Top Eight: Best Coffee Places Rive Gauche Part Two
I am so thrilled to be able to do another amazing list of coffee spots to try on the Left Bank and if you missed my first list, see that article here! Luckily, new ones seem to be popping up fairly frequently and I am happy to try them all!
#1 - Café du Clown
I love this coffee outpost in Marché Saint-Germain from the owners of Clown Bar. Coffee is excellent and I have taste-tested the banana bread way too many times which they serve slightly warm and with fresh butter on top. Be still, my heart! Bonus: the owner is frequently there in the mornings with his giant, extremely chill Leonberger dog known as Tézé. He is a delight! (Update Summer 2025): they’ve since switched out the seating inside and out to much more uncomfortable cork cubes? Everyone in the neighborhood is confused and we all seem to go less because of it. The coffee is still excellent, so I will leave it on the list, but it’s disappointing it’s not a place to “gather” anymore.
#2 - Chez
Alert: best carrot cake I might have ever had in my life; I do not care if you really don’t like carrot cake, you WILL love this one! The owner is so friendly and they lovingly make every cup of coffee with the care it deserves no matter the queue. Weekends can be slightly busier, but on the weekdays its so cool to sit upstairs and slow down.
#3 - Saint Pearl
A cozy corner in this coffee shop will definitely chase away the winter blues and you will be tempted to have the thick cookie for breakfast like I did! The emporter cups are some of the cutest in Paris and I love the eggs benedict situation here, as well. This family also has a location at Iena in the 16th and owns Cuppa Café down the way on Université from my first edition here.
#4 - Clode
With yellow accents and a sunny logo, Clode is a new spot in the 6th, just on the edge of Saint Germain-des-Prés on Rue du Four. It has an excellent cookie and smooth, nice cappuccinos. I have been several times already and I can confirm it is consistent and the staff is lovely!
#5 - Pont du Traversé
Formerly a bookstore, this corner Left Bank location just a stone’s throw away from the Jardin du Luxembourg is the coolest coffee and bites spot with original tile and a cozy upstairs. Serves Ten Belles bread and sandwiches; this made my sandwich list here!
#6 - Tapisserie
A local favorite that has since been “outed” on social media; I am still including this branch of the Septime family of restaurants here because it truly has exceptional coffee and I personally love the granola bowl. The seating is very limited so definitely arrive early, but the outdoor area is a nice option in the warmer months. I have been here many times as I am in the area in the mornings frequently and it never disappoints!
#7 - Ralph’s Coffee
I knowwww, this is definitely all over social media and it has very limited seating area inside with a queue frequently which y’all know I am not a fan of normally! BUT, the coffee is really excellent quality (the hot chocolate, too)! Atmosphere is 10/10 if you can sit for a little while, but also the emporter cups are some of my favorite. Winter or summer, this is worth a stop on your exploits on the rive gauche. I recently shared a new tidbit regarding this spot in my monthly newsletter - email me here to get the scoop!
#8 - Cordelia
(Update Fall 2025): This seems to be closed temporarily with no other information, but I will leave it on the list for now! A little oasis just two blocks from the river on Rue de Bac is in one of my favorite areas of the 7th near Musée D’Orsay. Cordelia de Castellane is the artistic director for Dior Masion and Baby Dior and is a floral and hosting genius. Her niche project one holiday season of making custom wreaths and florals at this location luckily turned into a full-fledged permanent floral studio and coffee shop! The interiors are cozy and feel like a Cotswolds and Burgundian country home all wrapped up in one! Lovely coffee and pastries on a curated mix of vintage china really tops it off. Come relax here after a museum visit - I recommend it!
