Famous Writers in Paris Private Tour

Famous writers in Paris : The City of Lights has been celebrated by the greatest writers for its beauty, its history, its romanticism, but also for the artistic and free lifestyle often associated with those who live there. Have a look on great writers who live in Paris.

Famous French writers in Paris

Among lots of French writers of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, we have two monuments : Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and Le Rouge et le Noir by Stendhal. In addition, we can recommend you :

• Le Père Goriot from Honoré de Balzac
• Au Bonheur des Dames from Emile Zola
• Les Trois Mousquetaires from Alexandre Dumas
• Madame Bovary from Gustave Flaubert
• Du côté de chez Swann from Marcel Proust
• Journal (III) 1939-1944 from Anaïs Nin
• Gigi from Colette
• Indiana from George Sand…

Don’t forget to read Céline’s Voyage au bout de la nuit, Romain Gary’s La Promesse de l’aube and Albert Camus’ l’étranger, Belle du seigneur by Albert Cohen, Le Grand Meaulnes by Alain-Fournier, L’Écume des jours by Boris Vian, Le Horla de Maupassant, Illusions perdues by Balzac, L’Assommoir by Émile Zola, Bonjour tristesse by Françoise Sagan, L’amant by Marguerite Duras, La Princesse de Clèves by Madame La Fayette.

Famous Writers Private Tour in Paris

We invite you to discover some famous writers who, for a few years or for the remainder of their days, lived in Paris. Discover the places of famous writers in Paris used to live, to work, to walk around and have dinners through a private tour guide. Step into the literary heart of Paris with a personalized private tour dedicated to the iconic writers who once roamed its streets. Whether you prefer a leisurely walking tour or the convenience of a driving tour, this experience is tailored to your aspirations, offering an immersive journey through the City of Light’s rich literary heritage.

Paris Walking Tour of famous writers:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the enchanting neighborhoods that once inspired the world’s greatest writers.

• From €360 (for 1 to 6 guests) – 3 hours on foot – approximately USD $375, depending on customization.

Paris Driving Tour of famous writers:

Explore Paris’s literary landmarks in comfort, covering more ground with ease as you visit the city’s most iconic sites.

• From €850 (for 1 to 6 guests) – 4 hours by car – approximately USD $885, depending on customization.

Whether your passion lies with the Lost Generation, French literary giants, or revolutionary thinkers, your guide will adapt the tour to focus on the writers and stories that resonate most with you. Hear fascinating anecdotes about the lives, works, and inspirations of these literary icons, as well as the Parisian history that shaped their art.

Private Tour Guide in Paris

Beautiful Famous Writers’ Houses in Paris

• Balzac home to many of the city’s wealthiest residents

The last Parisian home of Honoré de Balzac is in the heart of the Passy ancient village,nearby the Eiffel Tower. He lived there for seven years under the pseudonym “M. de Breugnol” to escape creditors. Imagine Balzac in his office, seated at his favorite little table, just large enough to put down his inkwell and a few sheets, where he composed part of the novels in the series La Comédie humaine.

• Boris Vian apartment behind the Moulin-Rouge

The author of L’Écume des Jours ended his life in a Parisian apartment in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It was here that he wrote L’Arrache-cœur, just behind the Moulin-Rouge, in the former artists’ lodges. Jacques Prévert moved to the same address. The two friends shared a common terrace where they organized parties bringing together many celebrities, including Miles Davis, Henri Salvador or Eugène Ionesco.

• Marcel Aymé apartment in Montmartre

Born in Joigny in the Yonne in 1902, he spent his childhood in the Jura before moving to Paris, and settled in Montmartre in 1930, a district he would never leave until his death in 1967. He lived at 9 ter rue Paul Féval with his wife Marie-Antoinette and wrote most of his work there until 1963, when he moved to 26 rue Norvins. Today n ° 2 of the place bears his name, with the Passe-Muraille statue sculpted by Jean Marais in 1989.

• Victor Hugo mansion in the Marais

Place des Vosges, the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée houses the former apartment of one of the greatest writers of the 19th century, Victor Hugo, now transformed into a museum. From 1832 to 1848, he lived in the second floor with his wife Adèle Foucher and their four children. In this mansion, in this room, in this office, he wrote most of the time while standing – Hugo imagines and writes some of his major works.

