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Some cafés in Paris are popular because they're trending.
Others have been quietly doing the same thing for hundreds of years.
Think velvet booths, silver trays, waiters who have perfected the art of taking your order without rushing you, and rooms that have hosted writers, artists, politicians and Parisian families long before Instagram existed.
If you're looking for cafés that feel timeless rather than trendy, start here.
Opened in 1686, Le Procope is the oldest café in Paris. Voltaire, Rousseau and Danton were all regulars, and stepping inside still feels like walking through history. Think dark wood interiors, velvet furnishings and an atmosphere that's impossible to recreate.
Since 1862, Café de la Paix has welcomed diplomats, aristocrats and travellers beneath its grand gold-trimmed ceilings. It's one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and stay a little longer.
Elegant without trying too hard, Le Grand Colbert is less of a tourist café and more of a classic Parisian brasserie. Traditional, refined and perfect for a long lunch.
Known around the world, but for good reason. Beyond the famous terrace, Le Fouquet's has long been associated with Parisian society, private salons and generations of loyal regulars.
A historic gathering place for artists, aristocrats and expatriates, Le Dôme is famous for its Belle Époque interiors and exceptional seafood. One visit explains why it has remained a Paris institution for over a century.
Since 1903, Angelina has been serving what many consider the city's most iconic hot chocolate. Families return generation after generation for elegant afternoons that somehow turn into evenings.
Located near the Eiffel Tower, this glamorous location has long been a favourite among locals from the 16th arrondissement. Expect beautiful pastries, polished service and an effortlessly chic crowd.
The quieter sister location, tucked beside one of Paris' most beautiful squares. Refined breakfasts, elegant terraces and an atmosphere that feels distinctly Parisian.
One of the world's most famous literary cafés, Les Deux Magots was once home to Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. Today it continues to attract those who appreciate tradition, conversation and timeless Paris.
Few cafés are as iconic as Café de Flore. Writers, editors and philosophers helped shape its legacy, while the classic interiors and attentive service have remained almost untouched through the decades.
And finally, our favourite.
A beloved haunt of the Lost Generation, Le Select has an old-world charm that's hard to describe until you're sitting there. Polished brass, traditional service and a calm atmosphere make it the kind of place you'll want to return to every time you're in Paris.
If we had to choose just one, this would be it.
Although, if we're being honest... we could happily spend an entire morning at every single café on this list.
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