Audio GuideCafé de Flore

Long-running coffeehouse & celebrity haunt serving familiar French fare in a charming corner locale.

...

Café de Flore is one of Paris’s oldest and most celebrated coffeehouses, nestled in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés area on the Left Bank of the Seine. Since it first opened in the eighteen-eighties, this charming corner café has been a welcoming haven for many. You can reach it by taking the underground to Saint-Germain-des-Prés station on line four.

Inside, the café showcases an elegant Art Deco style with vibrant red seating, rich mahogany decor, and classic mirrors, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior has largely remained unchanged since the Second World War, preserving its timeless Parisian allure.

Throughout the years, Café de Flore has been a beloved spot for many notable figures. Artists like Pablo Picasso and thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus were regular patrons, making it a key meeting place for French intellectuals. Their lively debates and creative conversations left a significant mark on literature and philosophy.

Today, Café de Flore continues to embody Parisian artistic and intellectual life. It features in a range of films, music videos, and literary works, upholding its status as a cultural icon. Every year, the café hosts the Prix de Flore, a prestigious literary prize honouring contemporary authors.

For tourists, Café de Flore offers more than just delectable French cuisine. It allows a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Paris, letting visitors immerse themselves in the atmosphere that once inspired some of history’s great minds. Whether savouring a coffee or a meal, guests can absorb the enduring legacy and vibrant ambiance of this legendary Parisian locale.

Listen to this and other guides in app