Victor Hugo desk in Paris

Paris Cafés of Famous Writers

Parisian cafés are characterized by their inviting ambiance, timeless charm, and delectable cuisine. Whether adorned with vintage decor or sleek modern furnishings, each café exudes its own unique personality, attracting a diverse clientele of locals and tourists alike. In addition to serving quality coffee and pastries, Parisian cafés are renowned for their culinary offerings, ranging from classic French bistro fare to innovative fusion cuisine. Whether indulging in a traditional croissant or savoring a gourmet meal, patrons are treated to a feast for the senses.

Legacy of Parisian Cafés

Despite the passage of time, Parisian cafés continue to inspire writers, artists, and dreamers from around the world. Their legacy lives on in the pages of literature, the brushstrokes of paintings, and the memories of those who have been touched by their magic.

Inspiration for Writers

For aspiring writers seeking creative inspiration, Parisian cafés offer an ideal sanctuary for reflection and contemplation. The vibrant energy and rich cultural history of these establishments provide fertile ground for literary exploration and artistic expression.

The café de Flore in Saint Germain

Cafés in Paris Where Famous Writers, Poets, and Artists used to Gather

Here is a list of the most famous cafés in Paris where great writers, poets, and artists used to gather — places that became legendary meeting points for creativity, debate, and inspiration:

1. Café de Flore

• Address: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, Ernest Hemingway

• About: Perhaps the most iconic literary café in Paris, Café de Flore was the meeting spot of existentialists and intellectuals in the 1940s and 1950s. It remains elegant and atmospheric, with its Art Deco interiors almost unchanged since then.

2. Les Deux Magots

• Address: 6 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Albert Camus, André Gide, Pablo Picasso

• About: Rival and neighbor to Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots was equally famous among the Left Bank’s literary and artistic crowd. The café still awards the Prix des Deux Magots, a respected French literary prize.

3. Le Procope

• Address: 13 Rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Voltaire, Rousseau, Diderot, Benjamin Franklin, Victor Hugo

• About: Established in 1686, Le Procope is considered the oldest café in Paris. It was the meeting place of Enlightenment philosophers and revolutionaries. Voltaire was known to drink 40 cups of coffee a day here!

4. La Closerie des Lilas

• Address: 171 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, Paul Verlaine

• About: A classic Montparnasse café where Hemingway famously wrote parts of The Sun Also Rises. There is even a bronze plaque at his favorite table. It was a hub for expatriate writers in the 1920s.

5. Le Dôme Café

• Address: 108 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris

• Famous writers: Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, Ezra Pound, Jean Cocteau

• About: Another Montparnasse landmark, Le Dôme was a favorite of the “Lost Generation” and surrealist writers. It remains a charming brasserie with a creative heritage.

6. Café de la Rotonde

• Address: 105 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Jean Cocteau, Guillaume Apollinaire, Modigliani, Hemingway

• About: Known for its lively bohemian atmosphere, La Rotonde was both a café and an artistic salon where writers mingled with painters and musicians.

7. Le Select

• Address: 99 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Henry Miller, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald

• About: One of Hemingway’s favorite cafés in A Moveable Feast. Le Select remains open late and continues to attract artists and intellectuals.

8. La Coupole

• Address: 102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris

• Famous writers: Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Josephine Baker, André Malraux

• About: A legendary Art Deco brasserie that became the heart of Montparnasse’s literary life in the 1920s. The interior murals and columns are historic artworks themselves.

9. Café Tournon

• Address: 18 Rue de Tournon, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers: Richard Wright, James Baldwin, Chester Himes

• About: This quiet café near the Luxembourg Gardens became an important meeting place for African-American writers and artists in postwar Paris.

10. La Palette

• Address: 43 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris

• Famous writers & artists: Ernest Hemingway, Jim Morrison, Picasso, Cézanne

• About: A charming small café popular with artists from the École des Beaux-Arts, and later frequented by writers and musicians. It still has its classic zinc bar and artistic ambiance.

English Book-stores of Famous Writers in Paris

Paris has several excellent English-language bookstores, catering to readers, writers, and literature lovers. Here are some of the best:

Shakespeare and Company

The most famous English-language bookstore in Paris, founded in 1951. Located near Notre-Dame, it has a rich literary history, with famous writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald having visited its predecessor. Offers a cozy reading space, a café, and regular literary events.

