Where Did the Lost Generation Hang Out in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

Paris in the 1920s was a hub of creative activity, attracting artists, writers, and intellectuals from all over the world. This period gave birth to a new literary movement called the Lost Generation.

The term was coined by Gertrude Stein and popularized by Ernest Hemingway. The Lost Generation consisted of writers who were disillusioned with society after World War I.

But where did these writers hang out in Paris? Let’s take a look at some of their favorite spots:

Shakespeare and Company

One of the most famous bookstores in Paris, Shakespeare and Company, was a popular hangout spot for writers like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The store was owned by Sylvia Beach, an American expat who became friends with many of the Lost Generation writers. Shakespeare and Company was not just a bookstore but also a lending library where struggling writers could borrow books for free.

Café de Flore

Café de Flore is an iconic café that has been around since the 1880s. It became famous as a meeting place for intellectuals and artists in the 1920s.

Writers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus were regulars at this café. The café still retains its old-world charm and is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in literature or history.

La Rotonde

La Rotonde is another historic café that was frequented by the Lost Generation writers. Hemingway mentioned this café several times in his memoir A Moveable Feast. La Rotonde is known for its Art Deco interior and its outdoor terrace where patrons can enjoy their coffee while watching the world go by.

Les Deux Magots

Les Deux Magots is another famous café that has been around since the 19th century. It was a popular spot among artists and intellectuals in the 1920s.

Writers like James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway were regulars at this café. Les Deux Magots is known for its elegant décor and its famous hot chocolate.

Conclusion

Paris in the 1920s was a magical time for writers and artists. The Lost Generation writers found inspiration in the city’s vibrant culture and lively atmosphere.

Shakespeare and Company, Café de Flore, La Rotonde, and Les Deux Magots were some of their favorite spots to hang out, drink coffee, and discuss their work. These places still exist today, serving as reminders of the city’s rich literary history.