Le Chocolat Chaud

What’s more satisfying than a cup of “chocolat chaud” on a cold winter day?

In Paris and other French locales north of the Loire, the “sempiternelle grisaille” (endless grey skies) can get to you and set the tone for an entire day (if you’ll let it) on your way to the office early in the morning.

Fortunately, there’s always “le goûter,” that special break late afternoon favored by kids and adults alike.

The French don’t snack and stick to three meals a day, they say.

“Ce n’est pas vrai.” Wrong.

Le “goûter” is not quite “l’apéro” yet. Just a pause in the day involving a small snack and/or hot beverage meant to bring some “réconfort” (comfort.)

No alcoholic beverage involved, at least where I grew up.

On a cold, damp December afternoon at an unusually quiet Saint Régis (a favorite spot on l’Ile Saint Louis) I took the time to regroup with “un chocolat chaud” surrounded by early diners and visitors enjoying a slice of Parisian life.

The creamy hot chocolate tasted just right and took away the chill from my bones before I headed out again to run an impromptu virtual tour from l’Ile Saint Louis to l’Hôtel de Ville.
I felt grateful for this short break in a peaceful spot at the tail-end of a busy tourist season in the French capital.

Another “petit bonheur” (small joy) captured, savored and fondly remembered.

My French life.