Paris, a city known for its rich history, culture, and of course, its café scene, has now embraced the world of specialty coffee. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the fascinating journey of specialty coffee in Paris, from its inception to its current status as a thriving industry. We will explore the various aspects of specialty coffee, including its definition, history, key players, and growth in the city, while also providing recommendations for specialty coffee shops and roasters in Paris. So, grab your favorite cup of joe and let's dive into the world of specialty coffee in Paris.
The Evolution of Specialty Coffee in Paris
Paris Cafe Culture: A Historical Perspective
The cafe culture in Paris dates back to the 17th century when coffee first arrived from the New World. However, the Parisian cafes of the past were more about style and ambiance than the quality of coffee they served. The traditional Parisian cafes, like Cafe de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and Le Procope, were famous for their charm and cozy atmosphere but not for their coffee offerings.
In the past, coffee in Paris was more about the vibes and the experience than the actual taste of the coffee itself. This began to change with the emergence of specialty coffee, which focused on the quality of the beans, the roasting process, and the brewing techniques, ultimately elevating the overall coffee experience.
The Emergence of Specialty Coffee in Paris
The specialty coffee movement in Paris started in the late 2000s, with a few pioneers paving the way for a new era of coffee appreciation in the city. Specialty coffee is defined as any coffee that scores above 80 points on a 100 point scale, as graded by a certified coffee taster (SCAA) or a licensed Q Grader (CQI). This means that specialty coffee is grown, processed, roasted, and brewed with utmost care and attention to detail, resulting in exceptional taste and quality.
Slowly but surely, Paris embraced the specialty coffee movement, and today, the city boasts a thriving scene of specialty coffee shops and roasters, offering some of the best coffee experiences in the world.
The Specialty Coffee Market in Paris
The Growth of Specialty Coffee in Paris
The specialty coffee market in Paris has experienced significant growth in recent years, with new specialty coffee shops and roasters opening their doors all across the city. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for high-quality coffee, as well as the dedication and passion of the specialty coffee community in Paris.
According to a report by Allegra, the specialty coffee market in the UK is set for a 13% year-on-year growth, higher than the 10% predicted for the coffee market as a whole. This trend is mirrored in Paris, as high street chains like Starbucks and Costa have started introducing limited edition single-origin coffees, in contrast to their dark roasts or high robusta-content blends. The report also predicted a doubling of the current 1,400 specialty coffee shops by 2020 and a year-on-year growth rate of 17% for the UK roasted specialty coffee market.
Specialty Coffee Roasters in Paris
In Paris, the specialty coffee scene is dominated by a handful of exceptional roasters who have dedicated themselves to sourcing, roasting, and serving the best coffee beans from around the world. Some of the most notable roasters in Paris include La Brulerie de Belleville, Lomi, Coutume, and Café Lomi.
These roasters not only supply their beans to specialty coffee shops in Paris but also operate their own cafes, where customers can enjoy expertly brewed coffee and learn more about the origin and processing of the beans.
Specialty Coffee Shops in Paris
As the specialty coffee movement has gained momentum in Paris, the number of specialty coffee shops in the city has multiplied. These coffee shops, often referred to as "Third Wave" coffee establishments, focus on the quality of the coffee they serve, the brewing techniques they employ, and the overall customer experience.
Some of the most popular specialty coffee shops in Paris include Ten Belles, Coutume Café, Téléscope, KB CaféShop, and Fragments, among many others. These specialty coffee shops not only offer an extensive range of expertly brewed coffee, but also provide a welcoming atmosphere where customers can learn more about the specialty coffee world.
The Future of Specialty Coffee in Paris
As specialty coffee continues to grow in popularity, Paris is well-positioned to become a leading player in the global specialty coffee scene. With a thriving community of passionate roasters, baristas, and cafe owners, the city is poised to set new standards for quality and innovation in the world of coffee.
As more and more people discover and appreciate the art of specialty coffee, it is essential that industry stakeholders in Paris continue to push the boundaries of quality and sustainability, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of the specialty coffee movement for years to come.
In conclusion, the specialty coffee scene in Paris is flourishing, with a wealth of exceptional coffee shops and roasters offering unique and memorable experiences for coffee enthusiasts. As the industry continues to evolve, there is no doubt that Paris will remain a key destination for those seeking the very best in specialty coffee. So, the next time you find yourself in the City of Lights, be sure to explore the vibrant world of specialty coffee Paris has to offer.
Our 2 locations :
- 25 rue Danielle Casanova, 75001, PARIS
- 22 Rue du Vieux Colombier, 75006 PARIS
In the heart of this city that is embracing the specialty coffee revolution, two café locales have been curated for coffee enthusiasts, standing out in the kaleidoscope of the Parisian café culture. They are our cherished coffee shops, designed with an eye for detail and a heart full of passion for the rich world of coffee.
The first café, situated at 25 Rue Danielle Casanova in the bustling 1st arrondissement, provides a tranquil respite amid the frenetic energy of the city center. A short stroll from the iconic Louvre Museum, this shop stands as a welcoming haven for those craving a delicious cup of coffee after an enriching day of exploration. Within its warm and inviting ambiance, the café feels like a cherished nook of tranquility, offering an experience that transcends the typical café hustle to engage visitors in the vibrant world of specialty coffee. We offer a diverse menu of coffees, each meticulously brewed to highlight its unique characteristics and tell its own tale of origin, flavor, and craftsmanship.
The second shop at 22 Rue du Vieux Colombier, nestled in the idyllic 6th arrondissement, mirrors the charm and sophistication of the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Teeming with a serene energy, the café extends the spirit of this artistic neighborhood to the world of coffee. With its exposed brick walls and cozy seating arrangements, the shop blends an old-world charm with a contemporary appreciation for quality and creativity. Here, coffee aficionados are welcomed into a space that encourages lingering, fostering conversations and connections over expertly crafted cups of coffee.
Both locations, while distinct in character, share a common purpose. They aim to create an experience that not only caters to the taste buds of the coffee devotees but also serves as a platform for sharing knowledge, cultivating connections, and nurturing a community that appreciates the nuances of specialty coffee.
The specialty coffee culture in Paris is not just about brewing and serving exceptional coffee; it's about creating unique spaces where coffee lovers can congregate, engage, learn, and appreciate the intricate world of specialty coffee. As we continue to grow and evolve, our cafés at Rue Danielle Casanova and Rue du Vieux Colombier remain committed to fostering this vibrant coffee culture in the heart of Paris.
Whether you are a local Parisian or a visitor to our magnificent city, we invite you to explore this vibrant world of specialty coffee at our cherished locales.