I will be in Paris in June, for my first ever visit to France, staying at a hotel in the Marais, just off Rue de Rivoli, near the Hotel de Ville. I would like to get up early, have a coffee and croissant, and explore the city. But my research shows that most cafes open between 7:30am and 8:00am, an exception being La Maison d’Isabelle that opens at 6:00am, but I can't figure out if they serve coffee.
Where can I go for an early morning coffee and croissant (not Starbucks!) near Hotel de Ville?
Bakeries start to open at 7.00 for some of them, so you could try that, but in general Paris is not a city of early risers! Before 7, you'll have very few options.
Also, solar noon is actually at around 2PM in June, so the whole day is basically shifted. I would suggest to treat this phenomenon as "additional jet lag".
There are dozens of cafés that have no online presence. I'd be winging it.
I am also an early morning coffee drinker and it's difficult in Paris (and many European cities). Even Starbucks doesn't open until 8 or so, even though you don't want an American chain.
You may have to do recon for the forum, lol!!
Ask your hotel if the shop serves coffee?
Serving coffee would be my last question, if asked at all. There are a lot of stand up coffee/pastry bars especially near entrances to the subway or bus stops. Easy to find.
+1 for Frank's. You will find simple bars with heated display cases for simple pastries and savories, and little English spoken (but you can point), and stand to drink and dine with people going to work. Much earlier than 7:30, I'm sure. You will probably find four to six within a three block circle around your hotel. No credit cards, no paper cup takeout.
Hahahaha, 7:30 would be an early morning coffee for me ! I am usually still turning off my alarm at that time.
Our hotel in Le Marais was on Rue Vieille du-Temple. We walked to a cafe that was close to a Starbucks. We had coffee, a basket of croissants and rolls, & freshly squeezed OJ. Darn, I can’t recall the name. It had two floors. If I find it, I’ll let you know. ;)
How early are you talking about?
Can't you go for a walk and then stop for a coffee and a nibble later?
Note that not all cafés sell croissants much less a continental breakfast. Some stick to coffee or other drinks.
As an early riser who can't function without breakfast, I understand your concern.
Your hotel might have a coffee maker (probably one of those capsule things that makes one cup at a time) or an electric kettle (for tea or instant coffee). You could get some croissants the day before from a bakery or supermarket. They'll still be OK, unlike baguettes. Then you could have a second mid-morning breakfast/snack or coffee somewhere nice.
BTW. Some bakeries also sell coffee. Some cafes let you bring croissants from outside.
I wouldn't knock Starbucks or McDonald's coffee for that matter. French coffee is not fabulous.
Hello from Wisconsin,
There is a bakery (gosh that sounds so terrible compared to the Boulongerie) where you get a coffee, a nice cafe and croissant for a low price. Saveurs De Pains. It supplies the local establishments with fresh bread every day and through the day. So it is not a tourist destination. There are a couple tables for eat in. High tables with bar stools. It is located at the intersection of Rue de Sainte Croix de Bretonneire (this is a narrow street so Google maps doesn't want to show the name until you really zoom in) and Rue Vieille due Temple. It can supply you with a nice fresh baguette sandwich or a dessert to be enjoyed in Luxembourg Gardens.
A second place that is very lovely is in the NE corner of Place des Vosges (Cafe Hugo) it opens at 7AM.
Both these places are fairly close to where you are staying.
Either of these would be a way to start to see the Marias. Think of the coffee as part of the touring.
The early bird beats the crowds, but little is open. I highly recommend looking at the city from dusk into dark.
A place you will never forget for lunch is right next door to the boulangerie on Rue de Vieille Temple, Au Petit Fer à Cheval. There are tables outside in good weather. Usually they are occupied. But walk in and around the horseshoe shaped bar to the door in the back. Take a seat and get the daily special. Once again, this will be real, not faked.
wayne INWI
Look for a 24 hour store like a Monop or a Carrefour, they would have a coffee machine
Just the title of your post makes me dreamy to be in Paris!!
Au Petit Versailles du Marais is an excellent patisserie in the 4th that I believe opens at 7 AM. Also check out Eric Kayser Boulangerie on Google maps. They are a chain that has many locations. The bakery items are very good and they also serve coffee. Most locations open by 7:00 or 7:30. A good source of information is La Cuisine Paris blog. Check out their Paris arrondisemont guide for a wealth of information on restaurants, cafes, bars and coffee.
There’s always the go explore for awhile then take your coffee/croissant break as you watch Paris come alive.
