In the middle of the cobbled streets and the majestic boulevards of Paris, there are historic cafes that have witnessed the intellectual hustle, the overwhelming creativity and the bohemian atmosphere that has inspired great writers throughout history. These famous establishments, imbued with the Parisian essence, have served as a refuge for literary, philosophers and artists who have left an imprint on world culture. In this article, we will explore seven of these emblematic cafés, from their intellectual tertulia to the influence of Art Nouveau and the consumption of classic absinthe, offering a fascinating journey through the literary and cultural history of Paris.
Intellectual Tertullies: Meetings that Marked Epoch
The intellectual tertulias, a tradition rooted in the Parisian culture, have been protagonists in the lives of numerous writers, providing a space for exchange of ideas and debate, where creativity and intellectual ferment have flourished. The emblematic Tertulias like those that took place at the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots have been the meeting point of legendary figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus and other great exponents of literature and philosophical thought.
1. Café de Flore: Cuna de la Intelectualidad
Located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Café de Flore has been an icon of Parisian intellectual life since its foundation in 1887. With its decoration Art Nouveau, this coffee hosted figures such as André Breton, Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway, becoming a privileged setting for the development of avant-garde ideas and the exploration of new artistic trends.
2. Les Deux Magots: Where the Literature is intertwined with the Café
With a privileged location in the bustling boulevard Saint-Germain, Les Deux Magots has for decades been the meeting point of brilliant literary minds. From figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir to contemporary writers such as Amélie Nothomb, this coffee has been the scene of countless conversations and debates that have left their mark on the literary history of Paris.
3. La Rotonde: Bohemia Scenario and Creativity
In keeping with its emblematic columns, La Rotonde has witnessed meetings between artists such as Modigliani, Chagall and other exhibitors of the Paris bohemian of the early twentieth century. His inspiring atmosphere, immortalized in the works of great painters, continues to attract writers and art lovers in search of that genuine spark that only this emblematic corner can offer.
4. Le Procope: The oldest Literary Café in Paris
Le Procope, founded in 1686, is the oldest literary café in Paris. Here, figures like Voltaire, Rousseau and Benjamin Franklin used to meet to discuss revolutionary ideas. This coffee not only offers a rich history, but also an atmosphere that transports its visitors to the era of Enlightenment.
5. La Closerie des Lilas: Refugio de Poetas y Novelistas
Known for being one of Hemingway's favorites, La Closerie des Lilas is a café that has hosted numerous writers and artists since its opening in 1847. The quiet and bohemian atmosphere of this place has inspired many to write and create, making it a reference point for the literary community.
6. Café de la Paix: Elegance and Culture
Located near Opera Garnier, the Café de la Paix has been a meeting place for writers and artists since its opening in 1862. With its elegant decoration and refined atmosphere, this coffee has been frequented by figures such as Émile Zola and Guy de Maupassant, who found here a space conducive to creativity and reflection.
7. Brasserie Lipp: An Icon of Belle Époque
The Brasserie Lipp, opened in 1880, is a icon of Belle Époque and a place frequented by writers such as Marcel Proust and James Joyce. The lively atmosphere and the inspiring environment of this coffee have made it a meeting point for those who seek to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural life of Paris.
Classic Absinthe: The Beverage that Embroidered the Writers
The classic absinthe has long been the favorite elixir of writers such as Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and Paul Verlaine, who sought in this controversial drink a source of inspiration and evasion. This drink, associated with bohemia and the artistic world, has left its mark on Parisian culture, becoming one of the characteristic elements of that literary environment so appreciated by great writers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legendary cafés of Paris have been more than simple establishments; they have been spaces of cultural convergence where the brightest minds have debated, created and found the inspiration that has given life to some of the most emblematic literary works of all time. Dive into the atmosphere of these historic cafes and be conquered by the legacy of Parisian bohemia, which continues to inspire writers and artists from around the world.