If you were with us last week, you recall our Part I of this exposé, where we discussed Café de Flore. This week, we will take a P'Niche peek at her nearest neighbor, Les Deux Magots - who just underwent a quick "nip/tuck" - as one does. (And oui, we'll start to cover more eateries, so you may wish to subscribe to join us back here at the Parisian Niche "table..."
Believe it or not, the building that currently houses Les Deux Magots started as a silk and novelty shop in 1812.
Les Deux Magots, itself, began its journey in 1885 as a grocery store. Later, it transformed into a café that captured the hearts of many.
She has been a beloved fixture of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quartier ever since.
Even today, walking Les Deux Magots feels like stepping into a piece of history.
The café’s interior showcases elegant art deco details, polished wood accents, and classic furnishings that make it feel warm and inviting.
You'll notice right away, the two Magot figurines installed - in fact how the café got it's name - Magot meaning "stocky figurine from the Far East."
That said, while the interior is lovely, the iconic outdoor terrace, adorned with vibrant green awnings, is a perfect spot for people-watching amid the bustling streets.
On any given day, 85% of visitors reported enjoying their meals more while dining al fresco, exemplifying the charm of Parisian cafés. And with a view of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey, who could blame anyone?!
During the vibrant flapper era of the 1920s, Les Deux Magots became synonymous with spirit and creativity. It served as the meeting place for numerous existentialist thinkers who debated concepts of existence and meaning.
Like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots has welcomes many important writers and celebrities of sorts, most notably:
Ernest Hemingway: In fact, this American author wrote The Sun Also Rises at a table on the first floor
Pablo Picasso: he actually met his long-time companion Dora Maar at the cafe
Jean-Paul Sartre: The existentialist philosopher met with Simone de Beauvoir (the existentialist philosopher) at the cafe
Albert Camus: The writer was a patron at the cafe
André Breton: The surrealist artist led the surrealist movement at the cafe
James Joyce: The novelist was a regular at the cafe
James Baldwin: The American writer was a regular at the cafe
Julia Child: The celebrity chef was a patron at the cafe
Chester Himes: The American writer was a patron at the cafe
Richard Wright: The American writer was a patron at the cafe
Jacques Prévert: The writer was a patron at the cafe
Many other notable literary works either originated from discussions that took place at the café or were inspired by the surroundings.
For example, Samuel Beckett's renowned play "Waiting for Godot" encapsulates the philosophy that emerged from existentialist dialogues. His experiences at Les deux Magots fueled his creativity, showcasing the significant impact that a simple café setting can have on writing and philosophy.
In fact, so intertwined in literary culture is Les Deux Magots that every year, since 1933, a literary prize if offered. The prize offered here is considered an alternative to the overly academic Goncourt Prize.
Named for the cafe, this award is given to works that are deemed less conventional and more "niche" than those that take the Goncourt Prize.
Annually on the last Tuesday in January, the prize is offered up to a book (which must have been published the previous year). The jury / panel is comprised of writers, journalists, and members of the artistic community and is chaired by Étienne de Montety (write and Editor in Chief of Figaro Littéraire Magazine).
So nothing to it, right? Wow, what a prize to be won - truly an accomplishment!
Like Café de Flore, these days Les Deux Magots draws in many the tourist. While not the Instagram spot that Le Flore is (not sure why as again - the view is just spectacular), it seems well over 65% of the daily clientele is either on business or holiday travel.
And word on les rues (that's "the streets' to you and me), is that many people flock here and find that their hot chocolate is simply unmissable, with several friends and P'Nichers never missing the chance to visit to indulge during their Parisian travels.
You have P'Niche's attention, Les Deux Magots!
Ready to visit?
This literary hot spot is waiting for you!
Les Deux Magots
6, place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (line 4)
Hours: Daily - 7:30am - 2:00am
Can't make it over to Paris just now and need a fix? Well, P'Niche has made many of the recipes in this (non-sponsored) cookbook and swears that it is the next best thing...
Vive Café life!
So what do you say, P'Nicher? Are you ready to grab a book - or even better are you tempted to pen your own masterpiece, here at Les Deux Magots? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
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