Inside Paris’s Wildly Stylish Germain Café

If you’ve ever walked into a Paris café and thought, “There’s something missing—something bold, colorful, or just plain different,” you’re not alone. Many coffee lovers crave spaces that break the mold yet still serve great food and atmosphere. One such place exists, and it’s unlike any typical Parisian bistro.

Germain, a uniquely designed café in Paris, combines 1970s-inspired interiors, a massive contemporary sculpture, and classic French fare—all in one cohesive, eye-catching space. It’s a café where every corner tells a story, and the design alone is worth the trip.

A Café Designed Room by Room

The creative force behind Germain’s distinctive look is India Mahdavi, an Indian-born French designer known for her vibrant, mood-driven interiors. Her goal was simple but ambitious: to give each room in the café its own personality while ensuring the spaces worked together harmoniously. The result? Two dramatically different yet perfectly balanced dining areas.

Vibrant 1970s Vibes on the First Floor

The main dining area, located on the ground floor, is a love letter to the 1970s. Bold reds and yellows dominate the palette, accented with strategic black details. The furniture and carpets feature playful vector graphics, adding to the retro yet intentional aesthetic. It’s a space that feels both nostalgic and freshly imagined.

For those seeking a more intimate experience, there’s also a private dining nook. Plush wide-arm sofas, circular tables, and stylish velvet chairs come together to create a cozy yet fashionable spot to enjoy a meal.

Art That Commands the Room

The café’s most striking feature is a large yellow sculpture titled “Sophie,” created by acclaimed French artist Xavier Veilhan. This striking piece spans both floors of the café: the lower half sits on the ground level, while the upper portion extends into the upstairs lounge. Depicting a woman in a coat and heels, Sophie is a modern, linear figure that somehow fits seamlessly into the café’s eclectic decor. She’s not just decoration—she’s the centerpiece.

Classic French Food at Parisian Prices

Despite its German-sounding name, Germain serves traditional French cuisine. The menu features classic dishes priced between €30 and €45 per plate—a solid mid-range option for Parisian dining. It’s the kind of place where design, comfort, and gastronomy meet without pretension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Germain café in Paris?

The Germain café was designed by India Mahdavi, an Indian-born French designer celebrated for creating vivid, mood-based interiors. She conceptualized each room in the café to have a unique style while maintaining overall harmony between spaces.

What era inspired the main dining area’s décor?

The ground floor, which serves as the main dining space, is styled after the 1970s. It uses a color scheme of bright reds and yellows, with black accents, and features furniture and carpets decorated with vector graphics for a retro-modern feel.

What is the significance of the yellow sculpture in the café?

The sculpture, named “Sophie” by artist Xavier Veilhan, is a striking yellow female figure dressed in a coat and heels. It spans both floors of the café, with the lower body on the ground level and the upper torso in the upstairs lounge, becoming a focal point that ties the design together.

Does Germain serve coffee, or just French food?

While the article focuses on the café’s design and French cuisine, it is located in Paris and functions as a café, implying that coffee is likely served alongside traditional French dishes, though specific beverage offerings are not detailed in the source.

What is the price range for meals at Germain?

Meals at Germain are priced between €30 and €45 per dish, placing them in the mid-range category for Parisian restaurants. The pricing reflects the quality and presentation of classic French cuisine served in a uniquely designed setting.