Rue des Rotondes

“A café frequented by Picasso? Now that’s something I’d like to see!” You might say that as you stand here, before the Rue des Rotondes. While not directly on this street, a little further down, on Boulevard du Montparnasse, sits a café steeped in artistic history: Le Café de la Rotonde. This café, established in 1911, became a haven for artists and intellectuals in the early 20th century. Imagine a young Pablo Picasso, fresh from his studio on Boulevard Raspail, finding solace and inspiration within La Rotonde’s walls. He wasn’t alone. The café buzzed with the likes of Diego Rivera, Tsuguharu Foujita, and Amedeo Modigliani, their creative energies mingling over steaming cups of coffee. Legend has it that the café’s owner, Victor Libion, a generous soul, would accept drawings as payment from struggling artists. At times, the walls of La Rotonde weren’t just adorned with traditional décor. They became a testament to the owner’s generosity, showcasing a collection of artworks that would make any museum envious! Though La Rotonde today caters to a wider clientele, its artistic spirit is far from extinguished. Stepping inside is akin to stepping back in time. The red and gold interior whispers tales of a bygone era. Next time you’re in Paris, take a detour to Boulevard du Montparnasse. Treat yourself to a coffee at La Rotonde and let the whispers of artistic legends wash over you.