This seems like a very interesting way to visit Paris. Looking from a point of view of history and culture rather than look at popular places to visit.

Great Info. Wish I read this post before I visited Paris lasttime.

Which international city today appeals to creative American expatriates in a way that Paris once did? Ten years ago, I’d say it was Beijing. Now? I say Mexico City.

We lived down the street on Fleurus close to the park and my impression of that building is that it’s a building of “standing” with a certain class. There’s a plaque but I don’t think you can go in. Stein previously lived back behind a restaurant called Chez Gramond when we rented a 3rd floor walk-up from the chef/owner. He and his wife occupied the house Stein had occupied before she moved up the street.

I really appreciate all of your recommendations for a 1920s-like Paris experience. We will be visiting Paris in the later part of Sept. 2018 for the Ryder Cup. We will be in Paris for 7 nights so I would like to stay in an area that we are able to easily access a number of your recommendations. Originally, we were looking at the Saint James Hotel in the 16th arrondissement because it is an estate chateau from 1892. I have heard this wonderful property may be too far from many of the sites in your post. Can you suggest a particular area and/or hotel? We have a pretty ample budget to work with since we are planning so far in advance.

The Palais du Luxembourg hosts the Senate, not the Assembly 😉
I used to cross this park every day to go to highschool, really peaceful, even when slightly crowded in a sunny afternoon.

Just discovered your blog, great content.

Cheers

France in general is so awesome because my favorite book(s) take place in Paris and you can literally go and see stuff now pretty much “as it was” back then (with modifications, of course). It is just rich with history and eras gone by. A friend commented on that, too, when she came to visit….stuff she’d read in her favorite book that took place in 1880s…she remarked “It really is still a living thing here”…living history.

Filth and hostility? I’m curious what you mean…by who? Waiters, hotel people, French on the streets? I studied abroad in Paris for five weeks in 2005 and I lived there for a year in 2015….you might get the occasional grouchy person but that’s the same anywhere in the world I think. 😉 Compared to Ameriacans, Parisiens might have a reserved way about them; it may take a moment for them to lower their guard and crack a joke…but I never found hostility or anything like that. I remember in 2005 everyone was warning me about how much they hate Americans and I’d only heard the stereotypes about how rude they were and was like…wait, no they’re not. Again, reserved/guarded? Maybe. But not rude. So I’m just curious what experiences you had. In 2015 my mom came to visit and stayed at a Best Western and I found them to be a little bit snarky. But they definitely don’t represent everyone. (I stayed in a Best Western in London too and was not impressed…beginning to think it’s just Best Western lol).

Again, I’ve had multiple experiences when they might seem guarded at first but after some moments a small smile will creep and now we both find the other has a sense of humor, that kind of thing. And beyond that they can be helpful….I’ve had people go out of their way to help me with things. My sister’s scarf blew off and these old ladies got it for her. Another part of France, I lost my scarf (what’s with the scarves) and went back to trace my steps and was like “aww” because someone had picked it up and tied it loosely on the fence for me to retrieve. Stuff like that…

Anyway I love France and Paris and am going back to France later this year to study so I’m excited. Give it another chance!