Famous Parisian Cafés: Literary Cafés in Saint-Germain

If you’re hunting for a coffee shop that’s more than just a caffeine stop—somewhere steeped in literary history and recommended in every well-worn Paris guidebook—look no further. France’s capital brims with cafés, but only a select few have drawn generations of writers, artists, and thinkers. One such spot sits quietly on a small square in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

The answer is Les Deux Magots. This iconic Left Bank café in Saint-Germain is famed as a gathering place for Paris’s literary elite and is regularly featured in French travel guide recommendations. It’s also home to the prestigious 'Les Deux Magots Literary Prize'.

What Is Les Deux Magots?

Les Deux Magots (literally 'The Two Ugly Ones') is a historic café located on the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Though its name might sound odd, it refers to two wooden Chinese statues that once adorned the original 19th-century shop that occupied the site. Over time, the café became much more than a place to eat and drink—it evolved into a cultural hub.

Why Is It Famous Among Writers?

Since the early 20th century, Les Deux Magots has been a favorite meeting spot for some of France’s most celebrated writers, including Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Ernest Hemingway. These intellectuals made the café their second office, debating philosophy, politics, and literature over coffee and croissants. Its enduring reputation as a writers’ café has cemented its status in both literary and café history.

The Les Deux Magots Literary Prize

In honour of its literary legacy, the Paris literary community established the 'Les Deux Magots Literary Prize' (Prix des Deux Magots). Awarded annually since 1933, the prize recognises outstanding works of fiction by emerging and established authors. It remains one of France’s most respected literary accolades, further tying the café to the country’s cultural heritage.

Why You Should Visit

Beyond its literary fame, Les Deux Magots offers visitors a chance to sit where some of the 20th century’s greatest minds once debated and created. The café’s interior retains much of its old-world charm, with vintage decor and a timeless ambience. It’s not just a place for coffee—it’s a living piece of Parisian intellectual history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Les Deux Magots located?

Les Deux Magots is located on the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood of Paris, France. It sits on a small square that makes it easy to find among the surrounding historic buildings.

What kind of café is Les Deux Magots?

Les Deux Magots is a historic Parisian café known for its literary associations. It serves coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals in a traditional, old-world setting that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

Is Les Deux Magots popular with tourists?

Yes, Les Deux Magots is very popular with tourists due to its famous literary history and appearance in guidebooks. However, it still retains an authentic Parisian café feel and is visited by both locals and visitors.

Does the café still host literary events?

While the café is no longer a daily haunt for writers as in the past, it remains associated with literature through the annual Les Deux Magots Literary Prize and its enduring legacy as a writers’ café.

What other cafés are near Les Deux Magots?

Nearby on the same square and in the area is Café de Flore, another historic literary café that often goes hand-in-hand with Les Deux Magots in discussions of Paris’s literary café culture.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Paris-Inspired Coffee

For a Parisian café experience at home, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — a bright, floral Ethiopian single origin with notes of jasmine and citrus, perfect for a slow pour-over reminiscent of French literary moments. Pair it with FrontStreet’s Brazil Queen Manor, a smooth medium roast with nutty and caramel undertones, ideal for a classic French-style espresso. Both beans highlight the elegance and clarity often savoured in Parisian coffee culture. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.