Where Did Hemingway Hang Out in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Paris has always been a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals. It’s no surprise that one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway, also found his inspiration in this city.

Hemingway lived in Paris from 1921 to 1926 with his first wife Hadley Richardson. During this time, he wrote some of his most famous works such as ‘The Sun Also Rises’ and ‘A Moveable Feast.’ Let’s take a look at some of the places where Hemingway hung out in Paris.

Café de Flore

One of Hemingway’s favorite cafes was Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It was here that he would often meet with other writers and artists such as James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Jean-Paul Sartre. The café still retains its old-world charm with its signature red velvet banquettes and Art Deco interior.

Les Deux Magots

Another famous café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is Les Deux Magots. This café was also a favorite of Hemingway’s where he would sit for hours writing while sipping on his favorite drink – a café crème. The café is known for its literary history and has been frequented by many famous writers such as Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus.

Shakespeare and Company

Shakespeare and Company is an iconic bookstore located on the Left Bank. The original store was opened by Sylvia Beach in 1919 and became a meeting place for writers such as James Joyce, Ezra Pound, and Gertrude Stein.

In the 1920s, Beach published Hemingway’s first book ‘In Our Time.’ The store still stands today and continues to be a popular destination for book lovers.

La Closerie des Lilas

La Closerie des Lilas is a café located in Montparnasse that was frequented by Hemingway and other writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ezra Pound. Hemingway would often sit at the bar and write while drinking a martini. The café also hosts an annual literary prize called the Prix de la Closerie des Lilas.

Conclusion

Ernest Hemingway’s time in Paris was a crucial period in his life and career. He found inspiration in the city’s cafes, bookstores, and streets.

Today, many of these places still exist and serve as reminders of Hemingway’s legacy. Visiting these places is like stepping back in time and experiencing the same atmosphere that inspired one of the greatest writers of our time.