10 Oldest Cafés in Paris

Paris is a city steeped in history. It is also home to some of the world’s oldest cafés. These establishments have not only withstood the test of time but continue to serve patrons today, offering a window into the past with their rich histories and traditional decor.

Here we delve into the ten oldest cafés in Paris, each brimming with stories and old-world charm.

1. Le Select

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Known for its role in the American expatriate literary movement in Paris, Le Select was a favored haunt of writers such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Its welcoming ambiance and strategic location made it a central meeting spot for discussing literature and life.

Did You Know?

Le Select’s influence extends beyond just its patronage by famous writers. It was among the first in the area to stay open late, accommodating the nocturnal habits of its artistic clientele.

This policy fostered an environment of creativity and camaraderie that helped shape the literary styles of many expatriate authors in Paris during the 1920s, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the Montparnasse area.

2. La Rotonde

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La Rotonde was a pivotal gathering place for artists in the Montparnasse district, known for its vibrant artistic community in the early 20th century. It served as a crossroads for creative minds, including Pablo Picasso and Diego Rivera, who frequented the café to discuss art and politics.

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The owner of La Rotonde was known for his generosity towards struggling artists, often accepting paintings in lieu of payment for meals.

This practice turned the café into a living gallery of modern art, featuring works by artists who would later become famous.

These pieces sometimes served as collateral until the artists could afford to reclaim them, reflecting the supportive environment that La Rotonde provided to the artistic community.

3. Le Consulat

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In the artistic enclave of Montmartre, Le Consulat stands as a testament to the bohemian lifestyle that defined early 20th-century Paris.

Frequented by luminaries like Picasso and Modigliani, this café has long been a canvas for creative expression, its walls lined with artworks that capture the vibrant history of the area.

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Le Consulat’s role in the artistic community goes beyond just serving meals. It was a sanctuary during times of political unrest, a discreet meeting place for discussions that shaped the direction of modern art, and a gallery where artists could display and sell their work.

Today, it remains a cornerstone of Montmartre’s charm, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts eager to connect with the spirit of the great artists who once dined and debated within its walls.

4. La Palette

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La Palette, known for its bohemian flair and traditional Parisian atmosphere, has been a backdrop for numerous films and a favored spot for local artists and intellectuals. Its rustic interior and historical significance make it a cherished site among Parisians and tourists alike.

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Over the years, La Palette has become adorned with artworks donated by its patrons, turning the café into a miniature museum of modern art. Each piece tells a story, capturing moments of inspiration and camaraderie among the café’s eclectic clientele.

This unique tradition has preserved the artistic heritage of the café, making it not just a place to eat and drink but a living archive of Parisian artistic expression.

5. Le Dôme Café

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Initially a simple café, Le Dôme evolved into an iconic gathering place for the Montparnasse art scene. Renowned for its seafood, the café attracted a diverse array of artists and intellectuals who contributed to its bohemian reputation.

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Le Dôme was not just a café but a cultural landmark that played a significant role in the lives of many expatriates and artists in Paris. It was affectionately called the “Anglo-American Café” due to its popularity with English-speaking artists.

The café’s role in fostering artistic dialogue and its welcoming of diverse cultures made it a symbol of Paris’s status as a melting pot of artistic and intellectual pursuits.

6. Café de Flore

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Café de Flore, a cornerstone of Parisian café culture, has long been a meeting ground for the city’s intellectual elite.

Throughout the 20th century, it became synonymous with the philosophical debates that defined the era, often hosting existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

The café’s classic red seating and friendly atmosphere continue to draw both locals and tourists.

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The Café de Flore has also been deeply involved in fostering literary talent through the “Prix de Flore,” a prize it has awarded annually since 1994.

This accolade is given to promising young authors, helping to launch the careers of several notable writers in France. The prize reflects the café’s ongoing commitment to cultural and intellectual enrichment, cementing its status as a patron of the arts.

7. Les Deux Magots

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Originally a silk shop, Les Deux Magots transformed into a café where Paris’s literary and intellectual life continued to thrive. Famous for its iconic pair of Chinese statues, the café has been a preferred spot for renowned thinkers and writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Albert Camus.

Did You Know?

The name “Les Deux Magots” comes from the two Chinese figurines that adorn the interior, which were originally part of the décor of the silk shop that once occupied the site.

These statues have overseen countless debates and discussions that shaped the philosophical and literary movements of Paris. Their presence adds a touch of historical and exotic charm, making the café a symbolic space for cultural continuity and remembrance.

8. Café de la Paix

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Café de la Paix, designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera House, exudes grandeur with its lavish interiors and intricate detailing. This café has historically been a meeting place for the cultural elite, including famous authors like Emile Zola and renowned composers such as Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

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Café de la Paix was declared a historic site in 1975 due to its significant cultural contributions and architectural beauty. The café played a pivotal role during the Belle Époque, when Paris blossomed into a cultural and artistic hub.

Its proximity to the Opera Garnier made it a popular spot among theatergoers and performers alike, creating a vibrant cultural scene that helped define Parisian society during that era.

9. La Closerie des Lilas

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La Closerie des Lilas is celebrated for its picturesque setting filled with lilac bushes and its history as a retreat for literary giants like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

This café offers a tranquil escape with its shaded terraces and serene ambiance, ideal for contemplation and creative thought.

Did You Know?

Hemingway famously referred to La Closerie des Lilas as a place where he wrote and reflected. It was here that he edited “The Sun Also Rises,” a novel that would become one of his most celebrated works.

The café’s association with Hemingway and other literary figures has made it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts, keen to capture a piece of the creative energy that once permeated its spaces.

10. Le Procope

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Opened by Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli, Le Procope is heralded as the oldest café in Paris. Throughout the centuries, it has been a gathering place for the literary and philosophical elite, including icons like Voltaire and Rousseau.

The café maintains its 17th-century décor, replete with crystal chandeliers and mirrored walls, offering guests a taste of historical opulence.

Did You Know?

Le Procope has been a witness to many historical events. During the French Revolution, it was frequented by figures such as Danton and Marat. It also houses memorabilia, including Napoleon’s hat, which he reportedly left behind in exchange for a meal he couldn’t pay for at the time. This artifact symbolizes his promise to return and pay his debt, marking the café not just a culinary destination but a repository of historical treasures.

Conclusion

These historic cafés are not merely establishments for dining; they are vibrant cultural institutions that have witnessed and shaped centuries of intellectual, artistic, and social movements.

As living museums, each café continues to offer more than just a culinary experience they provide a direct link to the past, maintaining the traditions and spirits of the luminaries who once graced their tables.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of fine coffee, or someone in search of Parisian charm, visiting these time-honored cafés offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the enduring soul of Paris.