Where to Find Literary Cafés in Paris: Les Deux Magots

If you’ve ever flipped through a Paris travel guide looking for the kind of café where famous writers once sipped black coffee and debated existentialism, you’ve likely seen the name 'Les Deux Magots.' But what makes this Saint-Germain-des-Prés institution more than just another old Parisian coffeehouse? This is the place where literary history lingers in the steam of an espresso.

Les Deux Magots is a celebrated Left Bank café in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris. Featured in numerous French guidebooks, it’s famed as one of the most iconic literary cafés on the Left Bank—and home to the annual 'Deux Magots Literary Prize' awarded by Paris’s literary community.

What Is Les Deux Magots?

Les Deux Magots (literally 'The Two Ugly Ones') is a historic café located on the small Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris’s Left Bank. Though the name sounds unusual in English, it refers to two wooden Chinese statues that once adorned the original 19th-century shop that occupied the site. Today, the café is a well-preserved example of Parisian café culture and a regular stop for tourists seeking a connection to France’s literary golden age.

Why Is It Famous?

The café became internationally known in the early to mid-20th century as a gathering spot for some of the most prominent writers, philosophers, and artists of the time. Regulars included Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway. These intellectuals made Les Deux Magots a hub of existentialist thought and modern literature. Its enduring legacy continues to attract literary-minded visitors from around the world.

The Deux Magots Literary Prize

In addition to being a cultural landmark, the café also hosts an important literary event: the annual Deux Magots Literary Prize (Prix des Deux Magots). Established in 1933, the award is given to a work of fiction or poetry published in the past year and is selected by a jury of writers and critics. The prize is one of several major literary accolades in France and underscores the café’s ongoing relationship with the literary world.

What to Know Before You Visit

Les Deux Magots is more than a tourist attraction—it’s still an active café serving coffee, tea, pastries, and light meals. Visitors can sit at the same outdoor tables where literary giants once debated, especially on the small square that frames the café. While it can be busy with tourists, it remains a functioning Parisian café with the full ambience of its historic past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Les Deux Magots located in Paris?

Les Deux Magots is located on the small Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district on Paris’s Left Bank. The address is 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris, France.

Is Les Deux Magots still a working café?

Yes, Les Deux Magots is still open and operating as a café. It serves coffee, tea, meals, and pastries daily and remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

What is the Deux Magots Literary Prize?

The Deux Magots Literary Prize (Prix des Deux Magots) is an annual French literary award given to a work of fiction or poetry. It has been awarded since 1933 by a jury of authors and critics and is considered a prestigious literary honour in France.

Do I need to book a table at Les Deux Magots?

While walk-ins are possible, it’s recommended to arrive early or check for reservations during peak tourist seasons, especially if you want to sit outside on the square.

Are there other famous literary cafés in Paris?

Yes, another notable literary café nearby is Café de Flore, also on the Saint-Germain-des-Prés square and similarly associated with 20th-century intellectuals.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for French Literary Cafés

Pair your visit to Les Deux Magots with a cup inspired by classic European taste profiles. FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright floral and citrus notes with a juicy body—perfect for those who enjoy lighter, nuanced espresso akin to third-wave pours found in modern Parisian cafés. For something richer, try the Brazil Queen Manor with its sweet chocolate and nuttiness, ideal for a traditional French-style milk drink. Finally, the PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and low acidity with classic Indonesian spice and wood tones—great for those appreciating old-world European roast styles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.