Please wait

Contact

37-39 rue Boissière
75016 Paris
France

Phone : 01 41 40 99 80

GaultMillau © 2025 All rights reserved

5 restaurants with a special connection to the world of literature

5 restaurants with a special connection to the world of literature

Benoit Gaboriaud | 11/14/23, 3:19 PM

Every year, the winner of the Prix Goncourt is announced at Drouant, the temple of French literature. This Parisian institution is not the only one to have forged privileged links with the publishing world. Proof is in our selection of five historic establishments.

A convivial place, the restaurant is also a place for sharing thoughts. In the capital, more precisely in the 6ᵉ arrondissement where most of the major publishing houses are concentrated, the small world of literature has had its habits since the 17th century. La Closerie des Lilas, Le Café de Flore, Le Procope, Les Deux Magots... have seen theentire Parisian intelligentsia pass through their walls, from their creations to the present day. From Arthur Rimbaud to Amélie Nothomb, not forgetting Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir and André Breton, all the famous writers met here to philosophize or simply enjoy themselves. And in terms of literary addresses,the Opéra district is not to be outdone.

Drouant and the Goncourt

For 120 years, France's most prestigious literary prize, the Goncourt, has been awarded at Drouant, nestled in the Opéra district.These walls frame the famous oval table that serves as the office of the "Dix Couverts" - the ten current members of the Académie Goncourt, including Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt and, most recently, Christine Angot. An additional prize was created here in 1926: the Renaudot, named after the precursor of the written press who, in 1630, initiated the Gazette de France.

The majestic Café de la Paix

Not far from the Drouant, just opposite the Opéra, with its breathtaking view, Le Café de la Paix can boast of having hostedthe first meeting of the Académie Goncourt in 1903, when Joseph-Antoine Nau was awarded the first Prix Goncourt for his novel Force ennemie in this Napoleon III-style setting. The place thus became"the place to be". Oscar Wilde, Paul Valéry, André Gide and Marcel Proustfound themselves among the anonymous. Later, Ernest Hemingway made the place his habit, even setting passages in his novel The SunAlso Rises (1926).

The oldest, Le Procope

Founded in 1686 by Sicilian Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli,Le Procope is now considered the oldest café-glacier in Paris. From the outset, the establishment was popular with Enlightenment philosophers and writers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Voltaire. Legend even has it that Diderot laid the foundations for the Encyclopédie.Nestled not far from the Odéon theater, Beaumarchais and Voltaire celebrated their premieres here, of The Marriage of Figaro and Œdipe respectively. Today, Amélie Nothomb and Bernard Werbercan be found here, soaking up the untouched atmosphere of the places their mentors frequented.

  • 13 rue de l'Ancienne-Comédie, 75006 Paris
  • Read the Gault&Millau review

The most mythical, Le Café de Flore

The Café de Flore, along with its neighbor Les Deux Magots, is the most famous and historic literary café, particularly popular with American tourists. All the cultural and mythical atmosphere of Saint-Germain-des-Prés still resonates here. Founded in 1887, for over half a century it remained the"meeting place" for literary figures. After Charles Maurras wrote his novel Au signe de Flore there in 1931, Guillaume Apollinaire transformed it into a writing room. The café soon became a landmark of artistic life in Paris. Picasso and Giacometti rubbed shoulders with Françoise Sagan and Boris Vian. Even actors and directors sometimes set up shop with their cameras. In 1963, Louis Malle shot Le feu follet. In 1994, Frédéric Beigbeder created the Prix de Flore for an emerging author, in a bid to keep up with the growing number of tourists.

The latest, Les éditeurs

Les éditeurs is aptly named. It's here, in the midst of this setting of great libraries, that publishers, authors and specialist journalists really come together today. Located at the crossroads of major publishing houses such as Gallimard, Actes Sud and P.O.L, this cosy literary café follows in the footsteps of Cafés de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Lipp and Le Procope, having forged a fine reputation in the industry with the creation of its Les Éditeurs prize in 2002. Here, you're more likely to bump intoyour favorite author.

These news might interest you

Create the millefeuille of your dreams with Philippe Conticini News & Events

Create the millefeuille of your dreams with Philippe Conticini

Philippe Conticini's ephemeral millefeuille bar lets you compose your own millefeuille. From March 15 to 16, 2025, for a 100% personalized experience.
A new project for Mauro Colagreco at Villa Miraé News & Events

A new project for Mauro Colagreco at Villa Miraé

Villa Miraé will open in May 2025 at Cap d'Antibes. Mauro Colagreco will be responsible for the culinary offering, including two Mediterranean-style restaurants.
Christophe Hay opens a pastry kiosk in Orléans News & Events

Christophe Hay opens a pastry kiosk in Orléans

Christophe Hay is expanding his empire and will open Le Kiosque in early summer 2025 in Orléans, a counter offering patisserie, bakery, snacking and delicatessen products.
Youssef Gastli closes his restaurant Plume in Paris News & Events

Youssef Gastli closes his restaurant Plume in Paris

On March 15, 2025, Youssef Gastli will close his restaurant Plume, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, for good. However, the chef is not giving up cooking.
Le Chapon Fin in Bordeaux: 200 years of gastronomy and history News & Events

Le Chapon Fin in Bordeaux: 200 years of gastronomy and history

La Chapon Fin, a Bordeaux institution, celebrates its 200th anniversary in style with a series of exceptional dinners and artistic events. Discover the program.
Julien Sebbag's good addresses News & Events

Julien Sebbag's good addresses

Chocolate, cheese and quality bread... Julien Sebbag reveals his favorite places to treat yourself to good food in Paris.

Food products, kitchen equipment, tableware, service solutions...

See the full list of partners who place their trust in Gault&Millau

All our partners
Become a Partner
LEARN MORE