Coffee in France is not simply a beverage, but an experience to enjoy slowly and thoroughly.
It is deeply ingrained in their culture and there are certain “rules” when it comes to ordering your coffee.
In this article, I will discuss coffee etiquette in France, how not to be considered rude, and how to properly order a coffee.
By Andrew.
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How to Order Coffee in France: Follow These Rules
France has a long history of serving coffee to celebrities and dignitaries.
Going along with this tradition, respect is given to the customer as long as that respect is returned.
Coffee is meant to be enjoyed slowly and places offering coffee to-go are rare.
“Sur place” is the French term for enjoying your coffee in-house.
Sometimes the French even sit for hours after their coffee is finished, taking in all the sights and sounds that Paris, or whatever French city, has to offer.
You can also order a coffee at the bar and drink it standing up, which is the Italian style.
If you order coffee this way, it will cost less than ordering a coffee on the terrace.
However, ordering at the bar and then taking it out to the terrace is a big no-no.
Coffee Etiquette in France: How Not to be Considered Rude
Coffee etiquette in France has a long history and there are some traditional expectations when it comes to ordering coffee or enjoying it.
Upon entering a café, one should always say, “bonjour,” which means “hello.”
Not saying bonjour is considered very rude in France.
After saying hello and you want to order a coffee, simply say, “un café s’il vous plait,” which means, “one coffee please.”
Make sure you say please, because this adds to your politeness and makes for a smoother experience with your waiter or waitress.
By ordering “un cafe,” you will get a small cup of black espresso.
Espresso is the most commonly ordered type of coffee in France.
Types of Coffee to Order in France: Besides Espresso, What Else is There to Enjoy?
There are several other types of coffee to order in France, but usually there is not a menu at your typical café, so you will have to know off-hand what the different types are, and how to order them.
I will also tell you at what time of day each coffee is usually consumed.
Café: The Most Common Type of Coffee Consumed in France
As mentioned already, café is the most common type of coffee consumed in France.
It is served very dark and strong, and somewhat bitter.
Café is often consumed after lunch, and throughout the work day.
Café Allonge: The French Version of an Americano
If you want to order an Americano in France, tell the barista “un café allonge s’il vous plait.”
A café allonge is a tall shot of espresso with hot water on top.
If you want filtered coffee, this is the closest thing.
This type of coffee is also consumed during the work day, as it does not have milk in it. That point leads me to describe the next type of coffees in France.
Café Noisette: A Distinct Hazelnut Color
Café Noisette has a distinct hazelnut color, which is why it is named as such.
“Noisette” means hazelnut in French.
It is a single shot of espresso with just a little bit of hot, milk foam on the top.
Sometimes the milk is served separately so that the customer can add the milk to their liking.
It is almost identical to the Italian Macchiato, except for the fact that the milk can be served on the side sometimes.
Café noisette is usually enjoyed in the morning.
Café au Lait: Coffee with Milk
Café au lait is filtered coffee that included warm milk.
Sometimes it is made with espresso instead of filter coffee, which would make it identical to the café crème.
This type of coffee is most often consumed in the morning, as the milk provides some sustenance and extra energy to tackle your busy day.
Café Crème: Very Similar to a Latte or Cappuccino
Café crème is espresso with a large dollop of foamy milk on top.
If you want something like a latte or cappuccino, never order them by asking for a latte or cappuccino.
Instead, ask for a café crème.
This milky coffee is also typically enjoyed in the morning.
Is French Coffee Good?
French cafés are not usually focused on the quality of the coffee beans, but rather on the experience of relaxation and unwinding in a very calm manner.
As mentioned before, coffee in France is meant to be enjoyed slowly and thoroughly, with all of the sensory activity going on around you.
In fact, most coffee experts think that French coffee is often over-extracted and very bitter and is made from average beans. Hence the style and name, French roast coffee.
With that said, the French themselves love the coffee their country’s cafes serve, as this is the way coffee has been served for a very long time. It is part of their culture to serve strong and bitter-ish coffee.
However, there has been a recent trend of café owners to serve more tasty craft roasts.
It has not been a quick and easy transition, though.
Conclusion
Coffee etiquette is very important in France. It is deeply ingrained in the culture to order coffee in a certain way.
While the French are serious about coffee etiquette, it would seem that many coffee aficionados do not like the actual taste of French coffee.
While I tend to agree, I think coffee in France is more about the experience rather than the taste nuances of the coffee itself.
Photos by Deeezy and Taryn Elliott
