Les+Deux+Magots

Les Deux Magots is quite a popular tourist destination in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres area of Paris, France. The name of this charming district means “two Chinese figurines” and comes from a novelty shop that once occupied space there. Two statues still stand at the café that takes its place today. The area was first founded in 1812 and expanded in 1873 to what it is now. Its historical reputation came from Surrealist artists and literary and intellectual elite’s like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, and young writers including Ernest Hemingway. Because of its literary ties, there is also an award that originated from this gathering place of writers -- the Prix des Deux Magots.

People visit this area to enjoy the non-stop Parisian ballet, silhouettes and city lights, and to sip some old-fashioned hot chocolate and eat pastries. The atmosphere here is distinctive and poets and artists still frequent the bistros and café’s today -- as do fashionistas, politicians and tourists from all over the world. This artsy neighborhood has luxurious fashion boutiques and art galleries, quaint restaurants to sip the finest wines, and the oldest church in Paris. Concerts are often played here, favoring classical and jazz music. It’s a good place to experience Paris life.