Coffee in France

If you travel to the Hexagon you may be surprised to see that coffee in France is a little different then what you may be used to drinking. For one thing, it is usually fairly strong - not as strong as an Italian espresso but certainly stronger then the average cup of American Joe.

When you are served coffee in France, don't expect a large mug full either. The coffee will most likely be served in small, demitasse cups and, given its strength, this may be all you need. Sugar will be offered, but milk frequently is not. Not that a French host will object to you using a little milk - they just don't think to offer it.

How do they make their coffee at home?

Drip coffee machine. Called a cafetière, these are fairly common, although the trend is definitely towards home espresso machines.

Stovetop espresso brewer. Commonly called a moka pot, you will find these in the housewares section of even small grocery stores in France.

French press. Despite its name, this way of making coffee is not necessarily a French invention. It is however a very popular and economical way to brew a cup of coffee that tastes very close to what you get when you go to a French café.

Electric espresso maker. - Judging by what's available in the local French supermarket, I'd say these are the fastest growing segment of the coffee machine market in France. (The undeniable charm of George Clooney may have more to do with this then we imagine.)

What sort of coffee do they use?

Judging once again by what's available in the French supermarket, most French people are not grinding their own beans. If it isn't packaged in "dosettes" to feed an electric espresso maker, the coffee generally comes vacuum packed in 250 gram units. Almost all of the coffee available like this is fairly finely ground, although there are some packages of whole beans as well.

You can purchase 100 percent Arabica coffee in the supermarket. Although it may be somewhat higher in price, some people think it makes a superior tasting cup of coffee. Most of the coffee drank in France though is a blend of Robusta and Arabica.

Ordering coffee in France

You may not have coffee in a French home, but if you travel to France you will surely have the opportunity to order coffee in a café. You can also order coffee in most any bar (indeed the distinction between a café and a bar is fuzzy at times). Where ever you are, the names of the various coffee drinks stay somewhat the same. (There are regional differences, but for the purposes of this article we'll stick to the Parisian terms, which should work fairly well anywhere in France).

Un Café - A demitasse cup of espresso strength coffee.

Un Double - Twice the amount of the same coffee.

Un Crème - An espresso strength coffee with cream (or possibly milk - it depends upon the café)

Une Noissette - Once again this is an espresso, but there is just a hint of cream or milk floating on top.

Café au Lait - Coffee mixed about half and half with hot milk. Many times the hot milk is served on the side.

Café Léger or Café Allongé - Regular strength coffee that has been watered down.

Café Americaine - This is filtered coffee, similar to what you get from a drip machine.

When is coffee drank in France?

In the morning? Certainly. After lunch? Yes again. Even in the evening, you will see French people enjoying a cup of espresso after a meal. I don't know how they can do it and sleep. I used to think they were all drinking decaf, but many times this isn't even available in restaurants. I don't go there, but you may like to. Part of your personal French coffee experience.

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