If you know The Earful Tower, you know I like to divide Paris into the “best of” for each of the 20 districts (or arrondissements). I’ve done it with bars, restaurants, free things to do…

In fact, I’ve done a whole guide to the city

Anyway, now it’s time to turn my attention to coffee. Here’s what I recommend, with a few tips from past guests thrown in. And yes, this is almost all specialty coffee where something like a cappuccino would cost four to five euros.

1st: Kitsune

This place is pretty petite, but the location is great. In fact, get a takeaway coffee and go and explore the Palais Royale on the café’s doorstep. Address: 52 rue de Richelieu.

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2nd: Mata Mata

Friendly staff, New Zealand vibe, and a surprisingly big downstairs area. The cafe’s surroundings are excellent, with Rue Montorgueil just around the corner. Address: 58 rue d’Argout.

3rd: Cafe Loustic

Tucked away on a side street near the Pompidou museum, this place offers strong banter from the owner Channa, but much stronger coffee. Address: 40 Rue Chapon

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4th: Le Peloton 

This place is regularly mentioned on The Earful Tower and for good reason: They’re the friendliest baristas in Paris and their filter coffee is worth having twice. Address: 17 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe

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5th: Shakespeare and Co cafe

You’d be mad not to grab a coffee here after you’ve checked out the books on offer next door. Sit outside and enjoy an unparalleled view of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Address: 37 Rue de la Bûcherie

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6th: The Café Procope

It’s the oldest still-running café in France, founded in 1686, and offers unmissable French revolution memorabilia upstairs. You can even see Napoleon’s hat. Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie

7th: Coutume

This place is simply the Godfather of the Paris coffee scene. It, alone, is worth the trip across the River Seine. Address: 47 rue de Babylone.

And imagine this, the Aussie behind Coutume was one of the first ever guests on this podcast. Wow, that seems like a lifetime ago.

8th: The Café du Petit Palais

It’s free to access the interior courtyard of the Petit Palais art museum. The cafe’s coffee might not win any awards, the setting is a real treat. Address: Avenue Winston Churchill

9th: KB

This coffee shop is a top spot for people-watching over a flat white. It has one of the best terraces in Paris. Nico, the owner, was on the show talking about Pigalle (see below). Address: 53 avenue Trudaine

10th: Ten Belles

It may look little from the outside, but pop inside and enjoy a hot coffee served by warm-hearted baristas. Address: 10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles

11th: Cafe Méricourt

The freshest spot on the Paris coffee scene, this place is filled with natural light from the huge windows and from the guy who runs the place, Guy. Address: 22 Rue de la Folie Méricourt

He was on The Earful Tower podcast talking about whether hipsters are ruining Paris here.

12th: Café CC

This charming little spot near the Aligre Markets is the perfect place to grab a coffee before taking on the markets. They make their own cakes too! Address: 6 Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012

13th: Bob’s Cafe

Bob’s Cafe in MK2 Bibliothèque was the only cafe we found! They didn’t really do specialty coffee, but it does the trick if you need a sit down. Address: MK2 Bibliothèque, 128-162 Av. de France, 75013

14th: Hexagone cafe

While it might be a little off the beaten track, these guys know their coffee and it’s worth finding. Address: 121 Rue du Château.

15th: Good News Coffee Shop

Good News Coffee Shop: This place is run by an Australian by the name of Fox: That’s him in the cap, below. His cafe, Good News, is a beautiful spot for lunch and/or a flat white coffee. @good_news_coffeeshop Address: 27 bis Rue Mademoiselle, 75015

16th: Coutume Grande Épicerie de Paris

The residents of the 16th have longed for a great spot to get a delicious coffee in their neighbourhood and Coutume has delivered. Check out their newest location tucked away in the Grand Épicerie de Paris. Address: 78 Rue de Passy, 75016 Paris

17th: Dose 

Cosy setting in the heart of the ever-charming Batignolles area, with friendly staff and tasty coffee. What more do you need? Address: 82 Place du Dr Félix Lobligeois

18th: Cafe Lomi

This place has something quite rare in Paris… a really wide open view through the windowed entry wall. It feels like you’re in Australia with all that space. And the staff make the effort to remember your name. Address: 3 ter Rue Marcadet

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19th: Kaffeebar

Tucked away behind the canal (in the area that’s quickly becoming the new trendy hangout for Parisians) you’ll find Kaffeebar. The perfect way to reward yourself after a long canal stroll. Address: 26B Rue de l’Ourcq

20th: The Dancing Goat

Here’s a new spot that makes excellent coffee and has friendly staff. A lovely interior too with big windows to let the light in. Address: 117 Avenue Gambetta, 75020

Well that’s it. If you enjoy podcasts with your coffee, subscribe to this one here.

And if you like Paris tips, check out The Earful Tower’s Guide to Paris. (Or get it for free when you subscribe on Patreon.)