As the sun returns, Paris finds its rhythm again. Terraces come back to life, cafés turn into both social hubs and postcard-worthy backdrops, and a few spots are already standing out as the season’s go-to destinations. Here’s a roundup of the spots to try before everyone else.
Bonjour Jacob, the most Instagrammable coffee shop in Paris
With the return of milder temperatures, Bonjour Jacob naturally reclaims its place among the capital’s most sought-after cafés. Located between République and the Canal Saint-Martin, just opposite the La Montgolfière gym and next to the Walk in Paris store, the venue forms a kind of golden triangle for content creation all on its own.
Here, the Parisian crowd gathers from early morning. You’ll spot some of the city’s most followed influencers filming their latest content, matcha latte in hand, between workout sessions. But Bonjour Jacob is more than just a photogenic hot spot. People also come to flip through magazines, catch up on the latest trends, or simply enjoy a coffee break in a setting that feels almost like a moodboard of the Paris creative scene. A special mention goes to the wide selection of plant-based milks, now a true hallmark for regulars of the capital’s coffee shops.
Le Cornichon, the trendiest brasserie
A period-style brasserie, a menu that keeps things simple, and an address right in the heart of the 11th district: Le Cornichon has established itself in less than two years as the new hotspot for the fashion crowd. Zinc bar, small, tiled floors, a pinball machine at the back. Every element of the classic neighborhood bistro is present. And yet, something has changed. The usual clientele seems to have given way to a new generation of more fashion-forward Parisians, turning the place into both a go-to lunch spot and an evening meeting point.
At lunchtime, people stop by for a quick meal between meetings. In the evening, the atmosphere turns more intimate, making it ideal for a date. The paper tablecloths on which you can draw with Crayola, add a delightfully playful touch. With the arrival of sunny days, its sliding windows become one of its greatest assets, letting in that soft spring breeze.
Désirée Fleurs : The florist café
Désirée Fleurs is probably one of the most charming spots right now. The only place where you can walk in empty-handed and leave with an impromptu bouquet. Open in the morning and at lunchtime, this café florist is bursting with color. Of course in the flowers, but also on the plates. Here, seasonality guides both the floral arrangements and the menu. The venue proudly embraces a real commitment to the “return of locally grown flowers,” with particular attention paid to French producers and the horticultural world.
Its slogan, “you come, we sow,” perfectly captures the spirit of the place. More than just a café, the address embraces a committed approach, highlighting local supply chains and the work of producers. People come here for tea, coffee, or weekend brunch and often return for a bouquet workshop.
Two spots to remember: 5 rue de la Folie-Méricourt in the 11th district, and 96 rue de Meaux in the 19th district.
Lithium : the café radio to take with you everywhere.
Located on Rue Saint-Blaise, one of the most charming pedestrian streets in the 20th district, Lithium is already emerging as one of the cultural gems of the spring. Opened just a few months ago, the venue takes on a whole new dimension with the arrival of sunny days. Its terrace quickly becomes a go-to spot, while the seats by the glass roof are perfect for soaking up light and vitamin D.
But what makes Lithium stand out is its musical programming. From day to night, on-site or to go, the venue broadcasts a carefully curated selection by its team, inviting some of the best of the Paris scene and already far beyond, behind the decks. Between DJ sets, shows, and musical anecdotes, Lithium is more than just a café; it’s a true cultural frequency.
People come first for the music and stay for its reasonably priced menu and distinctive atmosphere. An address that already seems well on its way to becoming a key hub of Parisian culture.
6 rue Saint Blaise, 75020 Paris.
Print, the new three-storey cultural venue.
Just a few streets away from Lithium, Print is now drawing crowds. After a notable debut in Arles last summer during the Rencontres de la Photographie, Print is now taking over a 3,000 m² building in the 20th district. For three months, this new hybrid venue aims to bring together gastronomy, music, photography, and celebration.
Born from a collaboration between chef Alexis Bijaoui, the Cracki Records collective, and the Bureau Classico agency, Print is conceived as a living space where each floor tells a different story. The program includes a record shop, a lineup of concerts, release parties, and curated carte blanche events that shape the evenings. Across two floors, photographic exhibitions extend the experience around the theme “The Office.” On the food side, the same sense of immediacy prevails: the menu evolves in sync with the programming, through collaborations and four-hands cuisine.
A multifaceted venue that perfectly captures the energy of East Paris in springtime.
26 rue sorbier, 75020 Paris.
