Carette Paris: A Classic Parisian Café Experience for Hot Chocolate near the Eiffel Tower

One spot that had been on my radar was Carette Paris, a much-loved Paris breakfast spot known for its pastries and especially its hot chocolate topped with clouds of whipped cream. Despite its somewhat modest Google rating, I couldn’t resist the idea of sipping one of the best hot chocolates in Paris in a quintessential Paris café setting.

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So, I made my way to the Carette Trocadéro café just steps away from the famous Eiffel Tower viewpoint at Place du Trocadéro.

Background About Carette, Paris

Founded in the 1920s, Carette café Paris has become one of those names whispered among locals and hyped on TikTok for the world to find for tourists like me. Today, it has three locations: Place des Vosges, Place du Trocadéro, and Place du Tertre in Montmartre.

I chose the Trocadéro branch of Carette Paris not only for its convenient opening hours (7 am–11:30 pm on weekdays and from 7:30 am on weekends) but also because it pairs perfectly with an early Eiffel Tower visit. You can linger over a Paris brunch and then stroll across the square to take in one of the most famous views in Paris.

Carette’s menu is extensive for a café, ranging from breakfast sets to pastries, macarons, crêpes, hot chocolate, and full meals. But what really sets it apart is its reputation for indulgent hot chocolate with whipped cream, a must-try for anyone in search of the best cafés in Paris.

The Experience

Arriving at 10:30 am, there was already a queue outside. Carette is no secret, and queues are almost a guarantee later in the morning. Thankfully, the wait was just 30 minutes, and by 11 am, I was seated outdoors with the Paris sunshine streaming across the terrace.

The seating setup is classic Paris: small round tables, wicker chairs, and a rhythm of waiters weaving in and out with trays of croissants, coffees, and cups of Carette hot chocolate. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance, elegant yet lively, filled with a mix of tourists excited for their first Paris breakfast and locals enjoying a casual mid-morning coffee.

If you’re hoping to avoid the wait entirely, my advice is to arrive before 9 am. That way, you get a peaceful Paris café experience, plenty of space, and the luxury of heading to the Trocadéro viewpoint before the crowds.

The Food

My order was simple, but it turned out to be an experience in itself.

Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream (€13)

This is the star of the show at Carette, and for good reason. It arrives as a pot of thick, steaming chocolate accompanied by a generous serving of whipped cream. Unlike the lighter hot chocolates you might find elsewhere, this one is intense, deep, rich, and almost velvety in texture. The whipped cream is fluffy and slightly sweet, perfect for adding on top or spooning straight into your mouth.

Crêpe with Fresh Fruits (€12)

Thin, buttery, and golden, the crêpe came topped with fresh strawberries and raspberries. The fruit was bursting with flavour, sweet and refreshing against the richness of the chocolate. Together, they struck a perfect balance: indulgence and freshness on one plate.

Price

Carette falls into the mid-range café category, with most items priced between €10–30. My breakfast came to about €25, which may not be the cheapest way to start the day, but considering the location, service, and quality, I felt it was worth it for the experience

For anyone searching for where to eat near the Eiffel Tower, Carette is an easy choice for delicious and aesthetic food, iconic surroundings, and that quintessential Parisian vibe.

Final Thoughts

Was it worth waiting in line for Carette Paris Trocadéro? At first, I wasn’t sure, but I’m glad I waited since I really enjoyed my experience. The combination of the atmosphere, location, and food created one of those perfect Paris moments: sipping rich hot chocolate on a sunny terrace, people-watching, and feeling utterly immersed in Paris café culture.

The hot chocolate lived up to the hype, the crêpe was enjoyable, and the overall experience made me glad I didn’t let online reviews sway me. Sometimes, places become popular for a reason, and Carette proves that sometimes the hype is worth embracing.

If you’re heading to Paris and looking for a memorable café stop, Carette Trocadéro café should be on your list. Plan to go early, savour the hot chocolate, and then wander to Place du Trocadéro for those postcard-perfect Eiffel Tower views.

Highlights & Tips

Best for: A leisurely Parisian breakfast or mid-morning indulgence.
Must-try: Hot chocolate with whipped cream (there was a lot, so you could even share this).
Insider tip: Arrive before 9 am to avoid long queues.
Location highlight: Just steps from the best Eiffel Tower viewpoint at Place du Trocadéro.
Seating: Indoor and outdoor options available. Recommend sitting outside to take in the sun and the nice breeze
Price range: Expect to spend €20–30 per person.
Pairing tip: Use the whipped cream (portion is massive) from your hot chocolate on your crêpe or fruit.

Carette Details

Location: Carette / 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France
Opening Hours Mon – Fri (7 am–11:30 pm); Sat – Sun (7:30 am–11:30 pm)
Price: average €10–30

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