Forget Starbucks, Here's the Real Guide to Coffee in the 7th,

Starbucks is iconic in 'Merica, but in Europe, not so much.  The beans are known to be a tad over-roasted, resulting in the "burnt" flavor thats not to everybody's gout. This past year, they announced plans to expand 650 franchises in continental Europe in the next couple of years--possibly attracting many tourists and locals.

But while you're in the cradle of coffee culture, why not try something new? I challenge you to try these and then see if you still want that nonfat-grande-cafe-latte-with-hazelnut-syrup.

Find some dope alternatives to Starbucks listed from close proximity to campus to a 20 minute maximum walk away, and check out the map below:

Tabac de l'Université:

The closest café to Combes (besides the Amex) is a great place to to experience more traditional parisian atmosphere.  Sit by the bar and practice your french with one of the locals.  The crowd is a bit older, but they love students.  If you dig the simple stuff, you can walk straight to the bar to get your café crème for 2€.  It's also great for people watching.  Observe your more-basic peers as they straggle on by to class as you smile and sip on your delicious coffee and bite into the crisp pain au chocolat that they serve before noon. This is an all-around fun café to become a regular at.  

Mamy Crêpe: ‪

One of the biggest problems with the AirFrance building is the lack of surrounding coffee outlets. Not anymore! Tucked away on Rue Surcouf lies Mamy Crêpe, where you can get a cappucino for 3€ and a sandwich (or a crêpe) for 5€.

Le Cairn

On the way to the library and find yourself craving a soy latte?  Stop by Le Cairn, it's even open on Saturdays! For the same price as a Starbucks mocha, you can get a mocha made with rich, organic chocolate.  They not only offer a soy milk option but also sell naturopathic herbal medicine to relax and stimulate your immune system, all made from organic products.  The employees speak English, but are also willing to help you practice your French. 

Kozy

A good pick-me-up as you're walking to and from metro École Militaire to campus. The free wifi, comfortable couches, and service until 7 pm make for a decent study sesh. They also offer a Menu Etudiant that offers various combinations of meals, from brunch to lunch. If one of the baristas winks at you, don't get flustered...that's just his thing.

Terres de Café

If you're feeling cultured and are itching to experience gourmet coffee, Terres de Café on on Avenue de la Bourdonnais is a great place to check out. The dark walls and wooden countertops create a rustic-modern vibe, great for a mid-day break. Pick up some homemade pumpkin bread, or you can get a cappucino for 4€.

Amex

Then, there's always the comfortable, jovial, Amex.  My personal favorites are the dirty chai with a shot of vanilla and the latte with hazelnut syrup. David is always open to suggestions and new concoctions if you are polite and ask when he's not too busy. (In case you're wondering who got the Dirty Chai on the menu in the first place...it was me). There is even a possibility of serving Matcha Tea Lattes in the future. 

So this holiday season, do yourself a flavor and become a true coffee fanatic.

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