Looking for old-time artistic Paris
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Travel Tips.
Exploring the Artistic Charm of Old Paris
Paris, synonymous with art and culture, was the hub for intellectuals and artists from the 19th to mid-20th century. Here's a guide to discovering the artistic haunts of Paris's golden age.
Montmartre: The Heart of Artistic Paris
Begin your journey in the bustling Montmartre district, a hotspot for poets and artists in the 19th century. Start at Place Blanche, climbing the vibrant Rue Lepic market street, and continue along Rue des Abbesses, Rue Ravignan, and the surrounding stairways.
Enjoy a breathtaking city view by taking the funicular to the Roman-Byzantine Sacré-C?"ur Basilica. Nearby, at Place du Tertre, portrait artists and souvenir vendors still create a lively atmosphere. Meander through narrow streets, charming squares, and hillside terraces for a true Parisian experience.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Intellectual Hub
Across the Seine, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is known for its cafés, jazz clubs, and antique shops. In the 1950s and 60s, it was a favorite among intellectuals during the Nouvelle Vague movement. Lipp Brasserie, adorned with multicolored tiles, is popular with politicians, while Les Deux Magots at 6, Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés (+33 01.45.48.55.25), once Hemingway's favorite, remains a cherished spot today.
Les Deux Magots was frequented by French poets Rimbaud, Verlaine, and Mallarmé, as well as Picasso. The café, named after a Chinese fabric shop, has been an institution since the late 1800s with décor from 1914. Though pricey, savoring a coffee here is a quintessential Parisian experience. Nearby, Café de Flore at 172, Boulevard Saint-Germain (+33 01.45.48.55.26) famously served patrons even during WWII bombings and hosted luminaries like Picasso and Sartre.
Montparnasse: Modernist Mecca
Another artistic district, Montparnasse, once drew artists like Picasso and Matisse. Located on the Left Bank, its Carrefour Vavin was central to the arts in the 1920s and 30s. Today, it's home to cinemas, restaurants, and the towering Tour Montparnasse. At the Montparnasse Cemetery on Rue Emile Richard, notable figures like De Maupassant, Sartre, and Baudelaire find their final rest.
Historical Dining and Nightlife
Don’t miss Le Procope, Paris’s oldest restaurant, established in 1686 at 13, Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie (+33 01 40 46 79 00, Metro: Odéon). Its founder, Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli, attracted patrons like Voltaire and Rousseau. The café played a role in the birth of the Encyclopédie and hosted revolutionaries like Danton.
Post-dinner, enjoy jazz at Bob Cool, a laid-back Left Bank bar at 15, Rue des Grands Augustins (Metro: Odéon or St-Michel; +33 01-46-33-33-77), where writers and artists gather.
Comfortable and Charming Accommodations
Stay in hotels exuding French charm and comfort. Consider Bac Saint Germain, Taylor Hotel, Mon Rêve, and Des Artes hotels, known for their stylish lounges and vibrant rooms, offering great value and prime locations.
Explore Paris's rich artistic heritage, where history and culture intertwine beautifully.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Looking for old-time artistic Paris.
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.