This Unique French Café Offers A Charming & Nostalgic Experience Near The Heart Of Paris

In a city known for its cafés and fast-paced life, one Parisian spot invites guests to slow down, reflect, and write a letter — to themselves, a loved one, or even a stranger. At Café Pli (roughly translating to "folded letter café") in Paris' 11th arrondissement, visitors can sip a chicory or peanut latte — or stick with something classic, like a flat white, while browsing colorful stationery, stickers, and food-for-thought prompts from the staff. Owner Geneviève Landsmann encourages guests to explore meaningful questions, like their bravest moments and the people they're most grateful for. After writing their letters, guests can secure the envelope with a melted wax seal reminiscent of centuries-old tradition. Inspired by the popularity of letter cafés in South Korea, Café Pli offers both Parisians and tourists a quiet, reflective escape from the city's bustle.

The best part? Guests can choose to have their letters delivered one, five, or even 20 years later. Some draft letters to their future selves, while others embrace the romance of Paris and write love letters to a special someone. For those seeking a more communal experience, Café Pli's social media is always updating its list of events. Previously, the café hosted an event where a single question was posed to all attendees, and each participant left with a letter responding to that question from someone else. A thought-provoking experience that feels very Parisian, Hemingway would approve. 

Café Pli recommends reserving a table on weekends, though walk-ins are welcome when space allows. As a small business, it occasionally closes for staff vacations, so checking the Café Pli Instagram ahead of a visit is wise. As for the letter you want to send, pricing varies based on how long the envelope will be stored before mailing, its destination, and the food and drinks you order. For around $16, you can get a postcard, envelope, three stickers, a wax seal, one year of storage (to be mailed to an address in France), and a beverage. One TripAdvisor review noted spending about $45 for two people.

After writing a letter, guests tuck their sealed envelopes into charming cubbies lining the wall, organized by delivery date. There's also a photo booth, perfect for capturing an instant memento. Moving soon? The café offers an online option to update your letter's delivery address. While cramming too many activities into your trip to Paris could be a big mistake, Café Pli's invitation to sit and reflect is an ideal way to enjoy life like the French, even if you only have a one-day trip. 

For those who can't make it to Paris just yet, Café Pli lets enthusiasts write letters online. For $15 (including shipping outside Europe), you can compose a note that the café will mail one year later, complete with its signature wax seal — bringing a little Parisian charm straight to your mailbox.