Les Deux Magots facts for kids
Les Deux Magots is a very famous café and restaurant in Paris, France. It is located in the 6th area of the city. This café was once a popular meeting spot for famous writers, artists, and thinkers. Today, it is a well-known place for tourists to visit. Many important people like Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Ernest Hemingway used to spend time here. Other famous visitors included Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, and Julia Child.
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What is Les Deux Magots?
Les Deux Magots is a very famous café and restaurant in Paris, France. You can find it in the 6th area of the city. For many years, this café was a popular meeting place. Famous writers, artists, and smart thinkers would gather there. Now, it is a well-known spot for people visiting Paris.
Famous Visitors and Writers
Many important people used to spend time at Les Deux Magots. These included artists who were part of the Surrealist movement. Famous writers like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre were regular visitors. Young writers, such as Ernest Hemingway, also came here. Other well-known people who visited were Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, and James Joyce. Even the American chef Julia Child enjoyed the café. American writers like James Baldwin, Chester Himes, and Richard Wright also spent time there.
The Deux Magots Literary Prize
Since 1933, a special award has been given out at Les Deux Magots. It is called the Deux Magots literary prize. This prize is given every year to a French novel. It celebrates new and interesting books.
Where Did the Name "Magots" Come From?
The word "Magot" means a "stocky figurine from the Far East". The café's name comes from its history. It was first a fabric and novelty shop. This shop was located nearby. It sold silk clothes and was named after a popular play from the 1800s. The play was called Les Deux Magots de la Chine.
From Fabric Shop to Famous Café
The original shop had two statues inside. These statues show Chinese "mandarins" or "magicians". They calmly watch over the room. In 1873, the business moved to its current spot. Then, in 1884, it changed from a shop to a café. It also became a place that sold alcoholic drinks. The owners decided to keep the original name, "Les Deux Magots".
Who Owns Les Deux Magots Today?
In 1914, a man named Auguste Boulay bought the business. At that time, it was almost going out of business. He bought it for 400,000 francs. Today, the café is managed by Catherine Mathivat. She is Auguste Boulay's great-great-granddaughter. This means the café has stayed in the same family for a long time.
