Paris’s Germain Café: Designer Decor Meets French Cuisine

If you’ve ever walked into a café and felt like you’d stepped into another decade—or even another world—you’ll understand the appeal of Germain. This Parisian spot isn’t just about the food or the coffee; it’s about the entire sensory experience crafted through bold design choices, unexpected art, and a seamless blend of two contrasting yet cohesive interiors.

Germain features two distinctly styled rooms, both designed by Indian-born French designer India Mahdavi. The ground floor evokes the 1970s with vivid reds, yellows, and black accents, while an upper lounge offers a more relaxed contrast—making every corner of the café visually distinct yet harmonious.

The Two Distinct Rooms of Germain

Germain’s ground floor serves as the main dining area and is intentionally designed to recall the 1970s. The color palette is dominated by bold reds and yellows, punctuated with black. Furniture and carpets feature various vector graphics, reinforcing the retro vibe. It’s a space meant to feel lively and nostalgic.

The upper level provides a more laid-back atmosphere. While details are less explicitly retro, it complements the downstairs with a quieter, more contemporary lounge feel. This spatial contrast lets visitors experience two moods in one visit—without clashing.

The Star: Xavier Veilhan’s “Sophie” Sculpture

The most eye-catching element in Germain isn’t a piece of furniture or a menu item—it’s the sculpture. Titled “Sophie,” this large yellow figure was created by acclaimed French artist Xavier Veilhan. The sculpture spans both floors: its lower half is located on the ground floor, while the upper torso extends into the upstairs lounge.

“Sophie” depicts a woman wearing a coat and high heels. Despite her modern, linear design, she fits seamlessly into the café’s eclectic aesthetic. She becomes not just decoration, but a conversation piece and a unifying visual anchor for the space.

French Cuisine at Moderate Prices

Though named with German flair, Germain serves traditional French dishes. The pricing is approachable for Parisian standards, with most menu items ranging between €30 and €45. It’s not a budget eatery, but it’s reasonably priced for the quality and setting.

The culinary offering adds another layer to the experience, making Germain not just a place for coffee or design enthusiasts, but for anyone who appreciates well-executed French food in a thoughtfully designed space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the interior of Germain café in Paris?

Germain café was designed by India Mahdavi, an Indian-born French designer known for creating spaces with strong visual identities. She developed two distinct yet complementary interiors for the café—one reminiscent of the 1970s on the ground floor, and a more relaxed upper lounge area.

What is the sculpture in Germain café and who made it?

The prominent sculpture in Germain is called “Sophie,” created by French artist Xavier Veilhan. It is a large yellow female figure wearing a coat and high heels. The sculpture spans both floors of the café, with the lower part on the ground floor and the upper torso in the lounge, serving as a central artistic feature.

What decade does the ground floor of Germain café evoke?

The ground floor of Germain café is designed to evoke the 1970s. This is achieved through the use of bright red and yellow colors, black accents, and furniture and carpets decorated with vector graphics, all contributing to a retro atmosphere.

How much does food cost at Germain café?

Food at Germain café is priced between €30 and €45 per dish, which is considered mid-range for restaurants in France. The pricing reflects the traditional French cuisine served in a uniquely designed setting.

Does Germain café serve coffee?

Although the article focuses on the café’s design and French food offerings, it is categorized as a café and is located in Paris, so it is reasonable to expect that coffee is also part of the menu, alongside the featured French dishes and distinctive interiors.