In the footsteps of Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway, one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, spent a large part of his life in Paris, where he wrote several of his most famous works. The Café de Flore, located in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, was one of his favorite places, and remains a historic café ideal for enjoying a croissant while soaking up the literary atmosphere that has filled the place for decades.

A few steps away, you will find the Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Founded by Sylvia Beach, this bookstore is famous for having housed many expatriate writers. Hemingway often stayed there, and his spirit seems to still wander among the shelves filled with old and new books. As you stroll through the neighborhood, don't forget to visit the Eiffel Tower, a monument often mentioned in the writings of many authors, symbolizing the elegance and charm of Paris.

Fitzgerald and Parisian nightlife

F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of the famous "The Great Gatsby," was also a regular in Paris. He liked to frequent the famous Hemingway Bar. This place, decorated with memories of the writer, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and imagine the extravagant life of American expatriates of the 1920s. A famous anecdote tells that Fitzgerald, desperate for his taxi to arrive faster, asked the driver to let him run alongside the car to arrive more quickly!

For an even deeper dive into the world of Fitzgerald, head to Montparnasse, where he spent a lot of time. The Cafés La Closerie des Lilas and Le Dôme were essential meeting places for artists and writers of the time. It is also in this district that you will find the Louvre Museum, where many writers, both French and foreign, drew their inspiration by admiring the masterpieces of world art.

French writers: Proust and Sartre

French writers have also left an indelible mark on Paris. Marcel Proust, the author of "In Search of Lost Time," was often seen at the Café de la Paix near the Opéra Garnier. A visit to this café will immerse you in the elegance of the Belle Epoque era, where Proust liked to observe passers-by and find inspiration for his complex characters.

Jean-Paul Sartre, the existentialist philosopher and writer, was a regular at the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. These cafes were places of debate and reflection for Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, his companion. By settling at a table, you can almost hear the lively discussions about freedom, politics and literature that shaped a generation!

Gastronomy and emblematic addresses

Be sure to enjoy French gastronomy throughout your journey. The Brasserie Lipp, where writers often gathered, offers, for example, a traditional dinner in an authentic setting. For an unforgettable dessert, visit Ladurée, on the Champs-Élysées, to taste the famous macarons before strolling along the Seine, where booksellers sell old books and literary souvenirs… and add a final touch to your Parisian exploration.

The city of Paris, rich in stories and inspirations, invites you to discover it through a literary itinerary, meeting artists and dreamers who contribute to its timeless charm.