Our Top 5 Best Places to Work from in Paris

Whether you’re on vacation in Paris or are traveling while freelancing as you go, sometimes work demands that you pay attention, and pay attention right now. So, where best to go and enjoy the city while also being productive? As a freelance writer living and working in Paris, I often just need to get out and away from my desk, and I do have a few favorite places to go with my laptop or notebook and work away from home.

These are my top spots to work in Paris, each with its own draw.

Top 5 places to work from in Paris

1. Parc Monceau
2. Café de Flore
3. Le Laptop
4. Starbucks Capucines
5. Le Pavillon des Canaux

1. Parc Monceau

When you work from home, occasionally you just need some green, a breath of fresh air, a change of scenery. I’m lucky to have Parc Monceau nearby. Barely known to visitors, it’s full of locals exercising, playing with their kids, picnicking on the grass, or sitting on one of the many benches with a book.

There’s a great little kiosk that serves good coffee and snacks, perfect for a break. And if you need the internet, the city of Paris has long made free Wi-Fi available in public spaces, parks included. Log into Paris Wi-Fi, and you’re ready to go. 

Parc Monceau
35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris
Metro Monceau

2. Café de Flore

Sometimes I don’t need to tap away at my laptop, but simply wait for inspiration to strike or maybe mull things over. For that, I go to Café de Flore. This café was once frequented by writers and as well as being inspirational, it’s also perfect for people-watching while letting your mind and thoughts wander. But don’t bring your laptop and expect to get much done on the terrace — I find the captivating people walking past too distracting to do ‘real’ work.

Café de Flore
172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Metro Saint-Germain-des-Prés

3. Le Laptop

Usually co-working places expect you to take out monthly memberships, and unless you really can’t work from home, that requires a lot of dedication to make it worthwhile. Le Laptop however, offers a daily rate of 25€, and for that you can spend the day working in one of the colorful chairs, at a standing desk, on a comfy sofa, or at a more sensible table; there’s also a meeting room you can rent and you can even book a yoga class there if/when you need a break. Coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and Wi-Fi are included in the price. Perfect for a day in an office.

Le Laptop
6 Rue Arthur Rozier, 75019 Paris
Metro Place des Fêtes

4. Starbucks Capucines

I feel quite sheepish to be including a Starbucks in this list, as I don’t like their coffee at all. But, not only is this Starbucks simply spectacular, making you feel like you are sitting inside the Palais Garnier, but the chain of coffee shops is also famous for allowing you to spend hours in a corner working away, lingering over a single coffee — or peppermint tea in my case — without ever harassing you or giving you dirty looks. Plus, the Wi-Fi is free and the cheesecake is quite good!

Be warned though; this place can get packed!

Starbucks Capucines
3 Boulevard des Capucines, 75002 Paris
Metro Opéra

5. Le Pavillon des Canaux

When I want to combine work with a walk, I tend to hop over to the Bassin de la Villette, the extension of the Canal Saint-Martin. The canal is great to walk along and is full of fabulous street art. Near the end of the basin stands the cute little Pavillon des Canaux, a house that’s been converted into a literal a home away from home: a café-restaurant with different rooms, homey décor, comfy chairs, homemade cookies, healthy meals, and a terrace outside.

You can sit here and work in the morning and afternoon, but take note — laptops aren’t allowed during lunchtime (12-2:30pm). If you’re inspired by the food, they also organize cooking classes.

Le Pavillon des Canaux
39 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris
Metro Laumière