Yes, you can get iced coffee in France, but it's generally less common and might not be as widely available as in countries with a stronger iced coffee culture, such as the United States. While traditional French cafés typically focus on hot espresso-based drinks, modern coffee shops, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas, are increasingly offering cold coffee options.
The French Coffee Landscape
France boasts a rich and deeply ingrained coffee culture, traditionally centered around small, strong espresso-based beverages enjoyed hot. A classic French coffee experience usually involves a quick café (espresso) at the bar or a leisurely café crème at a table. This cultural preference for hot coffee, often seen as a social ritual, historically meant that iced coffee was not a standard menu item.
However, with globalization and the influence of international coffee chains and specialty coffee shops, tastes are evolving. Younger generations and visitors often seek out cold coffee options, leading to increased availability, especially during warmer months.
Finding Your Café Glacé
If you do find a place offering this refreshing option, it will typically be referred to as café glacé. Its availability can vary significantly from one establishment to another.
Where to Look
To increase your chances of finding iced coffee, focus your search in specific types of venues:
- Major Cities: Cities like Paris, Nice, Marseille, and Lyon have a more diverse culinary scene and are more likely to cater to international preferences.
- Tourist-Heavy Areas: Cafés in popular tourist destinations often adapt their menus to accommodate international visitors.
- Modern & Specialty Coffee Shops: Look for independent, artisanal coffee shops or international chains. These establishments often pride themselves on offering a wider range of preparations beyond traditional French options.
- Cafes Near Universities: Areas frequented by students may also offer more contemporary drink choices.
- During Summer Months: Iced coffee is naturally more popular when the weather is warm, so you'll find it more readily available from late spring through early autumn.
What to Expect
The style of café glacé can differ from what you might be accustomed to. It might not always be the large, milky concoction found elsewhere. Often, a café glacé might be a shot of espresso poured over ice, sometimes with the option to add milk (lait) or syrup (sirop) separately. Some places might offer a pre-prepared, sweeter version, while others might even include a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat.
How to Order Iced Coffee in France
When ordering, knowing the correct terminology will be helpful:
Customizing Your Order
- Un café glacé, s'il vous plaît: This is the most straightforward way to ask for an iced coffee.
- Avec du lait, s'il vous plaît: If you'd like milk with your iced coffee.
- Avec du sucre/sirop: To request sugar or syrup, which may not be automatically provided.
- Un café glacé déca, s'il vous plaît: If you prefer your iced coffee decaffeinated, simply add "déca" to your order.
Alternatives to Iced Coffee
If a café glacé isn't available or doesn't meet your expectations, France offers several other refreshing cold beverages:
Popular Cold Drinks
- Thé glacé (Iced Tea): Often homemade and served unsweetened, or available in pre-packaged varieties.
- Chocolat froid (Cold Chocolate): A rich and creamy cold beverage, especially popular in winter but also available cold.
- Jus de fruits (Fruit Juices): Freshly squeezed or bottled juices are widely available.
- Sodas: Popular soft drinks are universally available.
- Eau gazeuse (Sparkling Water) or Eau plate (Still Water): Often served chilled with a slice of lemon.
French Coffee Terminology Guide
To help navigate the French coffee scene, here's a quick guide to common coffee orders:
| French Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Un Café | A shot of espresso (the most common "coffee") |
| Un Café Glacé | Iced coffee (less common, but increasingly available) |
| Un Café Long | An espresso with more hot water (similar to an Americano) |
| Un Café Américain | A long espresso topped with hot water, often served in a larger cup. |
| Un Café Crème | Espresso with foamed milk (similar to a latte or cappuccino) |
| Un Café au Lait | Coffee with hot milk, typically served in a bowl for breakfast. |
| Un Déca | Decaffeinated coffee (e.g., un café déca) |
Finding iced coffee in France requires a bit more intentional searching than in some other countries, but it's certainly possible, particularly in urban and tourist-friendly areas. Knowing to ask for a café glacé will significantly enhance your chances of enjoying this cool beverage during your visit.
