Paris - Les Deux Magots
Summer 2008
Frank's view 
'visit if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way''
Established back in 1819, Les Deux Magots is, more than most, entitled to claim status as a Parisian institution.
Jean Paul Sartre would sit with a coffee and write every morning, stopping only to chat to Ernest Hemmingway, who was also scribbling at another table. I wonder if a certain café in Edinburgh will be claiming such a contribution to world culture in the years to come when J K Rowling finally passes into the annals of literary history.
Since 1933 Les Deux Magots has been awarding a literary prize to a French author, thus maintaining its stature as a hothouse for aspiring writers.
The café is named after two statues of Chinese commercial agents (Les Deux Magots,) which dominate the interior of the building. However, the only place to sit is outside on one of the terraces where you can look out over the buzz of St Germain Des Pres.
The menu is comprehensive and as you would expect from a Parisian street café. It is available from the web site, complete with current prices. Our experience is that most of the St Germain cafes charge around the same but the quality of the food can vary significantly.
I ordered Salade Perigourdine – green salad, French beans, foie gras, and smoked duck fillet. Priced at €18.50, it was very good. The Camel’s companion selected une assiette de Jambon San Daniele at €15.50.
A good selection of wines by the glass, all fairly priced, are on offer. For example, Sancerre rouge or rose at €8, with a bottle priced at €32.
Les Deux Magots is a good option for a light lunch. It's not a bargain, but it doesn’t have to be. The place is always busy and offers interesting viewing, both on the street and in the café, whilst you dine.
Les Deux Magots
6, place St Germain des Pres
Paris
+33 1 45 48 55 25
http://www.lesdeuxmagots.fr
Jean Paul Sartre would sit with a coffee and write every morning, stopping only to chat to Ernest Hemmingway, who was also scribbling at another table. I wonder if a certain café in Edinburgh will be claiming such a contribution to world culture in the years to come when J K Rowling finally passes into the annals of literary history.
Since 1933 Les Deux Magots has been awarding a literary prize to a French author, thus maintaining its stature as a hothouse for aspiring writers.
The café is named after two statues of Chinese commercial agents (Les Deux Magots,) which dominate the interior of the building. However, the only place to sit is outside on one of the terraces where you can look out over the buzz of St Germain Des Pres.
The menu is comprehensive and as you would expect from a Parisian street café. It is available from the web site, complete with current prices. Our experience is that most of the St Germain cafes charge around the same but the quality of the food can vary significantly.
I ordered Salade Perigourdine – green salad, French beans, foie gras, and smoked duck fillet. Priced at €18.50, it was very good. The Camel’s companion selected une assiette de Jambon San Daniele at €15.50.
A good selection of wines by the glass, all fairly priced, are on offer. For example, Sancerre rouge or rose at €8, with a bottle priced at €32.
Les Deux Magots is a good option for a light lunch. It's not a bargain, but it doesn’t have to be. The place is always busy and offers interesting viewing, both on the street and in the café, whilst you dine.
Les Deux Magots
6, place St Germain des Pres
Paris
+33 1 45 48 55 25
http://www.lesdeuxmagots.fr
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
