We did a lot of research prior to studying abroad in Paris. We looked on Pinterest and blogs for must-visit neighborhoods, cafés and shops because we didn't want to have the FOMO of missing out on the coolest spots. During that time, we came across the neighborhood Saint-Germain, known as one of the most ritzy neighborhoods in Paris, or more specifically, as "the neighborhood where high-end fashion meets historical monuments, old streets, and iconic cafes”. This posh neighborhood exudes a rich history. Many famous people have dined and drank at cafés so quintessentially Parisian that it is almost as if your nose raises higher in the air the second you step into the building. One of our favorite stories was about Café Le Procope, a meeting place of some the most prominent historical figures, even housing the hat of Napoleon Bonaparte. However, there was one thing, one café in particular, we simply could not get over (in a bad way).
By the recommendation of several Parisian bloggers, travel bloggers, and fashion bloggers, on our very first trip to the Saint-Germain neighborhood, we stopped at the “iconic” Café de Flore for a bottle of rosé. Familiar with the hype, the cost, etc. we thought we were rather prepared for what to expect: a nice bottle of rosé, the cheapest because we were still on a student’s budget, and maybe some pastries or a cheese board to accompany our drink. It was more about the experience, if anything, we thought before heading in. No doubt, the café was beautiful. The greenery that scaffolded the building was bold and the elegant sign out front indicated the café's prominence. But, was being an outsider on the exterior of the café the best part about it? While still to this today we can’t even pin point specifically what it was about the café that made us hate it so much (we are no strangers to spending money and certainly were not surprised by French “cafe” styled food as some people are on a first trip visiting Paris). However, after our bottle of rose and my 12 euro plate of strawberries, we couldn’t help but feel completely confused by the entire establishment. Café de Flore is an incredibly world-renowned café... for some "apparent" reason. Famous celebrities, stars, models, and fashion bloggers will continue to go and rave about their incredible experience, and in fact, I think that is where we have identified the biggest problem. Our waiter was extremely nice, the rosé was pretty good, and my strawberries had absolutely nothing wrong with them. We sat and had great conversation, took a great photo of the adorable place setting as seen on many fashion bloggers' instagrams, paid our bill and went on with our day. Our lives weren’t changed. The sun didn’t shine any brighter and the birds didn’t sing any louder. And to be completely honest our general distaste didn’t even begin right after our departure from the café. It began about two weeks later when I tagged my sister in a post from one of our favorite and incredibly famous fashion blogger raving about how incredible Café de Flore was and how this place is a definite a must-go on any Parisian vacation. It began as my sister and I checked off numerous cafés on our list and visited some neighborhood coffee shops where we experienced true originality. It continued when we saw other small-scale bloggers copying and raving about the same exact things posted by women with millions of followers. It came from the sole idea that people continued and continued and continued to recommend an incredibly mediocre cafe because of its status. And honestly, I’m not the first person to talk about the ridiculousness of something being popular because of the status quo or ties with an esteemed social status, and this is definitely not the first time a place has been accused of that. There will forever be fashion labels, restaurants, bars, cafes, etc reaping accolades because of the influence of a famous individual or even just because of word of mouth. To bring it full circle, the disappointment comes from this: a lack of creativity, originality, and completely poor advice coming from people who are paid for their creativity and originality. It came from the sheer disappointment that a “style, fashion, and lifestyle icon” said something just to fit with what others have been saying and what they think their audience "wants" to hear. The people who we look to for inspiration and guidance revealed themselves as the sheep they quite possibly could be. While this may seem like an overdramatic analysis of why we think a simple café in Paris that everyone raves about sucks, I think it is an example of a bigger picture situation that everyone should hear. While there are all of these incredible people who live incredible lives on social media, people who seem to be living out all of your “life goals”, sporting outfits you've only dreamed you could wear, staying at ritzy hotels, and eating at fabulous cafés, their life isn’t to be copied and regurgitated. BECAUSE, their opinions are only valid to their lives, tastes and experiences. Even if your opinion isn’t what everyone else thinks, even if you don’t look the same, dress the same, like the same cafés, don’t be afraid to speak out on popular opinion because that is where originality is born.
So fuck Café de Flore. We think it sucks. And if you genuinely like it, well then fuck us. But at least you can stand up and say I tried it for myself and made up my own opinion about it. We need more of that in this world. People who think for themselves. And hopefully our trivial rant about some café in Paris will inspire you to do just that.