Paris is not only famous for its monuments and museums.
The city also has cafés where famous writers, poets, and philosophers once gathered.
These historic cafés are perfect if you want to enjoy a drink while imagining the stories that were created there.
Here are five of the most legendary literary cafés in Paris:
Les Deux Magots
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Located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Les Deux Magots is one of the most famous literary cafés in Paris.
In the 20th century, it was the meeting place of writers like Ernest Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Today, it is still a lively spot where you can sip coffee and watch the world go by.
Café de Flore
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Right next door to Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore is another legendary place.
Philosophers and artists loved it for its cozy atmosphere. Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir spent long hours here discussing ideas.
The café is now a classic stop for visitors who want to feel Paris’ intellectual past.
Brasserie Lipp
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Across the street, you’ll find Brasserie Lipp.
This brasserie became famous in the 19th and 20th centuries for its hearty Alsatian food and as a favorite spot of writers like André Gide and Paul Valéry.
It still keeps its old charm with big mirrors and traditional dishes.
Le Procope
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Founded in 1686, Le Procope is the oldest café in Paris.
Voltaire, Rousseau, and even Benjamin Franklin came here to debate new ideas.
The décor is full of history, with chandeliers and portraits that take you back in time. Eating here is like stepping into another century.
La Closerie des Lilas
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In Montparnasse, La Closerie des Lilas was a favorite of artists and writers in the early 1900s.
Hemingway even wrote part of The Sun Also Rises here.
The café still has a refined atmosphere, with piano music in the evening and elegant décor that keeps the spirit of its past alive.
Visiting these cafés is more than just having a drink—it’s like walking through Paris’ literary history. Each table has its stories, and who knows, maybe you’ll feel inspired too!