Tea Rooms of Le Printemps department store in Paris

April 19, 9:44 AMFrench Culture and Travel ExaminerChristina Rebuffet-Broadus

In Le Printemps Haussmann, at 64, boulevard Haussmann in Paris' 9th arrondissement (district), two celestial tea rooms serve coffee, old fashioned hot chocolate, and a dizzying selection of the best of France's sugary creations.

• Angelina

This classic tea room serves surely one of the most heavenly hot chocolates in the French capital, despite its politically incorrect "L'Africain" name. The other house specialty, the "Mont Blanc," a crisp meringue served with freshly whipped cream and chestnut cream spirals shows the culinary ingenuity that goes into Angelina's sweet creations.

• Restaurant Laduree

This Napoleon III style restaurant and tea room on Le Printemp's 1st floor offers light and quick lunch fare, but also afternoon tea and gourmet snacks. Their macaroons (nothing like the American coconut creation) have helped build the reputation of Laduree as just one facet of the French gastronomic art de vivre. The decoration alone and the delicate displays of French pastries offer a subtle lesson on French refinement.

Both tea rooms offer classic French sweets in old fashioned elegance. But, if you're looking for more substantial fare during your shopping at Le Printemps, you can also sample what's on offer at the deli and sandwich shops or at one of the restaurants located in the department store.

Le Printemps Haussmann

64 boulevard Haussmann

75009 Paris

For more info: Visit the official site of Le Printemps Haussmann

And if you want a big, American-sized dose of caffeine, visit the Starbucks at Disneyland Resort Paris.