Stepping into La Charlotte de l’Isle is like entering a warm and cosy chocolate dream filled with unexpected delights.

Founded in 1972, this curiosity shop of sorts is still run by the same owner, a chocolate artist who creates chocolate figurines, cakes and other goodies in her magical kitchen.

Part tearoom, part chocolate shop, the place is also known for its antique chocolate molds, marionette shows, and impromptu musical performances.

It is especially reputed for its smooth, velvety hot chocolate.

Here’s what the New York Times says about it:

“(…) absolutely favorite place for hot chocolate is La Charlotte de l’Isle, a cluttered, almost alarmingly charming little cafe on the Île St-Louis run by a flamboyant woman of a certain age who could probably tell great stories of la vie de bohème after a carafe or two of wine. Rich, bittersweet, dreamily good, hers is the absinthe of hot chocolate.”

La Charlotte de l’Isle is only open from Thursday through Sunday, and only in the afternoon, so be sure to plan ahead.

La Charlotte de l’Isle
24, rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle, 75004 Paris
Tel. +33 (0)1 43 54 25 83
Métro: Pont-Marie
Hours: Thurs. to Sun. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.