These Are My Favorite Coffee Shops to Work At in Paris

From a creative writer

Real remote work in Paris is 20% espresso, 80% choosing the right café.

Working remote in Paris isn’t exactly like in the U.S. There’s an unspoken etiquette. You might picture sitting at a little table on a cobblestone terrace as you jot down your next great memoir idea on a notepad. But real-life isn’t always that aesthetic.

Sometimes it’s just…needing Wi-Fi and a plug.

But, I’ve found a few spots that manage to hit both: practical and poetic. I only share these with friends and family (mostly because I am not an influencer and I am sure there are plenty of great guides out there) But I have lived in the 9th for years and keep up pretty adamantly with the coffee scene.

After living in the 9th for years, I’ve developed a mental formula:

Tall enough tables
Chill baristas
Plugs (the holy grail)
A decent drink menu
Not too loud, not too silent

Here’s where I go when I need to write, edit, or just stare out the window and pretend I’m the main character.

My Routine

I usually pack my laptop, headphones, and a journal, and rotate between a café and working from home depending on my vibe. Life here is less about productivity and more about feeling creative. I usually try to read books at a park or church steps if I want to be outside.

These boundaries makes work and enjoyment feel balanced in my life, and every day here can be a part of the adventure.

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The Shops

1. Papillote – 15 Rue Chaptal, 75009

Tucked away a few streets over from Moulin Rouge, this one feels like a little community cocoon. The baristas are chill (and speak English), there’s no pressure to rush. No one’s judging your laptop stickers. Bonus: the coffee and alternatives (kombucha, cookies, and really good savory plates) are very good.

2. Loutsa Torrefacteur Passage Jouffroy–10 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009

This place is tucked away in my secret favorite passage way. I’ve never seen it crowded and the coffee is roasted in house. Plugs galore and great for working solo or a meeting.

3. Café Pigale – 9 Rue Frochot, 75009

This one’s for the serious café-hoppers. The vibe is more Brooklyn-meets-Paris, with minimalist decor and a rotation of digital nomads and artistic freelancers. You can work next door in the hotel lobby as well.

4. KB Coffee Roasters – 53 Avenue Trudaine, 75009

A classic. Great terrace, strong coffee, and good energy. You’ll find people in every corner—from American students working on essays to French creatives storyboarding short films. It is often busy on the weekends, but you probably shouldn’t be working anyway. I come here when I want to feel inspired and focused, and somehow…cool?

5. Torré – 52 rue Lafayette, 75009

A new one! This opened in February and is owned by the nicest Brazilian man. There is plenty of room inside and outside (when the weather is nice) and the treats are all homemade. I love the energy in this place. I love that no one really knows about it yet.

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Even your to-do list can feel romantic if you read it in cursive at a café window.

So if you’re visiting—or living here—and wondering where to go to get stuff done (and maybe fall a little more in love with your life), these spots are a good place to start.