Audio GuideCafé de Flore

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

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Café de Flore is one of Paris’s oldest and most renowned coffeehouses, located in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine. Established in the eighteen eighties, this charming corner spot has been welcoming visitors for decades. To reach it, take the metro to Saint-Germain-des-Prés station on line four.

Inside, the café boasts an elegant Art Deco design with vibrant red seating, rich mahogany furnishings, and classic mirrors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior has remained largely unchanged since World War Two, preserving its timeless Parisian charm.

Over the years, Café de Flore has been a favorite haunt of many influential figures. Artists like Pablo Picasso and philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus frequented the café, making it a central hub for French intellectuals. Their lively discussions and creative exchanges contributed significantly to literature and philosophy.

Today, Café de Flore continues to be a symbol of Parisian artistic and intellectual life. It appears in various films, music videos, and literary works, maintaining its status as a cultural icon. Each year, the café hosts the Prix de Flore, a prestigious literary award that celebrates contemporary writers.

For tourists, Café de Flore offers more than just delicious French fare. It provides a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Paris, allowing visitors to experience the ambiance that inspired some of the greatest minds. Whether enjoying a coffee or a meal, guests can soak in the enduring legacy and vibrant atmosphere of this legendary Parisian establishment.

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