"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." Ernest Hemingway
Indeed, throughout history Paris has undoubtedly been a home and haven for writers, artists and philosophers alike who have perpetually flocked to the City of Love to find inspiration and passion for their art. Scattered amongst the landmarks and tourist haunts, you will find the true essence of Paris as seen through the eyes of some of the most influential and infamous writers of all time who once frequented the city’s cafes, bars, museums and markets. Walking in the footsteps of the great writers, from Hemingway and Stein to Voltaire and Hugo, is a brilliant way to unearth the true secrets and beauty of the literary capital of the world.
When dreaming up images of the great writers and intellects floating through Paris, one instantly pictures moody cafés and bars filled with lively characters chatting enthusiastically through clouds of cigarette smoke with glasses of red wine or tumblers half-filled with scotch idly clasped to their hands. Or perhaps, mysterious figures hunched over a corner table sipping on endless espressos and writing fervently. Fortunately, many of these haunts have remained halted in time and are still serving to those who wish to transport themselves to the golden era. The majority are scattered across the Latin Quarter of Paris (5th and 6th arrondissements) and it is best to start in Montparnasse then leisurely stroll down to the Seine. La Coupole is an Art Deco institution on the Montparansse strip, dating back to 1927 it has played host to Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway and Henry Miller, just to name a few. With over 600 seats and adorned in spectacular art, describing it as opulent would be an understatement.