming cafés that offer a perfect blend of culture and culinary delights. Beyond the famous Paris art museums and history museums in Paris, there lies a secret world of cozy spots where you can relax, enjoy a meal, and soak in the ambiance of some of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Museum cafes are a world unto their own here in Paris – which I have come to cherish. Sundays are our museum days; we often couple it with an artisanal coffee shop either before or after. So it’s always a pleasure when the museum has its own cool cafe!
This guide will take you on a journey through the top 16 museums in Paris that are not only known for their world-class collections but also for their lesser-known cafés that provide a unique experience.
Whether you’re holding a Paris Museum Pass or seeking Paris museums with free entry, these cafés offer the perfect retreat after a day of exploring. For example from the elegant settings in modern art museums in Paris to serene escapes in historical ones like the Museum of Montmartre, each spot promises more than just coffee—it’s a slice of Parisian life you won’t want to miss.
So, if you’re planning to book your Paris museum tickets, make sure to include these hidden cafés in your itinerary. They’re the ideal places to take a break and reflect on the incredible art and history that surrounds you.
THE MUSEUM CAFES
1. Café Alaïa (Alaïa Museum)
– A lesser-known spot located within the Alaïa Fondation Museum in the Marais, it’s intimate and stylish, reflecting the minimalist and refined aesthetic of the fashion house. It’s perfect for a quiet coffee or a light bite. At lunchtime you can expect a fashionable crowd.
18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
2. Café Mulot (Maison de Victor Hugo)
– Nestled in the heart of Place des Vosges, this café offers a charming, literary atmosphere perfect for reflecting on Hugo’s works while enjoying a coffee or a small meal. The cafe is run by well-known St German bakery Cafe Mulot.
3. Les Petites Mains (Palais Galliera)
– Located on the terraces of the Fashion Museum of Paris, this café is elegant and refined, much like the exhibitions themselves. It’s a chic spot for a coffee and a pastry after exploring the latest fashion retrospectives.
10 Av. Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116 Paris
4. L’Augustine (Musée Rodin)
– Surrounded by the stunning gardens of the Musée Rodin, L’Augustine offers an idyllic setting to enjoy a coffee or a meal. The atmosphere here is tranquil and the views are simply beautiful. Whenever we stop by we love to have lunch as well – the quiche and salad is unpretentious and taste deliciously homemade.
77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
5. Cafe du Palais (Palais de Tokyo)
– This café/restaurant is as trendy and contemporary as the Palais de Tokyo itself – offering simple, healthy, and seasonal dishes. With an emphasis on sustainable and seasonal dishes, it’s a great spot for a stylish lunch or dinner. A creative hub where you can easily run into the who’s who of Paris art and fashion scene.
13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75016 Paris
6. Le Rhodia (Musée Bourdelle)
– This hidden café, set in the rooftop of Musée Bourdelle – the old appartement de Rhodia Dufet Bourdelle and Michel Dufet, is an oasis of calm. Enjoy a coffee or a light meal surrounded by the sculptures of Antoine Bourdelle.
18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris
7. Café Renoir (Musée de Montmartre)
– Named after the famous painter, this charming café is set in the gardens of the Musée de Montmartre,(overlooking the only remaining vineyard in Paris!) offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.
12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris
8. Cafe 1902 du Petit Palais
– Hidden in the interior garden of the Petit Palais, this café is a peaceful retreat. It feels almost like a tropical garden even in the wintertime because of the exotic plants. Enjoy a coffee or a light meal in a beautiful setting away from the city’s noise.
