Café de Flore, a Parisian institution, stands proudly as one of the city’s oldest coffeehouses. This iconic establishment boasts a fascinating history, drawing in a diverse array of individuals throughout the years.
A Corner of History:
Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a charming neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine, Café de Flore occupies a prime spot at the intersection of Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Benoît. The café’s name, derived from the Flora sculpture opposite the boulevard, pays homage to the Roman goddess of springtime and flowers.
The exact date of its opening remains a mystery, though records point to its emergence in the 1880s during the Third Republic. It quickly became a favored haunt for prominent figures, with early patrons like Joris-Karl Huysmans and Rémy de Gourmont frequenting its tables.
A Gathering Place for Intellectuals and Artists
Café de Flore’s reputation as a hub for influential individuals cemented itself in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The café’s walls witnessed the birth of “Revue d’Action Française” in 1899, a journal founded by Charles Maurras, who penned his book “Au signe de Flore” on the café’s upper floor.
A Who’s Who of History:
The list of patrons reads like a roll call of cultural giants: Georges Bataille, Robert Desnos, Léon-Paul Fargue, Raymond Queneau, Pablo Picasso all made the café their regular hangout. Even Zhou Enlai, the Chinese Premier, sought out the café’s charm during his time in France in the 1920s.
The café’s classic Art Deco interior, adorned with red seating, mahogany, and mirrors, has remained largely unchanged since World War II, preserving the atmosphere that attracted these legendary individuals.
A Legacy of Literary and Artistic Brilliance
A Rival’s Rise:
In the post-war era, Café de Flore continued to draw in the cream of French intellectual society. However, it faced competition from its nearby neighbor, Les Deux Magots.
American writer Adam Gopnik pondered over the reasons behind Café de Flore’s rise in popularity, particularly in the late 1990s, surpassing its long-time rival, even though Les Deux Magots was famously associated with intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and other prominent thinkers of the 1940s and 1950s.
Beyond the Parisian Elite:
Café de Flore also attracted other influential groups. A league of Romanian thinkers, including Emil Cioran, Eugene Ionesco, and Benjamin Fondane, found inspiration within its walls.
A Literary Legacy:
The café’s legacy lives on through the Prix de Flore, a prestigious literary prize awarded annually since 1994, honoring emerging literary talents.
A Cultural Icon:
Café de Flore’s presence extends beyond the realm of literature and philosophy. Its charm has captivated filmmakers and musicians, appearing in countless films and songs. From James Baldwin’s writing of his classic “Go Tell It On The Mountain” to Amanda Lear’s iconic music video, “Égal”, the café has etched its mark in the history of entertainment.
A Timeless Destination:
Today, Café de Flore remains a vibrant and bustling spot, drawing in tourists and locals alike. Its rich history and timeless elegance continue to inspire generations, solidifying its place as a true Parisian icon.
