Where should I go for good French pastries in Charleston? As a Charlestonian who used to call Paris home, I get asked this question a lot. And while nothing hits like the first croissant fresh off a plane in Paris, there are some really great local, authentic options when it comes to French cafes and bakeries in Charleston.
This is probably a combined result of Charleston and France’s shared history and the fact the Holy City is now a top foodie destination. Charleston’s French influence dates back to the late 1600s and early 1700s when a large group of French Huguenots fled France and settled in this area. This French influence is still apparent in the city of Charleston’s historic architecture, and there is still a beautifully preserved French Quarter downtown (featured in my hidden alley walking tour), which is where the majority of the best French cafes are located in Charleston.
This is my curated list of the best spots to enjoy authentic French pastries and soak up some authentic French ambiance while visiting downtown Charleston, South Carolina (not to be confused with my guide to the best French restaurants in Charleston).
The 5 Best French Cafes in Charleston, South Carolina
Le Chambertin
After living in Paris, Le Chambertin strikes me as the most authentic French spot in Charleston, in part due to its simplicity, small terrace, and friendly French bulldog sleeping under the tables. I thought this even before I learned it’s owned by a Parisian couple, Fabrice Rizzo and Fabienne Docco, who opened this tiny pied-à-terre cafe just off Broad Street and sell lunch, coffee, patisserie, and imported French goods Wednesday through Sunday. Le Chambertin is named after the famous vineyard in France, and the couple wanted it to feel like dining in a small shop nestled in Burgundy, which you can tell by the warmth they exude as they welcome every customer like family, and the fact they speak in French to local residents’ kids to help them practice a foreign language.
Christophe Artisan Chocolatier
For the chocolate lovers out there, a visit to Christophe Artisan Chocolatier is a must. Christophe Paume is a third-generation French chocolatier, who grew up in his father’s pâtisserie in Toulouse, France. He met and married Carly, an American sales rep for the gourmet chocolate company he was working for, and the rest is history. Their artisan chocolates make excellent gifts, but don’t miss out on the fresh patisserie every morning.
Christophe is one of the only places in Charleston I’ll go to for authentic French baked goods after living in France, and I’m not alone – you may have to fight a downtown resident for the final fresh baked baguette of the day – totally worth the battle. Stay and eat it while sipping a hot or iced Stella (half coffee, half French drinking chocolate) on their adorably painted back patio. They also have a second location in West Ashley.
Saveurs du Monde Cafe
Saveurs du Monde Café is a popular casual breakfast and lunch spot specializing in French pastries, crepes, and coffee. I see many work meetings and coffee dates happening here, but you can also just swing by to pick up freshly baked baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat, and an array of sweet pastries made from scratch daily. The owners are French and based in Mt. Pleasant. The downtown location is along the west side of the peninsula, with additional locations in Mt. Pleasant and Isle of Palms near the beach.
Breizh Pan Crepes
Breizh Pan Crepes brings the flavors of Brittany, France, to downtown Charleston with its menu of traditional French crepes. It is named after the Breton term for the region of Brittany, which traditionally specialize in buckwheat galettes—savory, gluten-free crepes. Don’t worry, these savory crepes are filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, and eggs, but also used in sweet crepes recipes with toppings like fruit and Nutella. This cozy, casual spot is right off King Street and adjacent to College of Charleston – which feels like the right Charleston spot to specialize in authentic French street food. The owners are truly so nice, and will love the chance to tell you about their Breton roots.
Harken Cafe
The French-inspired little sister of Harbinger Cafe is nestled on quiet Queen Street in the heart of the French Quarter. The old house turned cafe is filled with earthy hues, warm woods, exposed brick, copper accents all share a subtle Parisian influence that makes my Francophile heart so very happy. This cozy café focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, serves locally roasted coffee, and their head baker is a goddess (hi, Greer!). Though not strictly French, Harken’s pastries and menu items ( brioche, seasonal tarts, and croissant sandwiches) offer a nod to the French influence in the historic district. The café’s charming decor and side porch seating make it a lovely spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or a quiet afternoon with coffee and a pastry – just be warned, no laptops allowed in the dining area! If that isn’t a nod to the French way of life, I don’t know what is.
Conclusion
Charleston has a variety of French-inspired cafes, bistros, and chocolate shops that keep me happy reminiscing of the sweet life in Paris. From classic crepes to French hot chocolate, each of these spots feels special in the ways you can appreciate French flavor and Charleston’s historic charm all at the same time. Use this list to treat yourself to a sweet treat or drink while exploring the downtown French Quarter – maybe even explore Charleston’s 7 hidden alleyways in between.
