Le Select, Historic restaurant and bar in Montparnasse, Paris, France.
Le Select is a restaurant and bar occupying a corner where Boulevard Montparnasse and Boulevard Raspail meet, with both indoor seating and a street-facing terrace. The glass-fronted structure allows guests to observe the busy intersection while dining and drinking.
The establishment was founded in the early 1920s and quickly became a gathering spot for artists and writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Jean Cocteau. It played a part in Montparnasse's thriving artistic scene during that creative era.
The establishment serves as a traditional French brasserie where waiters in black and white attire present classic dishes to both locals and visitors. It remains a social hub where people gather to eat, drink, and watch the rhythm of Parisian street life unfold.
The location sits at the intersection of two major boulevards, making it easy to find and accessible by public transport. The terrace provides good people-watching, while the indoor area offers a quieter setting for dining.
The venue was notable for being an early welcoming space for diverse social groups and sexual identities in Paris during a time when such places were rare. This openness set it apart as a significant social refuge.
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