Café de la Rotonde

A historic café in Paris, France

La Rotonde during the day

Café de la Rotonde is a renowned café located in the Montparnasse district of Paris, France. Established in 1911, it has been a significant cultural and artistic hub, particularly during the early 20th century. The café is famous for its association with numerous artists, writers, and intellectuals who frequented it, contributing to its legendary status in the art and literature world.

History

Café de la Rotonde was founded by Victor Libion in 1911. Situated at the corner of Boulevard Montparnasse and Boulevard Raspail, it quickly became a gathering place for the avant-garde community. During the Belle Époque and the Roaring Twenties, it was a popular meeting spot for artists and writers who were part of the Montparnasse scene.

The Artistic Hub

Pablo Picasso and Moise Kisling at Café de la Rotonde, 1916

Café de la Rotonde was frequented by many notable figures, including Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Diego Rivera, and Chaim Soutine. These artists, along with others, would gather at the café to discuss art, politics, and philosophy. The café provided a space where ideas could be exchanged freely, and it played a crucial role in the development of modern art movements such as Cubism and Surrealism.

Literary Connections

In addition to artists, Café de la Rotonde was also a favorite haunt of writers and poets. Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein were among the literary figures who spent time at the café. It was a place where the Lost Generation could find inspiration and camaraderie.

Cultural Significance

Café de la Rotonde is not just a café; it is a symbol of the vibrant cultural life of early 20th-century Paris. It represents a time when the city was the epicenter of artistic and intellectual activity. The café's atmosphere, with its lively discussions and creative energy, has been immortalized in numerous works of art and literature.

In the Café de la Rotonde by Alexander Yakovlev

Modern Day

Today, Café de la Rotonde continues to operate as a café and restaurant, attracting both locals and tourists. While it has undergone renovations and changes over the years, it still retains much of its historic charm. Visitors can enjoy traditional French cuisine while soaking in the ambiance that once inspired some of the greatest artists and writers of the 20th century.

Related pages

• Montparnasse
• Cubism
• Surrealism
• Lost Generation

La Rotonde at night