Paris Winter - That Means One Thing - HOT CHOCOLATE

In 1615, the secret of hot chocolate was taken to France, where Anne, daughter of Philippe II of Spain, married King Louis XIII. The French court adopted this new exotic drink with fervor and it was considered to have medicinal benefits as well as being a nourishing concoction.
If it was good for the Royal court of France, then it's good for you! Here are some addresses which, I believe serve the best hot chocolate in Paris.


Les Deux Abeilles
189 rue de l'Université
75007 Paris
Metro: Alma Marceau


This small tea salon near the Eiffel Tower serves the most stunning home-made cakes (marron glacé cake being my favorite!) and thick dark hot chocolate. Don't order the two at the same time, otherwise a small bed may be required at the local hospital for a heart check up!

Charles le Chocolatier
15 rue Montorgueil
75002 Paris
Metro: Les Halles


The tiny chocolate shop in the bustling rue Montorgueil serving a cup of very thick bitter hot chocolate (sugar required!) from their well-polished pot belly copper cauldron. They don't always have the chocolate prepared, only "when they feel like it". Don't be disappointed if the copper pot is not there, try again another day.


Comme à la Maison
Village St Paul/Court Vert
9 rue St Paul
75004 Paris
Metro: St Paul


Sensational hot chocolate served in a generous white ceramic jug on a platter with a glass of water (de riguer with these type of hot chocolates!) It is poured out with glistening cocoa butter bubbles frothing down into the cup. Excellent.


Arnaud Larher
53 rue Caulaincourt
75018 Paris
Tel: 01 42 57 68 08
Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt


Behind the Sacre Coeur, high up over Paris, this chocolatier/patissier is worth the trek to find. The chocolate drink here is served cold in bottles which are great to take away and sneak home (makes a great gift). Either drunk cold or heated up later, it is a historical drink. Available in vanilla, chocolate orange, bittersweet chocolate and chocolate cinnamon.
Buy a bag of dark chocolate-coated freshly sliced ginger while you are there!


Steiger
20 rue des Capucines
75002 Paris
Metro: Opera


This unassuming chocolatier near Place Vendôme, Madame Constantin creates a hot chocolate so thick and rich, you need a spoon to scoop out the last bits: She melts a tablet of quality dark chocolate made of pure cocoa butter from the Ivory Coast and adds a cloud of milk and cream. She hand whips the mixture in an old-fashioned chocolate pot and serves immedicately. Takes about 20 minutes to prepare, so be patient and leave plenty of time!


Rose Thé
104 Avenue Ledru Rollin
750011 Paris
Metro: Ledru Rollin


Situated in the pretty cobbled Passage de l'Homme, the home-made cakes are the most delicous and sublime. Apple, cinnamon, honey and caramel encrusted walnut tartes with a tall glass of hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is made from milk rather than cream, so it is dark and not so thick as the others mentioned. A cake and hot chocolate can be married together quite well. Friendly service, local neighborhood crowd.