Stunning Vintage Photos of Cafes of Paris in the 1920s

In the 1920s, Paris was a hub of artistic and intellectual activity, and its cafes were at the heart of this vibrant culture. These establishments were not just places to enjoy coffee or a meal; they were social and cultural centers where artists, writers, and thinkers gathered. The cafe culture of Paris in this era was marked by a spirit of freedom and creativity, a reaction to the horrors of World War I.

Famous Cafes and Their Clientele

Iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore, and Le Select were particularly famous during this period. Les Deux Magots, known for its association with intellectuals like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, was a popular spot for discussing philosophy and literature. Café de Flore, just a few steps away, attracted a similar crowd. Le Select, on the other hand, was a favored haunt of American expatriates like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.

The Role of Cafes in the Artistic Community

Cafes in 1920s Paris were crucial in shaping the city’s artistic community. These spaces provided a place for artists to meet, share ideas, and find inspiration. They were breeding grounds for literary and artistic movements, including Surrealism and Dadaism. The informal atmosphere of these cafes allowed for the free exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Architectural and Interior Features

The architecture and interiors of these cafes were characterized by their Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, reflective of the broader artistic trends of the time. Ornate decorations, mirrored walls, and comfortable seating were typical features, creating an ambiance that encouraged patrons to linger and converse. The design of these spaces was integral to their appeal, offering an escape from the ordinary and a gateway to a world of intellectual and creative exploration.

#1 Cafe on Avenue de la Grande-Armée, Paris, 1924

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#2 The Cafe Brasserie du Dome, Montparnasse, Paris, 1925

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#3 Terrace of a Cafe in Paris, About 1925

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#4 Bar of a Cafe-Tobacco Shop in Paris, Early 1920s

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#5 Street View of Place du Tertre, Paris, 1920s

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#6 Terrace of the Cafe de la Paix, Paris, 1920

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#7 The Cafe de la Paix and the Opera House, Paris, 1920

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#8 Interior of a Cafe in Paris, 1920

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#9 Surrealist Poet Robert Desnos at a Cafe Terrace, Paris, Bibliotheque d’Art et d’Archeologie

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#10 Master Chef Auguste Escoffier at a Paris Cafe

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#11 Street Cafe with Patrons in Paris, 1922

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#12 La Rotonde, Pavement Cafe in Paris, August 1922

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#13 Cafe la Rotunda, Paris Street Scene, August 1922

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#14 Walter Gropius with Wife and Le Corbusier at Cafe des Deux Magots, Paris

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#15 Cafe, Avenue de la Grande-Armée, Paris, 1924

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#16 Teddy Brown’s Band Playing at Cafe de Paris, London, 1925

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#17 Interior of Cafe Dupont-Latin, Boulevard Saint-Michel, Paris, 1920s

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#18 The Hotel of the Center, Paris, 1920s

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#19 Cafe Capoulade, Boulevard Saint-Michel, Paris, 1920s

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#20 Deserted Cafe on Avenue de la Grande-Armee, Paris, 1925

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#21 Cafe De La Paix, Grand Hotel Paris, 1920s

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#22 Street Scene Around Cafe Du Dome, Montparnasse, Paris, 1925

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#23 La Rotonde, Boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris, 1925

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#24 Terrace of Café des Deux-Magots at Night, VIth Arrondissement, Paris, 1925

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#25 The Cafe De La Paix, Place De L’Opera, Paris, 1925

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#26 Scene from ‘The Magician’, Cafe De Paris, 1926

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#27 Terrace of American Bar ‘Le Select’, Avenue des Champs-Elysees, Paris, 1926

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#28 Fouquet’s Restaurant Cafe, Corner Champs Elysees and George V, Paris, 1920s

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#29 Cafe De La Paix, Paris, 1927

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#30 Famous Cafe De La Paix, Grand Hotel, Place De L’Opera, Paris, 1920s

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#31 Men Strolling in Paris During Heatwave, 1928

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#32 Parisian Waiters Serving Drinks at Cafe Terrace During Heatwave, 1928

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#33 The Cafe De La Paix, Paris, 1928

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#34 The Cafe De La Paix, Paris, 1928

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#35 Danish Journalist Jorgen Bast at Café de la Paix, Paris, 1928

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#36 Danish Journalist Jorgen Bast Speaking with Policeman, Café de la Paix, Paris, 1928

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#37 Terrace of The Cafe De La Paix, Paris, November 1928

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#38 Women in Bathing Suits Enjoying Drinks During Paris Heatwave, 1929

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#39 Runners of the Paris Strasbourg Race, Paris, 1929

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#40 Outdoor Seating at a Cafe with Umbrella Sunshades

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#41 Brasserie Wepler with Oyster Stand, Place de Clichy, Paris, March 1929

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#42 Cafe Terrace During Heat Wave, Paris, July 1929

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#43 Young Women Drinking at a Cafe During Heat Wave, Paris, July 1929

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#44 Cafe Terrace in Paris on Bastille Day, 14 July 1929

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#45 Parisian Cafe Terrace, September 1929

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