Parisian Haunts: A Guide to the City's 7 Best Literary and Historic Cafés
Do you ever wonder where the whispers of Hemingway's pen and the musings of Picasso's brush found their perfect blend of inspiration and espresso? Dive into the heart of Paris, a city renowned for its rich tapestry of history and culture, and you'll discover a treasure trove of literary and historic cafés.
In this article, we invite you to join us on a journey through the top 7 iconic Parisian cafés. These hallowed grounds have witnessed history unfold, and they await your presence. Let's explore their stories together!
7 Best Cafés in Paris - Literary Coffee Houses and Historic Cafés
In the lovely city of Paris, you'll find cafés that go beyond just having coffee. Discover the top 7 literary coffee houses and historic cafés, where each sip is a journey through time and tales.
1. Café de Flore
Café de Flore is a Parisian gem located at 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris. This iconic café carries a rich historical significance, as it was a favored haunt of the legendary writer Ernest Hemingway and an intellectual hub for existentialist thinkers.
The café boasts a profound literary legacy, with luminaries like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir often meeting here to discuss philosophy and literature.
Café de Flore's ambiance is a delightful blend of art deco charm and an intellectual atmosphere that has preserved its unique character over the years.
Special Foods To Try
● Croque Monsieur (A classic French ham and cheese sandwich, grilled to perfection)
● Tarte Tatin (A delectable caramelized upside-down apple tart)
2. Les Deux Magots
Les Deux Magots, at 6 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, epitomizes the culture of Parisian cafés. It's a historic literary coffee house and an iconic café where Picasso, James Joyce, and Albert Camus once gathered.
This unassuming yet elegant café has been a hub for artists, fostering inspiration and camaraderie. If you're in Paris and craving a taste of its artistic history, Les Deux Magots is the place to savor a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry.
Special Foods To Try
● Croissant aux Amandes (A delectable almond croissant).
● Quiche Lorraine (A savory and satisfying quiche, typically filled with cheese, bacon, and cream).
3. Café de la Paix
Café de la Paix, at 5 Place de l'Opéra, 75009 Paris, epitomizes the grandeur of Parisian cafés. Located near the Opera Garnier and the Grand Hotel, it's an iconic café boasting breathtaking views.
Literary giants, including Emile Zola, frequented this historic café, making it a vital part of Paris's rich tapestry of literary coffee houses.
With timeless elegance in its ambiance, Café de la Paix invites you to savor a slice of Paris's literary and cultural history while enjoying your coffee. It's a must-visit spot for those wanting to taste the vibrant past of iconic cafés in Paris.
Special Foods To Try
● Croque-Monsieur (A delightful French ham and cheese sandwich, a signature dish)
● Escargot (A classic French delicacy of snails cooked in garlic butter)
4. La Rotonde
La Rotonde, found at 105 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, is a cherished Parisian café steeped in bohemian charm, celebrated by iconic literary figures. It's an iconic and historic café that has made an indelible mark on the city's cultural tapestry.
Modigliani and other artists found solace within its walls, and it was a hub for the bohemian spirit. Hemingway was also among its patrons. La Rotonde is a must-visit for those in search of a Parisian café with a rich and artistic past, a place to soak in the spirit of the city's iconic literary coffee houses.
Special Foods To Try
● Café Crème (Espresso and steamed milk)
● Croissant (Buttery, flaky pastry)
5. Le Procope
Le Procope, at 13 Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris, is a genuine historical treasure among Parisian cafés, proudly bearing the title of the city's oldest café since its founding in 1686. Luminaries like Voltaire and Rousseau graced its tables, making it a hub for intellectual discourse.
It embodies the essence of iconic Parisian literary coffee houses. The ambiance exudes timeless elegance and old-world charm, offering a captivating journey to a bygone era.
Le Procope invites you to immerse yourself in the rich history of Paris's historic cafés, savor its legacy, and embrace the city's cultural tapestry.
Special Foods To Try
● Escargot (Garlic-buttered snails)
● Beef Bourguignon (Red wine-braised beef)
6. Shakespeare and Company Café
The Shakespeare and Company Café, located at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, is a delightful haven for book enthusiasts and food lovers. This café, attached to the renowned English bookstore, offers a unique fusion of literature, coffee, and scrumptious homemade brownies.
While you soak up the literary vibes of this historic café, be sure to relish their mouthwatering brownies, perfectly complemented by carefully brewed coffee. As a sweet bonus, the café offers a captivating view of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
With its cozy and welcoming ambiance, it's a must-visit spot for those craving a delicious treat and a taste of Paris's rich literary and cultural history.
Special Foods To Try
● Homemade Brownies
● Café au Lait (French coffee with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk)
7. Le Select
Le Select, at 99 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris, embodies the quintessential charm of Parisian cafés, transporting you to the 1920s Jazz Age. Stepping inside feels like a journey back in time. It's not just a café; it's a living cultural legacy.
Frequented by luminaries like Man Ray and Kiki de Montparnasse, it's a cherished hub among iconic literary coffee houses.
The walls seem to whisper tales of artistic inspiration. With its timeless charm, Le Select is a must-visit for those in search of Paris's historic cafés, where echoes of a bygone era still linger in the air.
Special Foods To Try
● French Onion Soup
● Croque Monsieur (French sandwich with ham and melted cheese)
Parisian Haunts - The Takeaway
In the enchanting tapestry of Paris, its iconic cafés stand as cultural milestones, blending history, literature, and the subtle art of sipping a fine coffee.
From vibrant gatherings of artistic luminaries to enduring elegance and delectable cuisine, these seven Parisian cafés stand as living legends.
Whether you're seeking the echoes of literary geniuses or a sip of Paris's rich history, these historic and literary coffee houses will transport you to the soul of the City of Light. Parisian cafés, in all their splendor, are simply a world unto themselves.
