I was surprised to read in the Eurostar magazine that parisians are now becoming addicted to the coffee shop experience à la Starbucks - and that Parisian coffee is now as seen as a bit deficient, because I’ve always considered French coffee pretty good.

But on my second day I was shocked by the dishwater dregs I was being served up in the Carrousel du Louvre and even, shock horror, in Fauchon.

But then I clicked as to what is wrong with French coffee.

A traditional “café” or “petit café” is served in a cup slightly bigger than an espresso cup and is fairly strong, but nothing like an Italian espresso (you know the kind that you get where it looks like someone already drank it).  In fact I’d say it’s halfway between an American black coffee and an Italian espresso.

In the mornings many people will have a “crème” or “café crème” which is the same coffee with milk - often served in the south of France in a coffee bowl (but rarely in Paris).

(Ooh, before I carry on I’d just like to add that my ideal coffee is a Caffe Nero regular latte - which has two shots of strong espresso, or failing that a Starbucks cappuccino.)  So, getting back to Paris, now that places have added Italian coffees to their menus - lattes, cappuccinos, etc. I think what they are actually doing is making these type of coffees with a French “café” rather than a strong espresso - which is probably why most lattes and cappuccinos taste like dishwater.  (Although if you like a Starbucks latte you might like these - no judgement!)

I also think that the coffee in our hotel was just so good that it kind of made every other coffee taste washed out!

Personally I would now stick to ordering a “café” or a “petit café” or, if you like milk, a “crème”.  The café frappé we ordered in a generic French café was also rather good, but it is a far cry from a frappuccino and definitely unsuitable for my niece who ordered it - it’s actually a long black coffee with lots of sugar and ice.  Very tasty but probably not that great for me on top of the grand crème I’d already ordered.

The cost of coffee seems to have also shot up.  I remember paying a few francs for a coffee - less than 50p - now you’re looking at €3-4 for even a basic coffee in a café - although at Le Flore en L’Ile your €3.50 coffee does come with a plate of chocolate truffles - so worth it!