Most Famous Cafés in Paris: Must See Iconic Spots

Paris is a city of landmarks, and cafés are undoubtedly one of its most cherished. When you imagine yourself in the French capital, chances are you picture a small round table, a cup of coffee, and a view of the Parisian streets. This guide to the most famous cafés in Paris will take you through the historic, the cinematic, and the simply iconic — the addresses that have shaped the city’s café culture and continue to draw visitors from around the world.

Whether you’re chasing literary history, film nostalgia, or simply the perfect Instagram shot, these are the most famous cafés in Paris you won’t want to miss.

Why Parisian Cafés Are World-Famous

Parisian cafés are more than just places to drink coffee — they are cultural institutions. In the 19th and 20th centuries, cafés became the intellectual heart of Paris, where writers, philosophers, and artists gathered to debate, create, and observe. The Belle Époque era and the roaring 1920s cemented the café as a space for creativity and social life.

Today, the aesthetic of Parisian café terraces, complete with woven chairs and tiny tables, has become globally iconic. Visiting the most famous cafés in Paris is as much about soaking up history and ambiance as it is about the coffee itself.

The Most Famous Cafés in Paris

1. Café de Flore

Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Café de Flore is perhaps the most famous café in Paris. It was a favorite of existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who made it their unofficial office. The green awning and art deco interior remain virtually unchanged, and today it draws celebrities, tourists, and locals alike.

• What to order: A classic café crème or hot chocolate.
• Instagram tip: Capture the iconic façade from across the boulevard.

For more information, visit the Café de Flore website: https://cafedeflore.fr/en/

2. Les Deux Magots

Just next door to Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots shares a similar literary and philosophical heritage. Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and James Joyce were all known to frequent it. The terrace remains one of the best people-watching spots in Paris.

• Best time to visit: Morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds.

For more information, visit the Les Deux Magots website: https://lesdeuxmagots.fr/en/

3. Café de la Paix

Near the Opéra Garnier, Café de la Paix is a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture. Since 1862, it has welcomed figures from Victor Hugo to Emile Zola. The opulent decor, complete with gilded moldings and crystal chandeliers, makes it a must-see for those who want a luxurious coffee break steeped in history.

• Why visit: For a luxurious coffee break in one of Paris’s grandest settings.

For more information, visit the Le Café de la Paix website: https://www.cafedelapaix.fr/en/

4. La Closerie des Lilas

Located near Montparnasse, La Closerie des Lilas was Ernest Hemingway’s preferred writing spot. Though it’s more of a restaurant today, its connection to the artistic circles of the early 20th century remains undeniable. The bar area retains an old-world charm, with brass plaques bearing the names of its famous patrons.

• Fun fact: The bar features plaques with the names of famous patrons.

For more information, visit the La Closerie des Lilas website: https://www.closeriedeslilas.fr/en/

5. Le Select

Le Select is another Montparnasse classic that has maintained its vintage décor and timeless atmosphere. Frequented by artists, writers, and filmmakers, it’s a quintessential Parisian café that feels authentic and unspoiled by time.

For more information, visit the Le Select website: https://www.leselectmontparnasse.fr/en/

6. La Coupole

La Coupole, just a short stroll from Le Select, is famous for its grand art deco interiors and a storied past. It became the meeting ground for the Lost Generation and Surrealists, including Man Ray and Jean Cocteau. Though it’s more brasserie than café today, its history makes it worth visiting.

For more information, visit the La Coupole website: https://www.lacoupole-paris.com/en/

7. Le Dôme

Le Dôme rounds out the Montparnasse trio. Known for its seafood and literary legacy, it was another favorite haunt of expatriate writers and Parisian intellectuals. The café’s Belle Époque flair is still intact, making it a stylish stop for coffee or oysters.

