Café de Flore

Saint Germain - 6eme, Paris –

Bursting at the seams with history, Café de Flore was the old stomping ground of iconic French intellectuals Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, and this unique heritage has attracted a flood of well-heeled and knowledgeable tourists making a pilgrimage to one of THE quintessential Parisian cafés.

Facing the busy Boulevard Saint-Germain, the building is surrounded by a conservatory-like patio that offers an airy place to sip a dainty coffee and people-watch amid the plumes of smoke from petite Romeo cigarettes, which appear to be a permanent local accessory.

Opened in 1887 – and changed little since – the venue features scarlet-upholstered banquette benches, tiled floors, and dark wood tables that express a timeless elegance, with seats inhabited by a diverse crowd that ranges from affluent young couples and perfectly primped older ladies to savvy tourists seeking Sartre’s old table.

Given the café style, the focus is primarily on a civilized coffee or aperitifs rather than a full meal, but croque monsieur, omelets, and other classic French café fare is available for those who need a more substantial nosh.

And of course there’s always the ice cream menu, which is as big as the ice creams themselves, but – as with most everything here – premium prices are charged to reflect the premium location.

Yes, the waist-coated waiters will likely be brisk and the venue will always be busy, but Café de Flore’s long history and quintessentially French vibe promise a profound cultural experience.