This quaint cafe can be hard to find if you don’t know what you’re looking for. If you’re anything like me, you may use your GPS everywhere you go to make sure you know where you’re going. Mon Paris is located in a plaza near Florida Southwestern State College, so if you’re a student there and tired of school coffee or big chain corporation coffee, head over to Mon Paris before your afternoon classes! You need to go behind the plaza if you want to skip out on all the walking and use the entrance like a normal person. The first two times I visited Mon Paris, I didn’t realize that you had to go behind the plaza to get to the main entrance, thus I’ve gone the back entrance, going in-between the other shops, and I much prefer it that way. The first time I parked to the side, and the second time I parked in the front. I had to walk a little to reach Mon Paris, but I enjoy the walk. The path I take to the cafe is very narrow, almost like the town from Beauty and The Beast, so it’s fitting that this French cafe is located right in the center of it. It’s an adventure–there are arrows pointing to where this cafe is the deeper you are inside the plaza, so I definitely recommend anyone visiting this French cafe, to take the back entrance. There’s also outdoor seating! This cute and minimalistic cafe gives you a sense of comfort. It’s a place you can sit and just be. One thing I enjoyed about Mon Paris, is how the kitchen is out in the open. You can see the baristas, chefs, and bakers at work. You can hear the metal espresso cup clang against the espresso machine as the milk heats up and the smell of coffee fills the room.

It is a bit pricey, so you will want to make sure you have enough in your bank account to enjoy a morning dose of Mon Paris. I had one goat cheese and spinach quiche with a double almond milk latte, while my boyfriend ordered a Prosciutto, Mozzarella, and fresh tomato sandwich with a red eye and the total came out to $35–tip included because you always want to tip your local baristas, chefs, and bakers generously. One thing to keep in mind is that your latte defaults to one shot, so if you want a double (or more) make sure to specify that with your barista at Mon Paris. They also offer dairy-free milk products for your coffee. They offer almond and soy. Almond is on their menu, which you’ll be able to see, but soy is not. So, if you are craving a soy latte, don’t be discouraged from the lack of soy on the menu because they do, in fact, offer soy–just ask for it from your barista and they’ll gladly make your latte with soy.

One of the most interesting pieces I saw at Mon Paris was their “Artistic Animal Breads”. The animals they have available are alligators, turtles, crabs, and many others! They will bake any animal you ask of them if you’re interested in buying one! Unfortunately, I was unable to have a taste at one but they looked incredible. They have these animal breads displayed at the front of their cafe for all to see and each one looked fantastic. Keep in mind, as well, Mon Paris cater–remember this local friendly cafe if you’re in need for food, coffee, and baked goods at your next event!