Paris has long been associated with cafés, yet the modern coffee shop culture—similar to what we see today in cities like New York, London, or Melbourne—is a surprisingly recent development in France.
Traditionally, Parisians drank a quick, strong espresso (pronounced “expresso” in French) standing at the bar counter. These coffees were often sharp or sour in taste, and the focus was on speed rather than experience. For decades, this model dominated everyday coffee drinking in France.
However, the situation has changed rapidly in recent years. Since 2010, the number of coffee shops in France has increased by approximately 74%, with growth accelerating significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a clear shift in consumer expectations and urban lifestyle.
From Function to Experience
Until very recently, thoughtfully designed coffee shops were rare in Paris. According to architect Julien Sebban, who designed the popular Café Nuances, the real transformation began only after 2020–2021. Before that, Paris had very few cafés that combined quality coffee with modern interiors and a contemporary atmosphere.
Today, Parisians increasingly expect more than just a cup of coffee. Interior design, comfort, and visual appeal have become essential. Customers want spaces that feel current, welcoming, and worth spending time in—not places that feel frozen in the 1980s. Coffee is now as much about experience as it is about taste.
International Influence
A notable feature of this new wave is the strong presence of foreign entrepreneurs. Many of the newer coffee shops are run by Colombians, Americans, Koreans, and Mediterranean collectives. Examples include Colombian-run cafés like Flor de Café, American projects such as Bob’s Café, and Korean-inspired spaces like The Coffee.
This international influence has enriched menus and brewing styles but has also raised prices. A cappuccino in a modern Parisian coffee shop can now cost €6–8, reflecting both rising standards and higher operating costs.
Creativity as Survival
To stand out in a competitive market, coffee shops in Paris are becoming increasingly creative. Some cafés now double as cultural spaces:
Jörro Kaffé includes a podcast recording studio.
FCC hosts live DJ sets.
Café Pli offers a unique concept where customers can write a letter to themselves, to be delivered five years later.
A City Transformed
Just as there is “Paris before COVID and Paris after COVID,” there is also a clear divide between traditional café culture and today’s modern coffee shop movement. The transformation reflects broader social changes—global influence, visual culture, and the desire for meaningful, well-designed public spaces.
For visitors and coffee lovers alike, the message is simple: good coffee in Paris today is no longer found everywhere by chance. One must seek out dedicated coffee shops—but the reward is a richer, more contemporary experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment