Café de Flore Paris: An Enduring Piece of Parisian History
There is no shortage of great bistros, cafes, or restaurants in Paris. As much time as we’ve spent in Paris, we rarely eat at the same one twice. But Café de Flore is different. Yes, it’s touristy which is why many people skip it. But if you can look beyond that, there is so much more. We make it a point to stop by on almost every trip.
It’s located in Paris’ trendiest neighborhood, Saint Germain des Prés. With its mosaic-tiled floors, wicker chairs, and round cafe tables on the sidewalk, it’s more than just a cafe—it’s a living piece of Parisian history. For decades, famous artists, writers, creatives, intellectuals, and philosophers have gathered here to have a drink and talk.
We’ve been here on a warm, sunny afternoon sitting under its iconic awning. We’ve enjoyed the portable heaters on a cold and rainy evening. We’ve stopped for morning coffee and chocolate croissant. But no matter the time of day, season, or the weather, it always seems to live up to the magic of Paris.
The cafe culture in Paris and Europe in general
One of my most favorite things about Paris is the cafe culture where eating is not just about consumption, it’s an event and something to look forward to and cherish. It’s something to make time for and enjoy the people and the moment every bit as much as the food.
A little history of Café de Flore
Legend has it that Café de Flore opened in the 1880s (probably 1887) and in the early 1900s began to attract some of the most forward-thinkers of the time; Pablo Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, and Trotzky just to name a few. Over the years, its famous clientele also included Ernest Hemingway who lived in Paris for a while.
Today, it’s just a great place for friends or business acquaintances to get together and share a meal or a drink and a snack.
Is it hard to get a table at Café de Flore?
I must confess, we have never sat inside and had a proper dinner. It does look cozy with its mahogany booths and brass railings. But, every time we’ve opted for the sidewalk tables, the snacking menu, and the people-watching. And as touristy as its reputation is, we seem to always sit next to what appears to be locals.
In the early evenings, a line forms outside for the sidewalk tables. But we have never waited more than five minutes to be seated. The line moves quickly so don’t let that scare you off.
If, by chance, you can’t get seated, we’ve tried Les Deux Magots several times. Conveniently, it’s right next to Café de Flore.
The menu at Café de Flore
Café de Flore is probably most well known for their legendary French hot chocolate – thick, creamy, and absolutely decadent. It is good but incredibly rich. Very few people, based on my observations, can finish one as you’ll see the serving pitchers still half full when the customers leave. I typically like to eat my dessert rather than drink it.
We have always opted for the snacking menu. Their French onion soup is as good as it gets and can easily pass as a meal – especially on a cold, rainy evening. I also love their Croque Monsieur with the side salad.
If you’re just there for a drink, they also bring you their version of black-peppered potato chips which are a great snack and accompaniment.
Where is Café de Flore located?
Café de Flore is at the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain (one of the most famous streets of Paris) and Rue Saint-Benoit.
There may be trendier spots in Paris, but few offer the charm, history, and people-watching quite like Café de Flore. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, it’s a place that will remind you why you fell in love with Paris in the first place.
