Paris’ Hot Chocolate from Angelina: Your Ultimate Guide to One of the Most Famous Beverages in Paris
Amber Haggerty, creator of Amber Everywhere, agreed to write about her hot chocolate expertise from many visits to Angelina’s.
Love chocolate and planning your French itinerary? Try Paris’ most famous hot chocolate from Angelina.
I fell in love with Paris the first time I visited in 2015, and I’ve been coming back regularly ever since. The city is inviting and romantic throughout the year, with sometime to love in every season.
One stop I always look forward to when I visit Paris is a stop at Angelina’s for a hot chocolate. There’s nothing like sipping a warm, rich hot chocolate while walking through the brisk winter air in the Jardin des Tuileries across the street.
If Berthillon has the best ice cream, Angelina almost certainly has the best hot chocolate in Paris. You can easily squeeze a stop at Angelina into even a brief Paris itinerary. It is only a short walk from the Louvre, one of the top places to visit in the French capital.
About Paris’ Hot Chocolate from Angelina
Angelina was founded in 1903 as a teahouse by the confectioner Antoine Rumpelmayer. Since its opening day, Angelina has been a staple among Paris’ high society. Both the fashion designer Coco Chanel and the French novelist Marcel Proust are known to have frequented the teahouse.
Today, Angelina is best known for hot chocolate. This French sipping chocolate treat is thick, creamy, rich, and chocolatey enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, but without being overly sugary. The only way to drink a hot chocolate from Angelina is to sip it, as it’s only slightly thinner in consistency than the center of a lava cake.
Don’t be fooled by the relatively small cups, one serving of this rich chocolate treat is plenty.
How to Enjoy a Hot Chocolate from Angelina in Paris
There are a few options if you’d like to try Paris’ hot chocolate from Angelina for yourself. You can sit inside the cafe, take it to go, or choose to join a tour focusing on chocolate that includes stops at other Parisian chocolatiers.
Inside the Cafe
The interior of Angelina is grand and opulent, with classic decor and a large menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. The food is decent and the service is fabulous, but I would go for the ambiance and the hot chocolate.
The prices are a little high even for Paris but this is to be expected because of the location. Budget travelers might prefer to only order a hot chocolate or small treat, which is perfectly acceptable at Angelina Paris.
👉 Related reading: Paris Cafe Culture: Tips and Etiquette
Order a Takeaway Hot Chocolate
If you, like me, prefer to walk around cities with a beverage in hand, a takeaway hot chocolate might be the perfect choice for you. There is one line at Angelina Paris for takeaway treats, and it’s much speedier than the line to sit in the cafe. You’ll have a chance to order macaroons, petit cakes, and other treats while you inch your way towards the cashier.
Visiting in the Summer? Try a Cold Chocolate
The peak season for visiting Paris is during the summer, and, understandably, not everyone wants a cup of hot chocolate while they fan themselves in the summer heat. Luckily, Angelina also serves a chilled version of their signature hot chocolate from the front of the shop.
The cold chocolate is just as creamy and rich as the warm version, so it could be heavy on a particularly hot day.
Take a Chocolate Tour
Serious chocolate enthusiasts might consider taking a chocolate tour while in Paris. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, you can try some of the best treats from the top spots in the city.
Unlike a self-guided tour, you’ll also get to hear about the origins and personal stories of the best Parisian chocolatiers, many of whom have spent a lifetime perfecting their skills.
Where to Find Angelina Paris
You can find Angelina Paris along the Rue de Rivoli, directly across the street from the Jardin des Tuileries. The cafe is only a short walk from the Louvre Museum, home to the infamous Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. It is located about halfway between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde.
Angelina is also near the Musee de l’Orangerie, a small Impressionism museum that is worth a stop if you enjoy impressionist art. It is near the Place de la Concorde.
The address is Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
👉 TIP: Beware of pickpockets and other scams when walking along the Rue de Rivoli near Angelina Paris. It’s best to keep your phone and wallet in a zipped pocket while strolling around. Check my Paris Safety Guide for more tips.
Tips for Enjoying Hot Chocolate at Angelina
As with any busy spot in Paris, there are a few tips that are helpful to know before you go. From the best time to visit to the correct line to stand in, keep reading for the inside scoop on visiting Angelina’s.
Go Early to Avoid the Crowds
Angelina is a popular destination along Rue de Rivoli, so it can get quite busy. This is especially true in the afternoon, leading to long lines and wait times.
You can beat the rush by arriving before about 11am, when there are usually at least a few open tables available and the takeaway line is minimal.
Wait in the Correct Line
When you approach Angelina, you’ll immediately notice that there are two lines headed out from the front doors. To the left is the line to sit inside at the cafe, and to the right is the line for takeaway treats and hot chocolate.
The line to sit inside moves very slowly, so you definitely don’t want to wait in it if you aren’t planning to sip your hot chocolate in the cafe.
Try a Classic French Treat from the Pâtisserie
Although Angelina is certainly best known for their hot chocolate, they have an entire pâtisserie full of treats that you can try. The Mont-Blancs are probably the most visually intriguing treats, piled high with whipped cream and topped with hand-laced, vermicelli-style chestnut puree. However, I prefer a classic eclair or tarte citron.
Around Christmastime, you can try a slice of Bûche de Noël, a traditional French Yule log that resembles a Swiss roll.
Where To Stay In Paris
I have been to Paris many times and have stayed in several parts of the city; I chose these high-quality hotels for charm and authenticity.
📍Luxury Option: Luxury Option: Hotel Recamier (St. Sulpice, St. Germain des Pres) Elegant, unique views of St. Sulpice, discreetly nestled behind trees, award-winning.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hôtel des Grandes Ecoles (Latin Quarter) Very peaceful with a unique country-house setting. Gardens; excellent location.
📍Budget Option: Hotel La Louisiane (St. Germain des Pres) Excellent location on a vibrant street. Quiet inner courtyard rooms. Artsy, piano in sitting room. A favorite place of mine to stay.
FAQs – Angelina’s Hot Chocolate in Paris
Why is Angelina hot chocolate famous?
Angelina’s has been in business for 120 years and was popular with high society figures like Coco Chanel. It has been popular among Parisians for over 100 years, mostly because of the excellent quality and taste of the hot chocolate.
Is Angelina hot chocolate good?
Yes! It is famous as being perhaps the best hot chocolate in Paris and possibly anywhere. The recipe has been perfected over 120 years.
Is Angelina in Paris worth it?
Absolutely! It is an iconic and historic chocolaterie and patisserie that has been in operation for 120 years.
Does Angelina sell hot chocolate mix?
Yes
Summary: Paris’ Hot Chocolate from Angelina
A stop at the legendary Angelina Paris is a worthwhile addition to any Parisian itinerary, provided that you love chocolate. It is an elegant cafe and a lovely place to experience the cafe culture in Paris.
Even budget travelers can enjoy the luxurious and refined treats at Angelina Paris, especially when ordered as a takeaway.
After you enjoy the best hot chocolate in Paris, stop by their small shop to the right of the exit. Here, you can buy a box of truffles, chestnut cream, or even some famous Paris Angelina hot chocolate mix to take home with you. Enjoy!
