The smell of cigarettes, freshly made espresso, and pastries pervades your nose.
The chatter among a myriad of very social people invades your ears as you take another sip of your café au lait and read your favorite novel.
A Parisian café is a very special place, with all of the ingredients to please the senses. It is a truly cultural experience.
In this article, I will describe the French café culture, including French coffee history and famous French cafés, and discuss why visiting a true French café in France should be on your list of must try experiences.
By Andrew.
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French Coffee History: When Did Coffee Become Popular in the Country?
Coffee was first imported to France by Venetian merchants in 1664.
However, it did not reach Paris until 1669.
An Ambassador Becomes Famous: The Darling of Parisian Society
A man named Suleyman Aga, who was the ambassador to the court of King Louis XIV of France, first introduced coffee to Paris.
The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Muhammed IV, sent the ambassador to the court with sacks of coffee.
He said it was a magical beverage that tastes best when mixed with cardamom seeds, sugar, and cloves.
He also brought with him the device used for Turkish style preparation.
He remained in the city for a while to firmly establish the custom in Paris and became the “darling of Parisian society.”
The Fair of St. Germain: Pascal Makes Coffee a Hit in Paris
In 1671, an Armenian named Pascal, began to serve coffee from a tent at the Fair of St. Germain.
He employed Turkish waiter boys to distribute the drink in small cups on trays to the crowds that gathered near the Latin Quarter.
The chilly weather prompted a boom in sales, as people began to spread the word about the little black cupful of cheer, or petit noir, and the name stuck.
The sales of coffee at the fair began the establishment of Parisian cafés.
My Parisian Coffee Experience Studying Abroad in Paris, France
During the junior year in college, I spent a semester abroad studying French in Paris at l’Institut Catholique.
After the first few weeks, I learned quickly that coffee is ingrained in French culture, with a café almost on every block.
In busier parts of the city, there was just café after café. It was astounding to see.
It is typical to have coffee with every meal there.
I can’t tell you how many times I heard French students say, “J’ai besoin de café,” which means “I need coffee.”
Sitting in a café in the middle of a busy Paris street is a beautiful and relaxing experience.
I felt like a true Frenchman, slowly sipping my coffee and eating a buttery croissant while calmly observing everything going on around me – from the people traffic, to the loud conversations, to the smell of Gauloises cigarettes, which is a popular French brand.
2 Of The Oldest Cafés in Paris: Short Descriptions
Café Procope: The Oldest Café in Paris
Established in 1686, Café Procope is the oldest café in Paris where some of the greatest minds frequented to enjoy a cup of coffee and discuss their intellectual ideas.
These minds include Rousseau, Diderot, Verlaine, Voltaire, Robespierre, Danton, Marat, George Sand, and Anatole France.
The café was founded by a Sicilian chef named Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli.
He was a smart businessman who attained a royal license to sell mainly spices, but soon caught on to the trend that coffee was a burgeoning business.
His café attracted French writers, actors, and musicians.
After the opening of Café Procope, coffee became part of mainstream society and culture.
Café de Flore: Famous for its Celebrity Visitors
Café de Flore opened in 1880.
It is named after a statue of Flora, who is the goddess of flowers.
The statue can be found on Boulevard St. Germain, opposite the café.
The interior is designed with classic Art Deco, including mahogany wood, mirrors, and red chairs. The interior has not changed much since World War II.
Café de Flore is famous for its celebrity visitors. Some of those that have frequented the café include: Georges Bataille, Pablo Picasso, and the Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Also, Jean-Paul Sartre used the café as his office.
The café has appeared in popular culture as well, including music and movies.
French Café Culture: A Focus on the Coffee Itself
French cafés (Parisian cafés in particular), are at the epicenter of the social life of the country’s citizens, and are the backbone of France’s culinary culture.
They serve as a meeting point for people to hold deep conversations, or simply to relax and recharge after a busy day’s work.
This deeply ingrained cultural tradition is focused on slowly sipping and thoroughly enjoying your coffee.
Usually, the French prefer strong, black, and bitter coffee over sweetened coffee.
Conclusion
Cafés in Paris are very special places.
They serve as the neighborhood hub for dates, relaxing, or any type of socializing.
The history of coffee and cafés in France is also special, dating back to the 17th Century.
Many famous people have visited cafés in Paris, adding to their popularity.
For these reasons, visiting a famous café in Paris should definitely be on your bucket list!
Photos by Georgi Petrov and PublicCo
