Paris has always been a hub of creativity, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals from all over the world. The city has inspired many legendary writers and Hemingway and Fitzgerald are two such writers who spent a considerable amount of time in Paris during the 1920s.
Hemingway and Fitzgerald in Paris
Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald were two of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century. They were part of a group of expatriate writers living in Paris during the 1920s, which was also known as the “Lost Generation”.
This group included other famous writers such as Gertrude Stein, James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and T.S. Eliot.
The Cafes that Inspired Them
The cafes in Paris played a significant role in the social life of these writers. Many of their famous works were written in these cafes while sipping on coffee or wine.
Café de Flore
One such cafe was Café de Flore located on Boulevard Saint-Germain. This cafe was a popular hangout spot for many famous writers and intellectuals including Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
It is said that they often sat at separate tables but observed each other from across the room. Café de Flore continues to be one of the most iconic cafes in Paris today.
Les Deux Magots
Another famous cafe that Hemingway frequented was Les Deux Magots located on Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie. This cafe was known for its intellectual atmosphere and attracted many famous artists and thinkers during the 1920s. Hemingway often sat at a table by the window where he could observe passersby while working on his manuscript.
The Bookstores that Inspired Them
Apart from cafes, bookstores also played an important role in the lives of these writers. Many bookstores in Paris served as a meeting place for writers and readers.
Shakespeare and Company
One such bookstore was Shakespeare and Company located on Rue de la Bûcherie. This bookstore was run by Sylvia Beach who was a friend of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
It was a popular meeting place for writers and intellectuals during the 1920s. This bookstore also published James Joyce’s famous novel, Ulysses, when no other publisher was willing to take the risk.
Brentano’s Bookstore
Another famous bookstore that Hemingway frequented was Brentano’s Bookstore located on Avenue de l’Opéra. This bookstore had an extensive collection of English books and attracted many American expatriates living in Paris during the 1920s.
The Legacy They Left Behind
The cafes and bookstores that Hemingway and Fitzgerald frequented have become cultural landmarks today, attracting tourists from all over the world. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, who flock to these places in search of inspiration.
- Café de Flore
- Les Deux Magots
- Shakespeare and Company
- Brentano’s Bookstore
Conclusion
Paris has always been a city that has inspired creativity, attracting some of the most celebrated artists, writers, and thinkers from around the world. The cafes and bookstores that Hemingway and Fitzgerald frequented are not just cultural landmarks but also serve as a reminder of their legacy, which continues to inspire new generations of writers even today.