1. Grand Crème

My all-time favorite is “Un Grand Crème.” It is espresso with steamed milk and is heavenly served in a large(ish) cup. 

2.  Crème

If you prefer something a bit smaller just ask for “Un Crème”.

3. Café au Lait

A Café-au-Lait is basically brewed, filtered coffee with milk. It is often served at breakfast. 

4. Café Noir

If you want black coffee ask for Café Noir. It will be small, dark and strong.

5. Allongé

If it is too small, too dark, and too strong ask for a Café Allongé.

Pronounced, “allonjay” it is literally a coffee “elongated” with water. Cute, oui?

6. Café Americain

“Un Café americain” is a filtered coffee, similar to what Americans drank before Starbucks came along.

7. Noisette

Un Café Noisette (kaf-ay nwah-zett) is small espresso with a splash of hot milk in it.  “Noisette” is French for hazelnut and is used to describe the color of the coffee, not the taste. It also alludes to the size – it’s small.

You can also just ask for “une noisette” or “une petite noisette”.

By the way, if you happen to be at a train station, there is usually a great coffee spot right there in the waiting area.  And between you and the server behind the counter, you may see a beautiful display of freshly baked pastries. These too, are yummy.

Not a coffee drinker?

Tea is “Thé”: pronounced “tay.” This is a bit of a gamble in France, as it can be delivered with lemon, or hot milk or just a tea bag with hot water. Very often you will get Earl Grey, even if you didn’t ask for it.

If you prefer herbal tea, ask for “Une Tisane.”

If you would like something cool, refreshing and caffeine-free we often have a Peri-pêche, which is a delightful combination of Perrier water and a dash of peach syrup.

Enjoy!