La Palette, Historic café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris, France
La Palette is a historic café in the 6th arrondissement with two distinct spaces: a small bar at the front and a larger room at the back. The back room displays ceramics and paintings that date from around the 1930s and cover the walls.
The café received historical monument status in 1984, protecting its original architectural features. This designation ensured the preservation of the front window and the distinctive character of the back room.
The café drew artists and art students from the nearby Fine Arts school, who gathered here to exchange ideas and enjoy bohemian life. That artistic heritage remains visible in the decorated spaces and the way visitors still come to experience this connection to Paris's creative past.
The café is within walking distance of Mabillon metro station and opens daily for extended hours. Both rooms offer different feels, so exploring both the front bar and back room gives a fuller sense of the place.
The back room once served as a billiard hall where artists gathered for leisure and conversation. Though no longer used for billiards, the room's layout and character still reflect this playful chapter of its history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
