Some Like It Hot: Our Favorite Hot Chocolate Spots in Paris

Jean-Paul Hevin

There’s something about cold weather in Paris that makes me long for something warm, luxurious and indulgent… From the Belle Epoque-inspired classic served in every corner café, to the masterpieces of contemporary artisans dedicated to the art of chocolate making, I can’t think of a better way to chase away the chills than with a warm, dark, velvety, chocolate chaud. Here are a few of my very favorite Paris spots to indulge in this cold-weather treat.

Angelina

A Good Old Fashioned Classic: Angelina
Founded in 1903, the Belle Epoque inspired Angelina is celebrated today for its traditional hot chocolate recipe: a thick, deliciously rich drink served with cream on the side.

Park Hyatt

The exquisite tea house on Rue Rivoli was once frequented by Coco Chanel and Proust. This season, thanks to the chic new boutique on Rue du Bac, you can now get your Angelina cocoa to-go – and skip the notoriously long lines.

Angelina. 108 Rue du Bac, 75007, Paris.

Un Dimanche à Paris

Two Steps to hot chocolate ‘Hevin’: Jean-Paul Hevin
If there is anyone who knows a thing or two about hot chocolate, it’s the artisan himself Jean Paul Hevin. Using inspiration from his time spent in Japan combined with French artisanal techniques, his hot chocolate, patisseries, and chocolates are divine. Forgive the pun, but here are my two steps to ‘Hevin’:

1. Get yourself to Jean Paul Hevin’s Hot Chocolate Bar on Rue Saint Honoré. 2. Settle into a window seat, choose from a selection of classics (or go for one of his exotic blends infused with the perfect ratios of ginger and spice, matchca green tea, or raspberry); kick back, melt away and watch the world go by.

Jean-Paul Hevin, 231 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001, Paris.

Park Hyatt

Hot Chocolate in the Alps: Park Hyatt
Warm up on the heated terrace of the Park Hyatt in a truly Alpine atmosphere. Served in rich porcelain mugs accompanied with dark chocolate truffles, you’ll have the choice of cassia cinnamon, orange zest, or tonka cacao bean for this hot chocolate. Tangerine financiers, lemon gingerbread and Mont Blanc in a glass round out the decadently sweet offerings.

Park Hyatt Vendome, 5 rue de la Paix, 75002, Paris.

Un Dimanche à Paris

A Sunday like no other
I can’t think of anything better than spending a chilly Sunday afternoon sipping hot chocolate and indulging in a patisserie chez ‘Un Dimanche à Paris’ (A Sunday in Paris). Tucked away in the Saint Andre courtyard in St Germain, this little gem is a chocolate dream come true for founder ‘Pierre Cluizel’. A chocolate concept store (housing a patisserie boutique, a restaurant, a chocolate bar, and a tea salon) all dedicated to the art of chocolate. For chocolate fans, why not indulge in the chocolate brunch with dishes like poilane bread with bordier salted butter and chocolate shavings. If like me, you’re a purist, settle for their house hot chocolate served with old-fashioned panache.

Un Dimanche a Paris, 4-6-8 Cour du Commerce Saint André, 75006, Paris

Park Hyatt

And if you like things just plain and old fashioned, try Le Grand Colbert. One of the last standing old Paris bistros serving the traditional hot chocolate recipe with pots of cream on silver service between 4pm and 6pm.

Le Grand Colbert, 2 rue Vivienne, 75002, Paris.

Angelina

Related links:

• Aisling is not the only Angelina fan around here, read Tory Hoen’s previous post for the HiP Paris Blog about this hot chocolate heaven
• Don’t miss Amy Thomas’ post over the best chocolate shops in Paris that you can’t miss while in the French capital
• If you’re a big chocolate fan we suggest checking out this post about Puerto Cacao

Written by Aisling Greally for the HiP Paris Blog. All photos by Aisling Greally. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.