Is Cafe Les Deux Magots in Paris worth it? If you love the idea of old Paris, Art Deco, and being where the literary greats have sat you’ll love it.
Café Les Deux Magots is hidden in the center of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a district rich in academic and original energy. This famous Paris icon has grown from its basic origins as a traditional café to a symbol of academic excellence and bohemian charm.
Its location in one of Paris’ older areas, the 6th arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is extremely useful. The hotel’s design takes you to the world of the past generation, while the outdoor area provides the ideal spot for people-watching and enjoying Parisian culture.
Is Cafe Les Deux Magots Worth Visiting?
Rich in imaginative and cultural past, Cafe Les Deux Magots is situated in the posh Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris. Commonly visited by famous people such as Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and Simone de Beauvoir, the cafe transmits a sense of cultural status and academic attraction. Despite being packed with tourists, Cafe Les Deux Magots stands apart from many other restaurants in the city by maintaining an air of improvement and honesty.
The beautiful setting, with its classic wooden chairs and red shading, transports tourists to an earlier day of Parisian style. Cafe Les Deux Magots offers a unique dining experience when enjoying a light bite or a cup of coffee, with its higher-than-average costs.
In simple terms, it was the high point of Paris’s beauty.
Les Deux Magots has a long history and wasn’t always a haven for writers.
Les Deux Magots History
Les Deux Magots is a strong Paris landmark, not just a café. Born in 1812 at 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, some of the 20th century’s biggest writers, painters, and philosophers have used this iconic cafe. Two Chinese works of art that decorate the inside and stand for wonder and universal knowledge are the source of the term Les Deux Magots.
Over the years, Les Deux Magots has established itself as a center for creative and cultural exchange. Here, famous minds like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Pablo Picasso gathered to discuss ideas and have animated talks. Because of its lively atmosphere and rich history, Les Deux Magots continues to draw tourists today.
After Théâtre du Vieux Colombier was constructed around the turn of the century, the area started slowly to attract artists.
The present owners’ great-grandfather, Auguste Boulay, transformed Café Les Deux Magots into a social hub in 1914 where famous people in the literary world were likely to be seen.
The Surrealism and the Arts Movement in Paris
In art, the Surrealist movement in Paris was a historic moment when artists challenged customs and pushed boundaries. Surrealism, which was promoted by famous artists such as Salvador Dali and Andre Breton, celebrated the power of the imagination to produce imaginative, dreamy artwork that challenged reason and reality. These artists delved into the areas of dreams, feelings, and fears to explore the depths of human memory.
One of realism’s fundamental features was its focus on automatism, a method by which artists would access their inner ideas to produce unrehearsed, spontaneous expressions.
In addition to reflecting social difficulty during a period of political unrest and mental illness, the movement gave people who felt hidden or dispossessed a voice.
In Paris, surrealism developed into a cultural revolution that attacked conventional wisdom and opened up fresh possibilities for speech.
The Prix Des Deux Magot
Established after the café where several famous writers and thinkers used to meet, the Prix des Deux Magots is a famous cultural award in France. The prize was first given out in 1933 and is given to a piece of fiction or nonfiction each year that exhibits creative storytelling and a fundamental understanding of the human condition.
When a new generation of writers developed following the war, Jean-Paul Sartre used to spend hours writing there with Simone de Beauvoir, the writer, by his side.
The Cinema and Movie Connections
It was a meeting place for performers and artists in the 1940s and 1950s. François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard were among the directors who were known for visiting the café during this time of French New Wave cinema.
Many French films’ subjects and styles have been affected by the academic setting and atmosphere of the café. It developed into a symbol of the Parisian cultural and creative environment.
Famous writers such as James Baldwin, Mario Vargas Llosa, and Jorge Luis Borges have kept coming to Les Deux Magots. During his exile in Paris, renowned musician Jim Morrison also made it his favorite spot.
Breakfast at Les Deux Magots
As soon as you walk into the famous Les Deux Magots for breakfast, you are quickly transported to a more luxurious and smart past. The sophisticated décor and classic French atmosphere offer a wonderful dining experience. Enjoying a classic French breakfast at this old cafe makes you feel rich and involves you in another culture.
Pastries, French toast, and freshly brewed coffee are among the delicious choices on the menu, which beautifully capture the flavor of Parisian cooking.
Your flavor receptors are excited and you’re craving more with every bite. It’s simple to understand why Les Deux Magots has been a meeting spot for thinkers, writers, and artists for many years while you enjoy the coffee and the colorful environment. It’s an experience that links you to Parisian cafe culture’s colorful atmosphere and rich history, not just a meal.
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What does Les Deux Magots mean in French?
The French translation of Les Deux Magots is “The Two Figurines.” The two Chinese figures on exhibit in the café are the source of this nickname.
What famous people went to Les Deux Magots?
Many celebrities have stayed at Les Deux Magots, including James Joyce, Albert Camus, and Ernest Hemingway, among other well-known authors and philosophers. It was a well-liked gathering spot for many notable people in the 20th century.
What is the meaning of Les Deux Magots?
“Les Deux Magots” means “The Two Figurines” or “The Two Magicians” in French. It refers to the two wooden figures within the café, which were originally from a fabric and novelty store located in the same spot in the 19th century.
Why are Les Deux Magots so famous?
Famous for its distinctive green and white awning, Les Deux Magots is the literary café that attracted luminaries such as Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jean-Paul Sartre. American expats like Julia Child and James Baldwin also loved it.
Is a Deux Magots worth it?
It would be best not to miss Cafe Les Deux Magots while wandering around Saint Germain de Pres. Here, you may enjoy a delicious breakfast, a stunning pastry, or a nice cup of coffee or chocolate. Both the merchandise and the services are excellent. There is a pleasant history behind the place that you should learn about. It’s a romantic place!
Final thoughts about Ernest Hemingway’s Les Deux Magots
If you’re a fan of books like I am, you’ll enjoy the experience of simply being there even though it’s not the most expensive location to visit in Paris.
The area perfectly reflects the spirit of Parisian living with its stylish stores, old shops, art galleries, and lively cafés.
It’s also close to some of Paris’s greatest English-language bookshops.