Les Deux Magots

The terraces at Les Deux Magots face the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, giving a café table here a particular relationship with the square. The indoor room has its own Art Deco character, while the outdoor seats put the movement of the boulevard in the foreground. These are two versions of the same institution: one enclosed and decorative, the other open to the neighbourhood.

A Saint-Germain literary café

Founded as a café in 1884, Les Deux Magots has long been associated with the artistic and literary life of Saint-Germain. That connection continues through literary gatherings and a seasonal jazz programme, rather than existing only in a list of former customers. Around it, galleries and bookshops give the café's cultural setting a life beyond its famous name.

Hot chocolate, breakfast and the terrace

The old-style hot chocolate is one of the house specialities and a good introduction to the food and drink. Pastries and breakfast provide a shorter visit; the menu also extends into traditional French dishes made with seasonal ingredients. It can be a café stop or a seated meal, with quite different spending and time involved in each.

What distinguishes the address is how closely the room, terrace and square belong together. The church remains a fixed point across the tables, while the boulevard brings the changing scene. For visitors interested in Paris' café culture, that setting is as much a part of the order as the cup itself.