This legendary Saint-Germain-des-Prés café offers a unique experience

Le Procope, founded in 1686, remains Paris’ most emblematic café, steeped in history and literature. More contemporary, Les Éditeurs perpetuates the German-Pratin spirit with a hybrid concept combining library, gastronomy and cultural events. These two addresses embody the tradition and renewal of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Le Procope, witness to more than three centuries of history

Founded in 1686, Le Procope is considered the oldest café in Paris. Situated in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it has been home to major figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot. Its atmosphere is still reminiscent of the intellectual ferment of the Enlightenment.

The place was not just a café, but a veritable melting pot of ideas. It was here that some of the discussions would feed into the Encyclopédie projects. Over hot chocolate, thinkers debated political reform and philosophy, giving the café its mythical aura.

In 2025, Le Procope remains a must for history and culture buffs. It attracts both tourists who come to relive a fragment of 18th-century life, and Parisians looking for a meal in a setting steeped in memory.

Publishers, the contemporary embodiment of the literary spirit

Opened in 2001, the café-restaurant Les Éditeurs has become a literary landmark in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Its red frontage and shelves of over 5,000 books make it a warm and inviting space dedicated to lovers of reading and gastronomy.

Just a stone’s throw from theOdéon crossroads, this café hosts debates, brunches and even literary award ceremonies. It perpetuates the German-Pratin heritage while reinventing it in an open, modern style that appeals to both local and international clientele.

With a seating capacity of almost 200, Les Éditeurs has become a regular venue for literary events, including the Prix des Éditeurs. Its ambition is clear: to combine culture and conviviality, in the heart of one of Paris’s liveliest districts.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, eternal cultural crossroads

For centuries, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district has embodied the intellectual soul of Paris. In addition to Le Procope and Les Éditeurs, it is home to institutions such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, once frequented by Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. The German-Pratin spirit continues to appeal to all generations.

A cultural outing can also be accompanied by ideas from the What to do in Paris section. Between art galleries and confidential bookshops, the surrounding alleyways offer an ideal setting for a stroll. The café remains an anchor point, where conviviality mingles with history.

Art lovers will also appreciate the Parcours des Mondes event, held every year in the neighborhood. This demonstrates the cultural continuity between Saint-Germain‘s past, present and future prospects.

In 2025, the tourist appeal of these emblematic cafés remains intact. While Le Procope emphasizes tradition, Les Éditeurs insists on a model that combines dining and culture to appeal to a younger audience.

“Le Procope is a place where Voltaire and Rousseau reworked the world by candlelight,” recalls a specialist guide.

A living heritage attractive to tourists

These addresses are more than just cafés. They are a showcase for French art de vivre. For visitors, they offer an experience that combines gastronomy, culture and history in an environment that is unique in the world.

The regular programming at Les Éditeurs attracts an audience with a passion for contemporary literature. In contrast, Le Procope stands out for its heritage role and 17th-century decor. This complementarity contributes to making Saint-Germain-des-Prés a magnetic place.

During a stay in the capital, these places are just as much a must-see as the other cultural experiences listed on Expérience. They anchor any tourist outing in living literary history.

“Les Deux Magots, Les Éditeurs, Le Procope: so many symbols linking the past and present of literary Paris,” noted a recent enthusiast.

A future between tradition and modernity

In the face of renewed tourist interest, Le Procope continues to defend its position as a prestigious café-museum, while adapting to visitors’ expectations. Its Prix Procope des Lumières remains a cultural landmark.

Publishers are innovating with hybrid formats, literary brunches and cultural events. Their vitality will ensure the renewal of the German-Pratina offer for years to come.

The district can also reinvent itself through collaborations between brands and institutions, as illustrated by the recent Veuve Clicquot x Jacquemus initiative, a symbol of Paris’s cultural dynamism and its unexpected alliances.

Between ancient heritage and vibrant modernity, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and its legendary cafés demonstrate that tradition is no barrier to innovation. Their longevity rests as much on the memory of great authors as on their constant ability to seduce new audiences.