Smith & Son – WHSmith Paris

A British bookstore on Rue de Rivoli, near the Louvre. Offers a wide selection of English books, magazines, and British food products. Has a lovely tea room upstairs.

Galignani Oldest Bookstore of Famous Writers in Paris

One of the oldest bookstores in Paris, established in 1801. Features a well-curated collection of English and French books, especially in literature, art, and history. Located on Rue de Rivoli, near WHSmith.

The Red Wheelbarrow

A charming independent bookstore in Saint Germain, near the Jardin du Luxembourg. Specializes in contemporary literature, poetry, and children’s books.

San Francisco Book Co.

A second-hand bookstore in the Latin Quarter. Offers a wide range of affordable English-language books, from classics to modern fiction.

These bookstores provide a fantastic selection for book lovers and are great places to explore while in Paris. Let me know if you need more details.

Contemporary French and Famous Writers in Paris

Literature is a jewel of the French culture. From Balzac to Maupassant via Molière or Camus, it shines all over the world. However, it would be a shame to limit ourself to “classics” only, and not to explore what builds contemporary literature in France. From Modiano to Ernaux via Marc Levy, a quick overview of the French contemporary authors :

• Annie Ernaux
• Patrick Modiano
• Denis Podalydès
• Jean Echenoz
• Marie Ndiaye
• Delphine de Vigan
• Virginie Despentes
• Alain Mabanckou
• Marc Levy
• Guillaume Musso
• Fred Vargas
• Michel Houellebecq
• Frederic Beigbeder
• Christine Angot
• Anne Golon
• Anna Gavalda…

One of my favorite French writer is Amin Maalouf with his book Samarcande. He is a Lebanese-born French author who has lived in France since 1976. He received the Prix Goncourt in 1993 for Le Rocher de Tanios, and was elected to the Académie française in 2011.

The Famous Poets Writers in Paris

The French capital is an incredible source of inspiration for artists. It is therefore not a surprise that many poets have dedicated one or more poems to the City of Lights. The story of the capital is told through poetry.

• Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) – Les Fleurs du Mal » (1861)
• Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918) – Le Pont Mirabeau (1912)
• Louis Aragon (1897-1982) – Paris (1944)
• Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) – Paris (1893)
• Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) – Le Bateau ivre, Le Dormeur du val ou Voyelles
• Alfred de Musset (1810-1857) – Sonnet, Les Contes d’Espagne et d’Italie (1829)
• Jacques Prévert (1900-1977) – Chanson de la Seine (1951)
• Paul Eluard (1895-1952) – Courage (1942)
• Victor Hugo (1802-1885) – Paris bloqué, recueil L’Année terrible (1872)…

Poets have embraced Paris with their verses, each with their own style, classic poems, engaged, avant-garde, but always with  sincere words. If it is not its fiery history that animates poets living in Paris, it is its winding and romantic streets.

« Ô ville, tu feras agenouiller l’histoire.

Saigner est ta beauté, mourir est ta victoire.

Mais non, tu ne meurs pas. […]

Dans l’admiration des peuples, dans la gloire,

Tu retrouves, Paris, bien plus que tu ne perds […] »

” O city, you will bring history to its knees.

Bleeding is your beauty, dying is your victory.

But no, you don’t die. […]

In the admiration of the people, in the glory,

You find, Paris, much more than you lose […] ”

Paris bloqué, recueil L’Année terrible Victor Hugo (1872)

10 French-language Books of Famous Writers in Paris the XX century

Here are the top 10 best French-language books of the XX century by a jury of 50 people – journalists, booksellers, librarians, teachers, heads of literary institutions and festivals in French-speaking from Switzerland. This classification takes in consideration only literature written in French.

1. A la recherche du temps perdu (1913-1927), Marcel Proust

2. Voyage au bout de la nuit (1932), Louis-Ferdinand Céline

3. L’Etranger (1942), Albert Camus

4. Alcools (1913), Guillaume Apollinaire

5. Belle du Seigneur (1968), Albert Cohen

6. Mémoires d’Hadrien (1951), Marguerite Yourcenar

7. La Trilogie des jumeaux (1986-1991), Agota Kristof

8. L’Usage du monde (1963), Nicolas Bouvier

9. En attendant Godot (1952), Samuel Beckett

10. Paroles (1945), Jacques Prévert

Oscar Wilde

American, English and Irish Famous Writers in Paris

Beyond the anecdotes, the drinking binges, the fights, the sentimental crossovers of the intellectuals of the Montparnasse district at that time, we bring to life famous writers in Paris such as Hemingway’s novel Paris est une fête and his friends TS Eliot, James Joyce, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and so much more … during our private tours. If America is hit by prohibition, Paris offers its cafes and bistros. Le Dôme, La Coupole, Le Sélect offer as well a great triangle for all those genius to write and have fun.

