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Le Café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence – A must-see during your immersion in Provence

Updated: Aug 16, 2023


Le Café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence – A must-see during your immersion in Provence
Photography of the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix en Provence - @Flickr on Pinterest

The Café les Deux Garçons is an iconic place in Aix-en-Provence. People from Aix call it "Les 2G". It was created in 1792 and over time became a gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and celebrities from around the world. This Provencal institution has been frequented by personalities such as Paul Cézanne, Émile Zola, Pablo Picasso, and Albert Camus. With its historical charm and timeless ambiance, the Café les Deux Garçons is a must-visit for visitors to Aix-en-Provence.


Le Café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence – A must-see during your immersion in Provence - @Carolyn Zbativel on Pinterest
Outside illustration of the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix en Provence - @Carolyn Zbativel on Pinterest

I. The history of the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence

The Café les Deux Garçons was founded in 1792 by two friends, Paul Roux and Joseph, who wished to create a place where people could meet, eat, and drink. Over the years, the café underwent several transformations and renovations. In the early 1900s, it was renovated in the Art Nouveau style, and in the 1950s, it underwent a major restoration to bring it back to its former glory.


Le Café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence – A must-see during your immersion in Provence
Interior of a french café - @Les Voyages d'Ingrid on Pinterest

1. The fire at Aix-en-Provence


I personally have never been to the Café Les Deux Garçons. When I was a student, I didn't have the money to go there. When we came back to Provence, the kids were young. So we waited. And unfortunately, this iconic café of Aix-en-Provence caught fire the following year.


The fire at the Bistrot des Deux Garçons occurred on November 3, 2019, in Aix-en-Provence, France.


The fire reportedly started around 6 a.m. and quickly destroyed much of the building. Firefighters were alerted and quickly intervened to extinguish the fire, which was brought under control after several hours of work.


The causes of the fire are not yet clearly determined, but an investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances of the incident. According to the initial elements of the investigation, the fire may have been accidental.


II. The ambiance before in the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence


The Café les Deux Garçons had a historical and timeless ambiance. The interior of the café was adorned with beautiful chandeliers, intricate moldings, and stunning frescoes. The outdoor terrace was perfect for people-watching, and the café was ideal location on the Cours Mirabeau makes it a great spot to absorb the vibrant energy of the city.

Le Café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence – A must-see during your immersion in Provence
Outside illustration of the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix en Provence - @Michael Neiberg on Pinterest


1. The cuisine in the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence


The Café les Deux Garçons offered a delicious selection of traditional French dishes, as well as a wide range of pastries and desserts. Visitors could enjoy a classic French breakfast, a light lunch, or a sumptuous dinner with a glass of wine from the café's wine list.



The Café les Deux Garçons is a true institution in Aix-en-Provence. With its fascinating history, ideal location, timeless ambiance, and delicious cuisine, it is a must-visit for all visitors to the city. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a lover of French cuisine, the Café les Deux Garçons is a magical place that is sure to enchant anyone who visits it.



Vocabulary around the café Les Deux Garçons in Aix-en-Provence


  • Etre emblématique : iconic

  • Un rassemblement : gathering

  • Une institution : institution

  • Des personnalités : personalities

  • Un charme historique : historical charm

  • Une ambiance intemporelle : timeless ambiance

  • Un fondateur : founder

  • Des rénovations : renovations

  • Le style Art Nouveau : Art Nouveau style

  • Une restauration : restoration

  • Un lustres : chandelier

  • Un moulage : molding

  • Une fresque : frescoe

  • Une terrasse extérieure : outdoor terrace

  • Une carte des vins : wine list

  • Etre fascinant : fascinating

  • La gastronomie française : French cuisine

  • Un endroit magique : magical place

Did you have the chance to discover the Café Les Deux Garçons before the fire?


Today, it is possible to see the signatures of famous people on the walls that close the café.


Everyone is eagerly awaiting the reopening of the place without really knowing the date.


If you come to my place for an immersion stay in Provence, I will make you discover the different aspects of Provence: the landscapes and the scents, but also the culture, the gastronomy... while helping you to improve your French. See you soon in Provence!

Virginie In Provence






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