Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour)






Things to know
About the Activity
There is a famous saying : “Everyone has 2 countries, their own & France”. This was especially true for numerous artists, writers & jazz musicians between the 2 world wars, many of whom flocked to Paris not only for artistic inspiration but also to find themselves. Known as the Lost Generation, these were men & women who had suffered through WW1, a war that had taken 20m lives. They were all between 20 and 30 years old & questioned the old regime as morally bankrupt – seeking to build a new system. Eager to share ideas they would gather in the numerous cafés of the Left Bank. Many of these struggling artists & writers stayed in the area’s cheap hotels or cold-water flats. We will visit the places they lived, worked & partied, bearing in mind that the bohemian Left Bank of starving artists & struggling writers has given way to chic boutiques & high end bistros. Drinks not included in the price. School groups are welcome on this tour - contact us for rates.3 hours
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
Local guide
Use of equipment : Other.
Transportation to & from meeting point
Food & beverage not included
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Travel Itinerary
- Maximum 8 travellers in this tour.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Place de la Contrescarpe
Paris, France, 75005We start off in a pleasant café with a short introduction to the Lost Generation authors and their involvement in WW1. Guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while we begin the tour.20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedView Location2
Mouffetard Market
139 rue Mouffetard, Paris, France, 75005We visit the first flat where Ernest Hemingway lived & learn about his early years. We also visit the place where James Joyce finished his masterpiece Ulysses, in the face of much opposition.10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location3
Odeon
Paris, FranceWe visit the original location of the famed bookstore Shakespeare & Company, a 2nd home to so many of the Lost Generation writers - Hemingway, Pound, Stein & most especially Joyce. 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free4
Luxembourg Gardens
Rue de Medicis, Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France, 75006We visit the homes of the Lost Generation authors around the Luxembourg gardens : Man Ray, William Faulkner, Hemingway (again)30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location5
Montparnasse Quartier
Paris, FranceWe end the tour in one of the famed Montparnasse cafés, where all the Lost Generation writers came to party back in the 1920s. Over a drink we discuss the Fitzgeralds & their tragic end; Ezra Pound, with his outstanding talent & his despicable political views; then the controversial Gertrude Stein.30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
Meeting point is in front of the Café la Contrescarpe, on the Place ContrescarpeView Location
End point
1
We end the tour in 1 of two possible locations -
- one of the famed cafés of Montparnasse (Le Select, La Rotonde, Le Dome...)
- Harry's NY Bar near the OperaView Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note that I have been vaccinated (5x)
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity due to too few participants.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Europe/Paris time to receive 100% refund.
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Operated by Visit the Hidden ParisCreated on 28 Apr 2019Created on 30 Jun 2025
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