Famous Parisian Cafés Every Coffee Lover Should Visit

If you’ve ever wondered which Parisian cafés are truly worth visiting—not just for the coffee, but for the history—there’s one name that keeps popping up in French guidebooks. Tucked into a quiet square in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there’s a café that’s been a gathering spot for some of France’s most influential writers. This isn’t just another tourist café. It’s a living piece of literary history.

The answer is simple: Les Deux Magots. Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this café is one of the most famous literary cafés on Paris’s Left Bank—and it’s regularly recommended in French travel guides. It’s also home to the annual Les Deux Magots Literary Prize, cementing its place in Paris’s cultural heritage.

What Is Les Deux Magots?

Les Deux Magots (literally "The Two Ugly Ones") is a historic café situated on a small square in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood of Paris. Far more than a coffee spot, it became internationally known as a meeting place for writers, intellectuals, and artists during the 20th century. Its name comes from a 19th-century play and refers to two wooden statues displayed inside the café.

Why Is It Famous Among Writers?

From the 1920s through the post-war years, Les Deux Magots was a central hub for Paris’s literary elite. It was frequented by iconic figures such as Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Ernest Hemingway. These writers didn’t just visit—they made the café part of their daily creative lives. Over time, Les Deux Magots earned a reputation as one of the most important literary cafés in the French capital, particularly on the Left Bank.

The Les Deux Magots Literary Prize

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Paris literary community established the Les Deux Magots Literary Prize. Awarded annually, the prize honours outstanding works of fiction and essays, further solidifying the café’s role as a patron of literature. Winning the award is considered a major literary achievement in France.

Les Deux Magots in the Coffee World

While primarily known for its literary legacy, Les Deux Magots also plays a subtle role in the specialty coffee narrative of Paris. Though it serves traditional French-style coffee—often dark-roasted and prepared in classic European methods—it remains on the radar of coffee travellers seeking authentic cultural experiences. The café’s ambiance and enduring legacy attract not just writers, but also coffee enthusiasts interested in the intersection of history, literature, and coffee culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Les Deux Magots located?

Les Deux Magots is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris, on a small square in the 6th arrondissement. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for visitors exploring the historic Left Bank.

Is Les Deux Magots still popular with writers today?

While it’s no longer the daily haunt of 20th-century literary giants, Les Deux Magots remains a respected spot for authors, thinkers, and literary fans. Its historical significance keeps it on the map for those interested in Paris’s intellectual heritage.

What kind of coffee do they serve at Les Deux Magots?

The café serves traditional French coffee, often dark-roasted in the European style. While not speciality coffee by modern standards, it reflects the classic Parisian café experience that has endured for decades.

What other cafés are near Les Deux Magots?

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés area is home to several historic cafés, including Café de Flore, which is right next door and similarly renowned for its literary past.

Is Les Deux Magots worth visiting if I’m not a writer?

Absolutely. Even if you’re not a writer, the café’s rich history, elegant interiors, and cultural legacy make it a must-visit spot for anyone interested in Paris’s artistic and literary heritage.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Literary Cafés

Pair your visit to cafés like Les Deux Magots with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright and floral with citrus and stone fruit—or Kenya Little Tomato, known for its bold acidity and red wine-like profile with blackcurrant notes. For something deeper, try Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1, a balanced classic with mild acidity and notes of nuts and cocoa. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.