Overview
Step back in time as you walk through St. Germain!
Not a native, but this man has lived in Paris for over 25 years. His knowledge will wow you. This is our favorite way to get to know a city.
Your guide is a great conversationalist with a passion for sharing his knowledge of literary greats. This day has it all and begins with a stroll through the St. Germain neighborhood. Rather than a standard "see it all" walking tour, this is leisurely paced with a focus on the longtime social and cultural importance of the neighborhood.
We begin with a stroll along the Rue de Vaugirard, the longest road in Paris, with a rich history of expatriate residents to prove it. You'll see the home of Ernest Hemingway, where he resided with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer. Notice the Musée Luxembourg, the first contemporary art museum that once housed Cezanne paintings Hemingway frequently came to admire. Another notable landmark along the Rue de Vaugirard, especially for literary enthusiasts, is a hotel where William Faulkner spent time writing Sanctuary, his breakthrough novel. Before taking your first turn, notice the home of surrealist artist Man Ray.
Next is a "rendezvous" for writers and artists alike, Café de la Mairie. Today, you'll find young Parisian writers working on their studies, but, in times past, this was quite the literary hot spot. Enjoy a coffee while your guide details the importance of this café to the lost generation. Djuna Barnes wrote Nightwood here, that is when he wasn't busy conversing with another notable writer, Henry Miller. It was here that poet Rimbaud first recited the now infamous Le Bateau Ivre in 1871.
On to the Rue de l'Odéon where you'll see the site of the original Shakespeare & Co. bookshop, another popular meeting location for expatriate writers. Woody Allen fans may recognize the shop from Midnight in Paris. See the house where Thomas Paine wrote The Rights of Man.
Next, we will get a taste for the Cour du Commerce, an ancient back street that remains vastly unchanged since 1774. Be careful, the original, uneven cobblestone remains intact. The guillotine was invented here and your guide will tell you all about the murder of revolutionary Printery of Marat, who was murdered in his bath. This tiny street is also home to the oldest café in all of Paris, a place Benjamin Franklin once frequented.
Last but not least, we are on to the Rue de Seine. Notice another popular café, Café Tournon, a meeting place for African-American writers, including Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Chester Himes.
This cultural immersion is sure to please. After spending a day with this man we guarantee you end the morning feeling rejuvenated and inspired by his vast knowledge.
- Please know that this is a slow-paced walking tour. There is no rush. It is more of an immersion into the sites.
- This tour can accommodate up to 6 passengers. Please contact ShoreTrips if there are more than 6 people in your group.
- Please contact ShoreTrips if you would like to customize your experience.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 10:00 AM, duration: 2.5 hours
