Les Deux Magots: legendary café in Paris's Saint-Germain des Près district

The Café des Deux Magots is a veritable monument to Parisian cultural life. It is one of the oldest cafés in Paris. Located on Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it opened in 1885 on the site of a former store. The two Chinese figurines, known as "Magots", which give it its name, still adorn the main room. Famous artists soon got into the habit of meeting here, making it a literary institution not to be missed.

For a gourmet break, indulge in a pastry fromArnaud Lahrer or La Grande Épicerie, accompanied by a hot drink. The old-fashioned hot chocolate, smooth and whipped, is a real favorite with those who have tried it. In the afternoon, the café becomes a haven of peace, ideal for relaxing after a day's work or a stroll through the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.

Even so, a snack in a historic setting is well worth the effort, as you'll need to pay between €13 and €16 for a pastry and €9 for a chocolate made according to the rules of the art and accompanied by whipped cream. But when you love it, you don't count, you savor the moment.

The history of Les Deux Magots is rich and fascinating. For almost 140 years, it has played host to illustrious artists and writers such as Mallarmé, Rimbaud, Verlaine, Hemingway, Picasso, Prévert, André Breton, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre. The café played an important role in Parisian cultural life and definitively affirmed its literary vocation with the creation of the Prix des Deux Magots in 1933. Today, Lundis des écrivains is a not-to-be-missed event for all lovers of literature. One Monday a month, an author is invited to talk about his or her work and to hold a book signing.

Run since 1914 by the Mathivat family, the café recently underwent a facelift, inaugurating a new décor with a subtly feminine imprint, while retaining the timeless patina that is its hallmark. With its three literary prizes and a monthly meeting with an author, Les Deux Magots remains a lively cultural venue, far from frozen in its former lustre.

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Beyond its rich history and enchanting setting, Les Deux Magots is also the scene of many interesting anecdotes. Here are three of them that testify to the unique charm of this mythical place:

1. Hemingway and his manuscripts: American writer Ernest Hemingway was a regular at Les Deux Magots. He often wrote in this Parisian café, where he penned parts of his famous novel "A Farewell to Arms". Hemingway even used to leave his manuscripts under the supervision of the café staff while he lunched or dined nearby.

1. Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, the must-sees: French intellectuals Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre spent many hours at Les Deux Magots. They even had their own table, located near the window to take advantage of the natural light. It was here that they exchanged ideas, met other writers and philosophers, and worked on their respective works.
   
2. Famous film locations: Les Deux Magots, with its unique ambience and rich history, has been used as a location for several films. For example, the film "Les Amants du Flore" (2006) traces the relationship between Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir and uses the café as the setting for many scenes, highlighting the importance of Les Deux Magots in the lives of both philosophers. Other films and TV series have also captured the café's iconic atmosphere, making Les Deux Magots a fixture of French and international cinema.

In addition to its warm atmosphere and culinary delights, Les Deux Magots is a place steeped in history and well worth a visit. Take a moment to relax on the terrace and enjoy a snack, while feeling the emotion that emanates from this historic brasserie. Don't hesitate to visit and take a seat in this legendary café the next time you stroll through the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris.