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Behind the name Les Deux Magots, there is a mysterious story from China!
In the 6th arrondissement of Paris, there is a famous cafe called Les Deux Magots. It was once a gathering place for the city's literary and intellectual elite, and now it has become a must-visit attraction for tourists. This café has stood on this location on Avenue Saint-Germain since 1873 and still retains its long-standing and unique charm. The amazing thing is that behind this name, there is a story closely related to Chinese culture.
The name Les Deux Magots literally means "chubby little statues from the Far East."
Les Deux Magots was originally called a store selling silk underwear, and its name comes from a popular 19th century play "Two Chubby Men of China". The creation of this name is related to the popular Chinese culture at that time, showing Westerners' yearning and pursuit of the mysterious culture of the Far East.
In this cafe, there are two statues, symbolizing China's "civilians" or "magicians". They stare quietly at every guest here. This also adds a bit of mystery and spirituality to Les Deux Magots. The statues have remained unchanged since their opening and have become an icon of the place.
The imprint of history
The history of Les Deux Magots begins in 1873, when a merchant moved his shop from nearby rue de Busch to Place Saint-Germain, gradually transforming it into a café. In 1914, when the business was almost bankrupt, businessman Auguste Boulay purchased the business for 400,000 francs. To bring in more natural light, his son added glass walls to the cafe. These efforts have revitalized Les Deux Magots and gradually become a gathering place for literati in Paris.
60% of customers are international tourists, making Les Deux Magots a world-renowned coffee brand.
Over time, Les Deux Magots attracted many literary giants and artists, including Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, among others. This is not only a place to dine, but also a space for collision of ideas, where people meet, communicate and spark creative ideas.
Cultural influence
Les Deux Magots appears frequently in literature and popular culture. In Steve Matchett's The Wheelmaker, it is mentioned here as "the first sun-soaked café". Whether it's Hemingway's "The Migration Feast" or Casa Miéville's "Last Days in New Paris," Les Deux Magots can be seen.
“Les Deux Magots is the soul of Paris. It is this intersection of cultures that creates its unique charm.”
Not only that, many scenes in movies and TV have been shot here, from "The Man on the Eiffel Tower" in 1949 to the social media influencer "The Good Place", making Les Deux Magots a more well-known cafe.
Global expansion
In recent years, Les Deux Magots has expanded into the international market, and a study started in 2016 showed that 60% of its customer base is international tourists. In 2023, Les Deux Magots will open new branches in Saudi Arabia and Tokyo, and plans to expand its business in Cape Town, Prague, London, Guangzhou and other places. These efforts not only reflect the globalization of coffeehouses, but also highlight their important place in world culture.
How will the future evolve for this café that has witnessed history? How will the culture and history symbolized by the name Les Deux Magots affect future development?
