7 BEST MUSEUM CAFÉS TO DISCOVER IN PARIS

 

Paris is a city to be savored as much with the eyes as with the palate. A global capital of art, it is home to a constellation of museums, from the Louvre to the Musée d'Orsay, as well as more discreet private mansions transformed into cultural gems. But the experience doesn’t stop at the galleries and masterpieces hanging on the walls: each visit continues at the museum café, the perfect spot for a gourmet pause. Here are seven must-visit museum cafés in Paris, all just a short walk from Hotel Edouard 7.

 

 

 

 

CAFÉ RICHELIEU BY ANGELINA AT THE LOUVRE : THE ART OF INDULGENCE

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful setting for a gourmet break than the Louvre. Tucked away in the Richelieu wing, Café Richelieu is run by Angelina, the legendary Parisian tearoom famous for its hot chocolate and iconic Mont-Blanc pastry.

From the interior terrace, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Cour Napoléon and its majestic glass roofs — a striking contrast between history and modernity. Inside, Angelina’s classic elegance shines through in the refined dishes, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere.

After contemplating the Mona Lisa, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, or treasures from the Egyptian Antiquities, sitting down at Café Richelieu is the sweetest way to extend the Louvre experience. Visitors gather here for a dessert, a light lunch, or simply to soak up a little more of the world’s greatest museum — with a touch of French indulgence.

CAFÉ CAMPANA AT THE MUSÉE D'ORSAY : MODERNITY IN THE HEART OF THE BELLE ÉPOQUE

The Musée d’Orsay is already a masterpiece in itself, housed in the former Belle Époque train station. On the top floor, Café Campana offers a unique break after wandering through the Impressionists, the Nabis, or the Symbolists.

Designed by Brazilian brothers Fernando and Humberto Campana, the space blends vibrant colors, organic shapes, and modern materials, creating a bold contrast with the museum’s monumental architecture. From the dining room, the giant glass clock opens onto the Seine, revealing one of Paris’s most poetic views.

It’s the ideal spot for a simple yet elegant lunch or a quick bite before diving back into the collections.

© Angelina_Paris
 

LES OMBRES AT THE MUSÉE DU QUAY BRANLY : A DINNER WITH THE EIFFEL TOWER

The Musée du Quai Branly is a tribute to the richness of world arts and civilizations. Its rooftop restaurant, Les Ombres, is a spectacle in itself. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Paris, with the Eiffel Tower standing majestically, almost within reach.

Did you know its name is inspired by the play of daylight filtering through the glass roof, casting shadows of the steel structure? By night, the illuminated Eiffel Tower becomes the magical backdrop to an unforgettable dinner. On the plate, contemporary and creative cuisine combines seasonal produce with international inspiration, echoing the museum’s collections.

Whether for an elegant lunch or a romantic dinner, Les Ombres transforms your cultural visit into a sensory experience, blending art, architecture, and gastronomy.

 

THE JACQUEMART-ANDRÉ CAFÉ : A TEAROOM IN A HISTORIC MANSION

The Musée Jacquemart-André is a hidden gem, set in the former residence of 19th-century collectors Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. Behind its Haussmann façade, visitors discover opulent salons, Renaissance masterpieces, and exclusive temporary exhibitions.

Its café is one of the most elegant tearooms in Paris. Located in the couple’s former dining room, it preserves wood paneling, frescoes, and period tapestries, immersing guests in the aristocratic atmosphere of the era.

Here you can enjoy refined pastries, light salads, or a famous weekend brunch. A perfect address to extend your museum visit in a more intimate setting, where every detail recalls the elegance of another age.

 

CAFÉ DU PETIT PALAIS : A HIDDEN OASIS IN THE HEART OF PARIS

How about a visit to one of the most secret cafés in the capital? The Petit Palais, the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, houses collections spanning from Antiquity to modern art. But it also hides one of the city’s most enchanting cafés: the Café du Petit Palais.

Nestled in the heart of the inner garden, sheltered from the bustle of the Champs-Élysées, the café sets its tables around a mosaic-adorned pond and elegant colonnades. On sunny days, the terrace becomes a haven of peace, perfect for a simple lunch or an afternoon coffee, surrounded by palm trees and flowers.

This discreet address charms both museum visitors and Parisians in search of calm. Stopping here feels like discovering a secret side of Paris.

© Petit Palais
 

CAFÉ DE L'ORANGERIE - A JEWEL IN THE HEART OF THE TUILERIES

After admiring Monet’s sublime Water Lilies, what could be better than a break at the Café de l'Orangerie? Located inside the museum, in the heart of the Tuileries Gardens, this café invites you to continue your visit in a serene atmosphere. Large bay windows, garden views, and minimalist design make it as elegant as it is peaceful.

The menu features gourmet salads, fresh pastries, and delicate viennoiseries, accompanied by coffee, tea, or fresh juice. It’s the perfect spot to chat, browse an exhibition catalog, or simply admire the greenery beyond the glass walls. A discreet stop in a bright, airy setting, just steps away from Impressionist masterpieces.

 

CAFÉ DU MUSÉE RODIN : A PAUSE AMONG THE SCULPTURES

A short walk from Les Invalides, the Musée Rodin is as captivating for its collections as for its garden — a true green haven dotted with the sculptor’s most famous works. In the middle of this poetic setting lies the museum café, an intimate and charming retreat.

Take a seat in the shade of rose bushes, surrounded by The Thinker, The Burghers of Calais, or The Gates of Hell. The menu offers fresh salads, homemade quiches, and pastries — ideal for a light lunch or an outdoor afternoon tea.

Far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, the Musée Rodin café invites you to slow down and enjoy a moment of contemplation, where art and nature come together.

 

So tell us — which of these Paris museum cafés will you choose to make your visit unforgettable?