A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Les Deux Magots, artistic life in Saint-Germain

A cult venue of intellectual Paris, Les Deux Magots sits proudly on the Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Since the end of the 19ᵉ century, it has been a living symbol of French culture. Within its walls have crossed paths famous poets and novelists, philosophers and artists of yesterday and tomorrow, and quite simply, lovers of strolling and French cuisine.

A whole history of modern thought, literature and Parisian elegance has been played out here, over a coffee, a glass of wine or a cup of scalding hot chocolate.

An address born in a former novelty store

It was in 1884 that the Café des Deux Magots was born, set up on the site of a novelty store bearing the same name, itself inspired by a successful 18ᵉ century play. The name, exotic and intriguing, comes from two Chinese figurines - the famous "magots" - still visible inside, symbols of wisdom and exoticism from elsewhere. The decor of the place quickly displays a certain ambition: large bay windows, moldings, columns, red leather banquettes, mirrors and statues give the café a chic atmosphere, conducive to conversation and contemplation. The place quickly became a meeting place for the elegant locals, including academics, critics, actors and Sunday strollers.

The headquarters of writers and artists

From the beginning of the 20ᵉ century, Les Deux Magots became the beating heart of Parisian literary and artistic life. The café attracts Guillaume Apollinaire, who comes here to write and chat with André Breton, Louis Aragon and Paul Éluard, figures of the Surrealist movement. It was here that poems were dreamt, manifestos drawn up and artistic forms reinvented. The post-war years marked the height of the Deux Magots' golden age, when Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir set up shop there on an almost daily basis.

The café became a haven for existentialism, and more broadly for young intellectuals in search of meaning, freedom and debate. Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Albert Camus, Boris Vian, Juliette Gréco, Pablo Picasso, Fernand Léger, Jacques Prévert... The list is dizzying. To drink a coffee at Les Deux Magots is to sit at the table of those who shaped the thought and art of the 20ᵉ century.

To extend this literary vocation, the Prix des Deux Magots was created in 1933. The prize is awarded for audacious works, sometimes on the bangs of the literary mainstream, and acts as a counterpoint to the Prix Goncourt. A prize that contributes to making Les Deux Magots not only a place of memory, but also an active player in the contemporary literary world.

• To be read
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Le Procope, meeting place of the Enlightenment
• The history of Paris's great restaurants: La Petite Chaise, the oldest restaurant in Paris
• A brief history of Paris's great restaurants: Au Chien Qui Fume, the memory of Les Halles

A table open to all, between tradition and modernity

If the place remains mythical for its history, it's also alive and kicking for its cuisine. Today, Les Deux Magots offers a traditional menu, with dishes inspired by the French brasserie: beef tartare, foie gras, mixed salads, mimosa eggs, homemade pastries... On the terrace or in the dining room, you can also enjoy fine wines and quality coffees. The address attracts both local regulars and tourists from all over the world, who come in search of a slice of the literary Paris they've read so much about and dreamed about.

A living emblem of Parisian art de vivre

In 2023, Les Deux Magots celebrated its 140th anniversary. The address continues to embody theParisian art of living, combining culture, elegance and openness to the world. It has also expanded internationally, while retaining its deep roots in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. A restaurant-café where people still write novels... or their own page of Paris.

Our review of Les Deux Magots:

Les Deux Magots: legendary café in Paris's Saint-Germain des Près district
At Les Deux Magots, you'll discover a place steeped in history and an ideal setting for a gourmet break on the terrace. Since 1885, this legendary café has welcomed gourmets and art lovers alike. [Read more]