Wonderful cafés are easy to find in Paris. It seems the French have made an art of whiling away the time, and to make sure the opportunity for intimate conversation or reading a good book in a picturesque spot is available to everyone, there are cafés at every corner.
And really, what is a better indication of civilization than a public place to meet a friend for conversation that is stimulated by the effects of a good dose of caffeine? However, not every café is equal; some are not to miss.
Les Deux Magots is steeped in the intellectual history of Paris. Two wooden figures from the original incarnation of the space have stayed as permanent fixtures in the café and their presence as the two merchants, or deux magots, gives the café its name.
During the twenties, Les Deux Magots became one of the virtual centers of the intellectual universe. Ernest Hemingway, Jean Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Antoine de St-Exupery were regulars. Although it can be crowded in high season, the standard French fare is excellent.
Treat yourself to a luxurious breakfast (petit déjeuner) with flaky croissants and rich hot chocolate to start out the day right, or if you are traveling in the colder months, try one of the hot whisky grogs, which will be sure to warm you from the inside out.
Café de Flore is another quintessential French bohemian café. It has been a home to the poets and artists that formed the Surrealist movement, existentialists like Albert Camus, and later the filmmakers who created the French New Wave.
More recently it has become the favorite of the international jet set. For people watching it cannot be beat; the beautiful people continue to flock to this spot on the Boulevard St-Germain. Try a hot croque monsieur (ham and cheese French style) or a champagne cocktail flavored with peach or raspberry.
Les Deux Moulins
Les Deux Moulins is a more recent star. For fans of the pixie-like character Amélie from the film The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain played by Audrey Tautou, it is a must see. It is located in the Montmartre neighborhood and has a warm, homey atmosphere.
Traditional café food and beverages are served; you can feast on a burger and fries while looking out the lace curtained windows or sit at an outside table sipping coffee and watch the world go by.
Rosebud
Another café inspired by a film is Rosebud, named after Orson Welles' sled in Citizen Kane. It is the perfect place to go for conversation and a good shot of whiskey in the evening. The bartenders are formally attired in white tuxedos, and mix great cocktails.
It is advisable to dress up a bit so you don't stick out as a tourist. For those who crave a bite to eat with their drinks, there is a menu that includes a very satisfying chili con carne.
Les Deux Magots
6, place St. Germain des Prés
Metro: St. Germain des Prés
Café de Flore
172, boulevard St. Germain
Metro: St. Germain des Prés
Les Deux Moulins
15, rue de Lepic
Metro: Blanche
Rosebud
11, bis rue Delambre
Metro: Vavin
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