If you follow any influencers and Paris City sites on Instagram (and you prolly do, because here, we are!), you have likely seen the scores of smiling, happy people, pictured in front of the charmingly rounded awning of Café de Flore. Well today, let's take a P'Niche peek to learn more about this Parisian icon (and yes, this is Part I - we will be discussing her neighbor / sister next week, so we hope you will subscribe to join us back here in the Parisian Niche)...
While definitely not Paris' first established café, but equally as lively as Au Pied de Cochon, Café de Flore is richly steeps in history.
Finding ourselves in the oh so charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés quartier de Paris (that's the 6th arrondissement, on the left bank), were about to make history. Sorta...
On an unverifiable date in the 1880s (later settled on 1885 - perhaps to directly compete with neighbor Les Deux Magots), Café de Flore opened her doors, to very little fanfare.
Taking their name from a nearby statue of the Roman goddess Flora (goddess of flowers and springtime), this eatery quietly entered the scene of a Third Republic France. Hmmm - maybe that's why there are so many floral awnings currently in Paris? A cheeky nod to Flore days gone by? Trendsetter!
While not making much of a splash on the French culinary scene (at first), the Action Française or French Action Nationalist Group became a stronghold of sorts for those wishing to discuss (both discreetly and openly) their ideas of patriotism.
Leading up to both World War I (The Great War) and World War II, you would not be surprised to see and hear many heated discussions on French politics and globally sensitive ideals by these enlightened men (as well as the women's counterpart - Ladies of the French Action).
Café de Flore boasts no shortage of famous clientele:
Famed poet, Guillaume Apollinaire
Surrealist painter, Salvador Dali
fun fact, did you know the label Surrealist was actually coined within the walls of Café de Flore?!
Philosophers (and love birds) Jean-Paul Sartre & Simone de Beauvoir
French author, Albert Camus
Cubist (among many other styles and talents) Pablo Picasso
American writers Ernest Hemingway and later on Truman Capote
Pop culture icons like: Yves Saint Laurent, Guy Laroche, Catherine Deneuve
And that is just through the 1960s! The face of the café is quite simply the face of Paris...
Perhaps because of the many authors who have written masterpieces there, every year since 1994, Café de Flore has awarded an annual prize to talented (French language) authors.
And get this, the prize is €6100 (at time of publication) and a complimentary glass of Pouilly-Fumé - every day for a year.
Is that the most Parisian prize ever, or what?! Enjoy that champagne with crisps, trust moi!
These days, traveler and influencer alike are keeping the Café de Flore at the forefront of social media (and aspirational travel) accounts. Although you may feel like you have stepped back into the 1930s, with a traditional Parisian vibe - complete with burgundy red banquettes (or even better - the iconic round tables en terrace) you'll remember that you are part of modern society as you people watch your time (and worries) away.
Surprisingly, when I asked the waitstaff on a recent trip, he advised me that over 75% of the clients are international travelers! He stated that while language can sometimes be a hindrance, the staff speak many different languages and they love the international vibe this give "Le Flore."
And - the food lives up to the hype.
With traditional Parisian fare (think great croissants in the morning, a wonderful lunchtime Salade Niçoise and/or Soupe à l’oignon (hey, why not both?) Perhaps a yummy Croque Monsieur?
That said, if you go in the morning, treat yourself to the famous oeufs à la coque. With their famous "baguette toast dippers" (I made that name up - tell the others) and a hot chocolate - it's a brekkie worthy of heaven!
Ready to visit?
This iconic tabletop is waiting for you!
Café de Flore
172, bd Saint-Germain, 75006
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (line 4)
Hours: Daily - 7:30am - 2:00am
Can make it there right now and want to feel like you're there? Check out their online shop and you can stock your table up with authentic Café de Flore items.
My egg cup and tea cup are my little treats to make me feel like I'm in Paris whenever I wish it!
So what do you say, P'Nicher - are you ready to head over to Café de Flore for some good old fashioned food and people watching? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
waiting part II!
Yes I ready to be in a Parisian café! Great article as always and I cannot wait for Part II!