When you think of Versailles, the Palace of Versailles and its breathtaking gardens likely come to mind. But did you know that this historic city has more to offer than royal opulence — explore the coffee culture in Versailles, where modern café vibes blend seamlessly with centuries-old coffee traditions.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect flat white, indulging in a buttery croissant, or searching for a cozy café with Wi-Fi in Versailles to upload your travel photos, this charming city boasts an array of coffee spots to suit every taste.
From hidden gems near the Palace of Versailles to trendy cafés loved by locals, here’s your guide to discovering the best cafés in Versailles and the fascinating history of how coffee became part of the royal and local experience.
Coffee Traditions at the Court of Versailles
Did the Kings of France Drink Coffee?
Yes, they did!
Coffee was introduced to France in the 17th century and quickly became a royal favorite.
Did you know that Louis XIV (1638-1715) even cultivated his own beans?
On the grounds of the Versailles Palace, the Sun King grew coffee plants in greenhouses, handpicked the beans, roasted them, and ground them himself.
He took great pride in serving his coffee to guests at the palace in elaborate ceremonies, as a way to display wealth and sophistication.
In 1714, Louis XIV received a coffee tree from the Dutch for Paris’s Royal Botanical Garden, the Jardin des Plantes. This gift, grown successfully on the island of Java, sparked the king’s interest in introducing coffee cultivation to the French colonies.
Louis entrusted a clipping of the tree to Gabriel Mathieu de Clieu, a young naval officer bound for Martinique. The journey was perilous: the ship faced pirate attacks, a violent storm, and a severe drought. Water became so scarce that de Clieu shared his limited supply with the fragile coffee cutting. Against all odds, the plant survived, and upon its arrival, it flourished under armed guard.
The result?
Within 50 years, that single coffee plant led to the growth of over 18 million coffee trees in the Americas, revolutionizing coffee cultivation worldwide.
How Did They Drink Coffee in the Court of Versailles?
Unlike our modern customs and coffee traditions where we drink from a cup, in the 18th century, they drank their hot beverages a bit differently.
Look closely at the paintings below and you will be surprised: coffee is not drunk in the cup but… in the saucer.
Look a bit closer at the painting above, “The Penthièvre Family Drinking Chocolate” by Jean-Baptiste Charpentier. The guy sitting second from the left in the photo above illustrates this custom.
But why drink hot beverages from a saucer?
Coffee was prepared “Turkish style”. That is to say, water was boiled with ground coffee. To cool the beverage and avoid swallowing the grounds, the coffee was poured into the saucer, the edges of which were very high.
This method of drinking from saucers was not unique to France. In England, for example, it was considered polite to drink coffee from the saucer. The wide, shallow design of the saucer allowed the liquid to cool more quickly, making it more comfortable to drink.
Over time, as coffee preparation methods evolved and the design of cups and saucers changed, the practice of drinking from saucers diminished. Today, it is largely a historical curiosity, reflecting the unique customs of a bygone era.
So, while you sip your café allongé in Versailles, imagine the court pouring theirs into elegant saucers. It’s a quirky yet fascinating piece of coffee history.
When to Order What: Coffee Culture in Versailles
I had always assumed that the variety of coffee drinks in France was all about personal taste—if you like cream in your coffee, you order a café crème. If you prefer it black, you go for an espresso. Simple, right?
Wrong. Like many aspects of French culture, it’s more nuanced. In fact, most French brasseries don’t even include coffee on the menu—you’re just expected to know the options.
And here’s the kicker: the French choose their coffee based on the time of day. Want to master the coffee culture in Versailles (or anywhere in France)? Here’s what I’ve learned about when and what to order to blend in.
- Café Crème or une crème │ Espresso with steamed milk. It’s generally ordered in the morning and very often taken with a croissant. The milk helps neutralize the pH or acidity level of coffee, making it easier on an empty stomach.
- Café au lait │ Coffee with heated milk. Also a morning favorite, often paired with a croissant, with similar benefits in lowering acidity.
- Un café or un espresso │ Espresso is a concentrated coffee served in “shots,” made by forcing hot water through finely ground beans. It’s generally ordered after a meal or on its own in the late afternoon.
- Un déca │ This is decaffeinated espresso. Like its caffeinated counterpart, it’s taken after a meal or in the late afternoon.
- Une noisette │ A hazelnut-colored espresso with just a touch of milk. As my French friend explained, “If you can’t bear a full coffee in the afternoon, order a noisette – it’s far more chic than a café crème.”
- Un café allongé or un café Américain │ Essentially, this is an espresso with added hot water, creating a larger, milder coffee. It’s the closest thing to American drip coffee and varies in strength depending on the number of espresso shots and water added.
Whether you’re seeking the full French experience or just looking to blend in at a Parisian café, knowing when and how to order your coffee is half the charm.
Of course, there’s always an exception—specialty coffee shops are becoming increasingly popular in France. These spots often have detailed menus and a broader selection of drinks, catering to a more modern, global coffee culture. However, in traditional brasseries and restaurants, the unwritten rules of French coffee culture still reign supreme.
Best Cafés in Versailles
Plan Ahead!
Here’s a tip: Many cafés in Versailles close on Mondays, the same day the palace is closed. Be sure to check online or call ahead to confirm hours before heading out to avoid any disappointment. And there you have it – the ultimate guide to coffee culture in Versailles!
The Stray Bean
📍 6 rue Royale, 78000 Versailles
If you’re craving a bit of home, The Stray Bean is the place to be. Run by Chris, an Australian expat, this café specializes in flat whites, cold brews, matcha, and other expertly brewed specialty coffees. The vibe is welcoming and laid-back, making it a great place to recharge after exploring the palace. Don’t skip the homemade scones or brookies (brownies+cookies).
And for littles, order either one of their supreme babyccinos or hot chocolate. This is truly one of my favorite cafés in Versailles. I can always expect to run into friends here.
Cool Beans
📍 11 Rue Philippe de Dangeau, 78000 Versailles
Cool Beans feels like a classic American coffee shop – right in the heart of Versailles. With creamy lattes, freshly baked pastries, and free Wi-Fi, it’s perfect for travelers needing a cozy spot to plan their next adventure.
This is a great cafe if you’re into community. The downstairs area has a wall full of board games to play. They also host lots of local events. Check out their website to see what’s going on.
Librairie La Suite
📍 3 Rue Louis le Vau, 78000 Versailles
Love books? This Versailles café-meets-bookstore is the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing. Order a cappuccino, pick up a novel or a travel guide, and enjoy the relaxing ambiance. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger—ideal for anyone who loves the slower pace of European life.
Les Biscuits de Madame Georges
📍 7 rue des Deux Portes, 78000 Versailles
This charming little tea salon is a delightful step back in time. With vintage décor and homemade biscuits, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon treat. Pair your coffee with one of their signature pastries and enjoy a moment of nostalgia in a cozy, welcoming space.
The Waldorf Astoria – Trianon Palace Versailles
📍 1 Boulevard de la Reine, 78000 Versailles
For a touch of luxury, head to the Waldorf Astoria’s chic lounge. This is where you can sip a perfectly made espresso or cappuccino while soaking in views of the palace gardens. The elegant setting makes it a standout for anyone wanting a more refined coffee break—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
