The 5 Parisian literary cafés where writers and artists meet
Paris is home to a rich cultural history, and its cafés are iconic venues for writers and artists. Here are five must-visit literary cafés where creative minds meet.
Parisian cafés have long been havens for writers, artists and publishers. These places are not only meeting places, but also sources of inspiration. Here’s a selection of five legendary literary cafés that have left their mark on the capital’s literary history.
Les Deux Magots: a place emblematic of the Surrealists
Les Deux Magotslocated in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, has attracted such iconic figures as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Part of Paris’s cultural heritage, this café has been the haunt of surrealists, existentialists and many writers over the centuries. Even today, contemporary writers find their place here, and the reputation of the place remains intact. Enjoy a visit and feel the atmosphere that has nurtured so many masterpieces.
6 Place Saint-germain Des Prés, 75006 Paris
Les Éditeurs: Odéon’s cult literary café
In the 6th arrondissement, popular with Parisian publishing houses, Les Éditeurs has established itself as a must-visit address. On its pretty terrace, a multitude of white-tablecloth tables invite you to indulge in a discreet moment of indulgence.
However, it’s when you walk through the doors that the soul of Les Éditeurs is fully revealed. A true tribute to the neighborhood, the restaurant is home to nearly 5,000 books, scattered throughout the four corners of the establishment. The rows of books, elegantly aligned, form a frame around small, cosy spaces where you’ll love to linger. From the large club armchairs to the soft banquettes, the warm, literary atmosphere of the place is immediately apparent, enveloping visitors from the moment they arrive.
Café de Flore: the soul of Parisian literature
The Café de Flore, just a stone’s throw from Les Deux Magots, is another landmark of Parisian literature. In the inter-war years, this café welcomed writers such as André Breton, Albert Camus and Ernest Hemingway. It was also home to the publishers of several major works, contributing to the flourishing of Parisian literary life. Even today, the café is a favorite spot for those seeking to capture the literary essence of Paris.
172 boulevard Saint Germain, 75006 Paris
Le Procope: one of the world’s oldest literary cafés
Founded in 1686, the Procope is considered the oldest café in Paris, and was long the meeting place of Enlightenment philosophers such as Voltaire and Rousseau. Located in the Latin Quarter, the café is also famous for having been frequented by revolutionaries such as Danton and Robespierre. Today, it remains a must for lovers of literature and history, where you can almost feel the presence of literary giants of the past.
13 Rue De L’ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris
La Palette: a haven for artists and writers
Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, La Palette is a café where painters and writers such as Paul Cézanne and Pablo Picasso used to meet. The café has long been a meeting place for artists looking for a place to exchange ideas. Even today, La Palette retains its bohemian atmosphere and attracts those seeking inspiration in this historic setting.
43 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Whether you’re a writer, an artist or simply a lover of literature, these Parisian cafés offer an insight into the cultural history of Paris, as well as being places of inspiration for today’s generations. They continue to embody the literary soul of the city, linking past and present in a unique atmosphere. Discover more about these mythical places in Paris Select, an essential guide to exploring the capital’s cultural treasures.