• Paris est une fête from Ernest Hemingway
• Tropique du Cancer from Henry Miller
• L’Eventail de Lady Windermere from Oscar Wilde
• Dans la dèche à Paris et à Londres from George Orwell
• Souvenirs Indiscrets from Natalie Clifford Barney
• The Cubical City from Janet Flanner
• Black Boy from Richard Wright…

Paris is also considered the cradle of European literature, because it has seen great minds grow in its territory. Added to the beauty of the French language, the advanced ideas about society presented by many writers, have made French literature one of the oldest in Europe, but also one of the most important.

France, Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF), site Richelieu, salle ovale

Paris Home to Several Remarkable Libraries

Paris, one of the world’s literary capitals, is home to several remarkable libraries that reflect its long cultural and intellectual history.

Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)

The most famous is the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) – François-Mitterrand site, located at 11 Quai François-Mauriac in the 13ᵗʰ arrondissement. It is the largest library in France and one of the most important in the world, holding millions of printed books, manuscripts, maps, and digital documents. Its public areas are open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., while research rooms open Monday from 2 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on other weekdays.

Bibliothèque publique d’information (BPI)

Another major institution is the Bibliothèque publique d’information (BPI), part of the Centre Pompidou complex in the heart of Paris. It offers free public access to books, newspapers, audiovisual material, and study spaces. It is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 10 p.m., and on weekends and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., remaining closed on Tuesdays.

Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal

The Bibliothèque de l’Arsenal, located at 1 rue de Sully in the 4ᵗʰ arrondissement, is another branch of the BnF. Founded in the 18ᵗʰ century, it preserves rich historical collections including manuscripts, prints, and rare works. Its reading room opens Monday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Médiathèque Françoise Sagan

The Médiathèque Françoise Sagan, at 8 rue Léon Schwartzenberg (10ᵗʰ arrondissement), is a bright and modern library housed in a former hospital building. It offers a wide collection of books, films, and music, and includes a special section for children. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., closing only on Mondays.

Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève

The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, at 10 place du Panthéon in the 5ᵗʰ arrondissement, is one of the most iconic academic libraries in France. Designed by architect Henri Labrouste, it houses over two million volumes and serves mainly students and researchers. It is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is admired for its iron-framed reading room bathed in natural light.

Bibliothèque Sainte-Barbe

Nearby stands the Bibliothèque Sainte-Barbe, at 4 rue Valette, a modern inter-university library designed for higher-education students. It offers long opening hours—Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.—and a large, quiet workspace with digital access to academic resources.

Bibliothèque Forney

The Bibliothèque Forney, located inside the Gothic Hôtel de Sens (1 rue du Figuier, 4ᵗʰ arrondissement), specializes in decorative arts, fashion, design, and crafts. Its unique setting and specialized collections attract artists, designers, and historians. It opens Tuesday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Médiathèque Marguerite Yourcenar

In the same cultural spirit, the Médiathèque Marguerite Yourcenar (41 rue d’Alleray, 15ᵗʰ arrondissement) is a large and elegant modern facility with collections for both adults and children, and frequent cultural events. It opens Tuesday to Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine Library

For architecture lovers, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine Library (1 place du Trocadéro, 16ᵗʰ arrondissement) is an essential stop, holding specialized works on architecture, urban planning, and design. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bibliothèque Mazarine full of Famous Writers in Paris

Finally, the Bibliothèque Mazarine, at 23 quai de Conti in the 6ᵗʰ arrondissement, is the oldest public library in France, founded in the 17ᵗʰ century by Cardinal Mazarin. Rich in rare books, manuscripts, and historical works, it remains open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Together, these libraries form the intellectual heart of Paris — from grand national archives to intimate neighborhood reading rooms — offering spaces for study, research, and inspiration across the city.

Beyond Famous Writers in Paris

PARIS BY EMY offers customized Private Tours in Paris with licensed local Guides that allow you to combine different types of experiences.