The Two Maggots

Les Deux Magots, located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district in Paris, is one of the most iconic and historic cafes in the city. Founded in 1812 as a fabric and novelty shop, the establishment transformed into a café in 1884, keeping the name and the two Mandarin figures that still adorn the place today. This café has become a cultural and intellectual landmark, attracting some of the greatest names in literature, art, and philosophy. In the 19th century, Les Deux Magots became the favorite meeting place for Symbolist poets such as Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud. However, it was during the interwar period that the café reached the peak of its fame. Among its regular visitors were Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, prominent figures of existentialism, as well as surrealists like André Breton and artists of the caliber of Pablo Picasso. This vibrant and intellectual environment made Les Deux Magots the ideal place for the exchange of revolutionary and creative ideas. The presence of writers like James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway further solidified the café’s literary reputation. Joyce wrote parts of his famous novel “Ulysses” at the café, while Hemingway, often accompanied by other American expatriates, found inspiration for his novel “The Sun Also Rises.” The variety and quality of minds frequenting the café contributed to creating a unique environment where art and literature met and merged. In 1933, Les Deux Magots established the Prix des Deux Magots, a literary prize that celebrates innovative and unconventional works. Among the illustrious winners of this prize were Raymond Queneau, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Marguerite Duras. The prize played a crucial role in promoting French literature and continues to be awarded every year, helping to keep alive the café’s cultural tradition. During World War II, the café’s activity was interrupted, but it quickly reopened in the post-war period, resuming its role as an intellectual center. The café not only witnessed the literary and artistic currents of the 20th century but also welcomed celebrities from the film and fashion industries. In the 1940s and 1950s, Les Deux Magots became a meeting place for filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, whose films deeply influenced French and international cinema. Today, Les Deux Magots has maintained its historical charm, with Art Deco interiors, red leather seats, mahogany tables, and mirrors reflecting the elegance of the past. The café continues to be a meeting place for tourists and Parisians, who visit not only for its history but also for the culinary experience. The menu offers a range of classic French dishes, from simple breakfasts to elaborate brunches, all prepared with high-quality ingredients.