Real talk for a second—the cafés in Paris are a huge part of the city's charm. Though you can probably say that they're a dime a dozen, you can't deny that they're a quintessential part of the Parisian experience. It's like you can't say you've been to Paris if you haven't spent time in a charming café here! And it rings true in Montparnasse as it does in all the other
neighborhoods in Paris! Once the stomping ground of the likes of Ernst Hemingway and Jean-Paul Sartre, there are a few cafés that are definitely worth your while! Not the least of which are Café de Flore, Café de la Rotonde, Le Dome Café, La Closerie des Lilas, and Cafe Le Select.
Café de la Rotonde
If there's one word you can best describe Café de la Rotonde in Paris, it's iconic! Brimming with its bright rouge color scheme and golden art deco sign, the place looks pretty cinematic. You can get a good sense that many prominent people have eaten here throughout the years. And they have! The likes of Pablo Picasso, painter Diego Rivera, and art collector Peggy Guggenheim have all once graced this chic café. One of the place's great stories is that Ms. Guggenheim and her entourage all left Le Dome Café from across the street to eat here since Café de la Rotonde allowed women to smoke indoors.
Source: LPLT / Wikimedia Commons
Le Dome Café
Speaking of Le Dome Café, you can probably already tell that this place is also pretty historic. Another favorite among café society in the early 20th century, lots of historical figures have eaten here. They include Vladimir Lenin, Paul Gauguin, Max Ernst, and Samuel Beckett, among many others. During their time, Le Dome Café was known for its mashed potatoes and meaty dishes. Today, however, it's become a prominent seafood restaurant in Paris. From fish to prawns, the food here is so good, the place earned a
Michelin star! This truly isn't an ordinary café.
Source: Flickr.com/ Henrik Berger Jørgensen
La Closerie des Lilas
Hidden behind lots of shrubberies, you can barely spot La Closerie des Lilas as you walk along Boulevard du Montparnasse. However, it's among the most charming cafes in Paris! So much so that the likes of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald used to frequent the place. They'd even write many of their most famous stories while they dine here. And with a menu that includes Dublin Bar prawns, Imperial Caviar of Sologne, and Crepe Suzette, who wouldn't want to eat here? You'll definitely get your fill of fine French food if you ever choose to visit La Closerie des Lilas!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Celette
Cafe Le Select
You likely won't find a place quite like Cafe Le Select in all the other
neighborhoods in Paris. With its distinct green-tinted color scheme, It's become a famous spot in Montparnasse. Even all the way back
in the 1920s. When it first opened in 1925, the cafe became an instant hit. Why? Because it was one of the very few cafes in Paris that allowed you to drink all day long. And to this day, you can still sip some wine during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You might even say that their alcohol is just as popular as their coffee!
Source: LPLT / Wikimedia Commons
La Coupole
And finally, there's La Coupole, also located on Boulevard du Montparnasse. Lots of things have happened in this café! Josephine Baker dined here with her pet leopard and author Joseph Kessel would often eat the glass where his drinks were served. In history alone, La Coupole already stands out among the many cafes in Paris. But what about the food? Expect Gillardeau oysters, langoustines, grey shrimp, onion soup with au gratin, green bean salads, and more. The place's menu is so diverse that you won't know what to eat first! Of course,
ordering coffee here is always a good idea too!
Source: LPLT / Wikimedia Commons
There's no doubt that there are a ton of cafés in Paris you simply have to check out, at least once! However, there are a few in Montparnasse, both in their historical significance and their chic ambiance, that is truly worth your while!