For more information, visit the Le Dôme website: https://www.restaurant-ledome.com/en/home/

8. Le Consulat

Tucked in Montmartre, Le Consulat is perhaps the most photographed café in Paris thanks to its charming red and white façade. Though it’s undeniably touristy today, it retains an old-world feel with its vintage signage and nostalgic decor. A coffee here pairs perfectly with a stroll through the winding streets of Montmartre.

For more information, visit the Le Consulat website: https://le-consulat.res-menu.com/

9. La Maison Rose

Also in Montmartre, La Maison Rose is the pastel pink café immortalized by artist Maurice Utrillo and featured in the Bollywood film Queen. Nestled on a cobblestone corner, it offers a storybook setting perfect for photographs.

• Pro tip: Visit at sunrise for tourist-free photos.
• Bonus: The café offers a farm-to-table menu with eco-conscious values.

For more information, visit the La Maison Rose website: https://lamaisonrose-montmartre.com/en/

10. Café des Deux Moulins

Fans of Amélie Poulain will recognize Café des Deux Moulins, where much of the beloved film was shot. Located in Montmartre, it’s a whimsical stop for cinema lovers, complete with film memorabilia and a quirky, lived-in vibe.

For more information, visit the Café des Deux Moulins website: https://cafedesdeuxmoulins.fr/en

11. Polidor

This 19th-century gem in the 6th arrondissement gained renewed fame after appearing in Midnight in Paris. The interiors remain unchanged since the 1800s, featuring communal wooden tables, zinc counters, and a general air of nostalgia. It’s one of the few places where you truly feel transported to another era.

For more information, visit the Polidor website: https://www.polidor.com/en/home/

12. La Palette

Situated in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, La Palette has long been a favorite among art students from the École des Beaux-Arts. More recently, it gained popularity through Emily in Paris. The café boasts a charming terrace and an interior filled with colorful ceramics and vintage mirrors.

For more information, visit the La Palette website: https://la-palette.res-menu.com/

13. Le Fumoir

An institution on the Right Bank near the Louvre, Le Fumoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere with dark wood paneling, leather seats, and a small library. It’s ideal for a quiet coffee, cocktail, or afternoon tea, all while surrounded by an ambiance of understated elegance.

For more information, visit the Le Fumoir website: https://www.lefumoir.com/

14. La Rotonde

Another Montparnasse icon, La Rotonde was a meeting place for Picasso, Modigliani, and other modern artists. Its distinctive red awnings and classic French brasserie décor have been maintained, making it a living tribute to Paris’s artistic past.

For more information, visit the La Rotonde website: https://larotonde-montparnasse.fr/

15. Le Rouquet

Located in Saint-Germain, Le Rouquet was featured in the series about Karl Lagerfeld starring Jeanne Damas. Known as Lagerfeld’s preferred meeting spot, it has recently attracted fashion enthusiasts looking to channel a bit of Parisian chic.

16. Café de l’Homme

For one of the best Eiffel Tower views, head to Café de l’Homme at the Trocadéro. It featured in Emily in Paris, and while it’s more upscale dining than traditional café, the spectacular setting makes it a coveted location for visitors looking for that perfect Paris photo.

For more information, visit the Le Café de L’Homme website: https://www.cafedelhomme.com/en

Tips for Visiting Famous Parisian Cafés

• Timing: Early mornings or weekdays help you avoid the tourist rush.
• What to order: A simple espresso, café crème, or chocolat chaud.
• Service culture: Don’t expect speed — cafés are for lingering.
• Photo etiquette: Be respectful of staff and other patrons when snapping pictures.

Alternatives: Where to Go for a More Local Experience

If you’re curious about less touristy spots, check out my guide to 10 Must-Visit Cafés in Paris for an Authentic French Experience.

Conclusion

Exploring the most famous cafés in Paris is like stepping through the pages of history, cinema, and art. Whether you’re sitting where Sartre once wrote, or recreating a scene from Amélie, these cafés offer a taste of the Paris that lives in the collective imagination.

For a well-rounded experience, I always recommend balancing these iconic addresses with hidden local gems — that’s when Paris truly feels like your own.