Because secrets are meant to be shared, here are five adorable cafés and tearooms located inside six of our favorite Paris museums.
Paris is one of our favorite cities for many reasons, one of which is its hidden, romantic and intimate little corners etched into the bendy busy streets or along the grand boulevards — places that are relatively unknown to travelers and even to some locals how don’t get the time to explore their surroundings with a fresh perspective, escaping the urban hustle and bustle for an enchanting haven. Here are five of our favorite tearooms located inside Parisian museums and other institutions.
1. Un thé dans le jardin, Museum of Romantic Life
The “Musée de la vie romantique” in Paris lives up to its name. This charming little cottage is in in the 9th arrondissement at 16 Rue Chaptal in Pigalle. The path leading up to the museum and the adjoining tearoom will immediately take you to a new dimension that evokes the Romantic era. The former residence of the painter Ary Scheffer, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and houses a permanent collection. The ground floor is dedicated to George Sand while the first floor displays works by the painter compared with those of his contemporaries. The lovely tearoom with its glass roof overlooks the gardens, offering you a contrasting break from the city frenzy.
2. Café Jacquemart-André, Jacquemart-André Museum
As you may already know, the Jacquemart-André Museum is by far one of our faves. Located in the former dining room of the 19th-century mansion at 158 Haussmann Boulevard in the 8th arrondissement, just a stone’s throw from Champs Elysées, the café is just as posh as the museum next to it. The ceiling’s Tiepolo fresco, the tapestry-lined walls and the wooden furniture create the perfect atmosphere for a refined gourmet break. The terrace, open in the summertime, is equally pleasant. If you have the opportunity, try the Sunday brunch.
3. Café Renoir, Montmartre Museum
Going green in the heart of Paris is possible, and we love doing just that! We can never say it enough, but if you want to spend a few hours in the countryside all the while staying in town, just go to Montmartre. The Renoir gardens surrounding Montmartre Museum overlook the vineyards, offering a breath of fresh air from the 18th arrondissement, a few meters from Place du Tertre. Open from October to April, Café Renoir is the icing on the cake of this enchanting spot with an ambiance inspired by the end-of-19th century. In the summertime, don’t miss the Thursday coffee nights. While you’re there, drop by the former studio apartment of famous French artists Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo. We’ve never grown tired.
4. Café A, Maison de l’Architecture
Much trendier, Café A is a real Parisian haven for co-branding, meetings, conferences and seminars, where concerts are also thrown on weekends. Located in the former convent of the Récollets in the 10th arrondissement, the superbly furnished, modern design of the Maison de l’Architecture’s patio is particularly pleasant. This adorable secret garden of the Canal Saint-Martin is open until 11 p.m. and on weekends. We recommend a brunch with avocado toast.
5. Café Suédois, The Swedish Cultural Institute
To stay young and connected, head to the Marais for a gourmet break in a minimalist Nordic clime. Located in one of the Hôtel de Marle’s wings by the Swedish Cultural Institute (which we equally advise you visit), this café also has a pretty terrace in the cobblestone courtyard. Be careful, it’s just impossible to resist this Scandinavian decor or delicious kanelbullars (Swedish cinnamon rolls) prepared every morning. This is another well-kept secret to share only with the closest of friends.