2 Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
9. Restaurant Georges (Centre Pompidou)
– Located on the top floor of the Centre Pompidou, this chic restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Paris. It’s a perfect spot for a stylish meal or a cocktail with a view. You have direct access from the outside at the far left of the main entrance.
du Centre Georges Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou 6e étage, 75004 Paris
10. Le Café Sur le Toit (Musée Picasso)
– This relatively new café is perched on the rooftop of the Musée Picasso, offering beautiful views over the Marais and beyond. It’s a great place for a coffee or a light snack after exploring the museum. Nothing fancy but a coffee and snack to refresh the senses.
hôtel Salé, Musée Picasso, Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
11. Café Jacquemart-André (Musée Jacquemart-André)
– A beautiful tea room in the luxurious setting of the Musée Jacquemart-André, where you can enjoy classic French pastries and dishes in a refined atmosphere. This is where I’d love to go back with some friends – it was a bit decadent – but rightfully so!
158 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris
12. Café Richelieu (Musée du Louvre)
– This café is located in a quieter section of the Louvre, near the Richelieu wing. With views over the Cour Napoléon and the pyramid, it’s an elegant spot for a break.
Place du Carrousel, 75001 Paris
13. Le Café de l’Orangerie (Musée de l’Orangerie)
-removed from list!
14. Café des Marronniers (Musée de la Vie Romantique)
– Tucked away in a courtyard of the museum, this café offers a romantic and charming atmosphere with a beautiful garden. Perfect for a relaxing coffee or tea. Yummy food by Rose Bakery. Afterward, take a walk down Rue des Martyrs for local Paris life.
16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
15. Les Ombres (Musée du Quai Branly)
– Situated on the roof of the Musée du Quai Branly, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and a sophisticated dining experience.
27 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris
16. Loulou (Musée des Arts Décoratifs)
– A stylish restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Tuileries Garden, Loulou is part of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and offers a fashionable and lively spot for a meal.
107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
HOW TO ORDER IN FRENCH
Here’s a helpful guide on how to order coffee, ask for the bill, and use basic French phrases that I use in a restaurant or café setting:
How to Order Coffee in French and Navigate a Café Like a Local
When you’re visiting Paris, immersing yourself in the local culture can start with something as simple as ordering a coffee in French. Here are some essential phrases that will help you navigate any café or restaurant like a true Parisian.
Ordering Coffee in French:
– “Un café, s’il vous plaît.”
– This is the classic way to order a small, strong espresso.
– “Un café au lait, s’il vous plaît.”
– If you prefer your coffee with milk, this phrase will get you a milky coffee, typically served in the morning.
– “Un café crème, s’il vous plaît.”
– This is a popular order in French cafés, similar to a latte, but with creamier milk.
– “Un cappuccino, s’il vous plaît.”
– For something more familiar, a cappuccino is always a safe choice.
– “Un café américain, s’il vous plaît.”
– This is a black coffee, similar to what you’d get if you order an Americano elsewhere.
– “Un déca, s’il vous plaît.”
– Short for ‘décaféiné,’ this phrase will get you a decaffeinated coffee.
Asking for the Bill:
– “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”
– This is the standard way to ask for the bill in a restaurant or café.
– “Je peux avoir l’addition, s’il vous plaît ?”
– A slightly more polite version, often used to sound extra courteous.
Other Useful Phrases:
– “Bonjour / Bonsoir.”
– Always greet the staff when you enter (Bonjour for daytime, Bonsoir for evening).
– “Je voudrais…”
– This means “I would like…” and can be used to start any order.
– “S’il vous plaît.”
– This means “please” and is essential for polite conversation.
– “Merci.”
– “Thank you”—a must-know phrase in any situation.
– “Excusez-moi.”
– Use this to get someone’s attention politely, like a waiter.
– “Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît.”
– If you’d like a glass of water with your coffee.
– “C’est délicieux!”
– “It’s delicious!”—a great compliment if you enjoyed your meal or drink.
– “À emporter, s’il vous plaît.”
– If you want your coffee to go, this means “to take away, please.”
Cultural Tips:
– Tipping: In France, service is typically included in the bill, but it’s common to leave a small tip (5-10%) if you’re pleased with the service.
– Café Culture: It’s perfectly normal to linger over your coffee for a while—French cafés are designed for people-watching and enjoying the moment, not rushing through.
See you allsoon and Bon appétit!
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