Café de Flore – Paris’ iconic literary café

Café de Flore – a special experience

Café de Flore, located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement on Boulevard Saint-Germain, is one of Paris’ most legendary cafés.

The story behind Café de Flore

The café opened in the late 19th century and quickly became a gathering place for Paris’ intellectual elite. In the 1930s and 1940s, it was a regular haunt for famous writers and philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus, who discussed existentialism and art over coffee and cigarettes. Today, the café still bears the mark of this cultural heritage and is popular with locals and tourists alike.

The classic café experience

Café de Flore is known for its elegant art deco decor with red leather sofas, marble tables and mirrored walls creating a timeless atmosphere. The menu features classic French café dishes such as croque-monsieur, omelettes and the famous hot chocolate served in small jugs. Prices are slightly higher than in regular cafés, but the unique atmosphere and historical significance make it worth it.

Practical tips for your visit

• Opening hours: The café is open daily from morning to late evening, making it a perfect place for both breakfast and a late night coffee.
• Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris.
• Transportation: Take metro line 4 to Saint-Germain-des-Prés station, which is just a few steps from the café.

3 nearby attractions at Café de Flore

1. Les Deux Magots: The neighborhood café and Café de Flores’ biggest rival, known for its rich history and as a former gathering place for writers like Sartre and Camus.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church: the oldest church in Paris, just a stone’s throw from the café, where you can discover Romanesque architecture and historical frescoes.
3. Musée Eugène Delacroix: An intimate museum dedicated to the Romantic painter Delacroix, located in his former studio and residence.

Café de Flore today

Although the café still attracts artists and writers, today it is also a popular spot for fashion icons and celebrities. During Paris Fashion Week, it’s not uncommon to see designers and models sitting at the tables enjoying an espresso.

Café de Flore is not just a café, but an experience that connects the present with Paris’ rich cultural past. A visit here is like stepping into history and feeling part of the creative pulse of the city.

Read about the other famous cafés in Paris here

By Tommy Sverre – 2025