If I could travel to any time period, it would be Paris in the 1920s. I’m totally captivated by that decade—the literature, jazz, fashion, and the overall energy of the city. Midnight in Paris is my favorite movie, and sometimes, I wish I could experience that era in real life.
Of course, unless you’ve got a time machine, the 1920s are long gone. The spirit of the time—its people, music, and culture—has faded away. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend! Paris still has places that capture the vibe of les Années folles, and I had the chance to visit some of them. Here’s how you can step back into 1920s Paris today:
20 Rue Jacob
In the 1920s, many American expats hosted salons where artists and writers would gather to discuss ideas. One of the most famous was hosted by writer Natalie Clifford Barney. While the building she lived in has been rebuilt, you can still peek into the courtyard and garden where these creative meetings took place.
Luxembourg Gardens
One of my all-time favorite spots in Paris, the Luxembourg Gardens are huge, beautiful, and full of peaceful corners. You’ll find plenty of paths for strolling, chairs to relax in, and ponds and fountains that give the place a calming atmosphere. It’s easy to see why Ernest Hemingway loved writing here—on a warm day, it’s full of life and inspiration.
Shakespeare & Co.
Located just across from Notre Dame, Shakespeare & Co. is an iconic bookstore that has been around since 1919. It was a favorite hangout for writers like Ezra Pound, James Joyce, and Hemingway. Though the original store closed during WWII, the current location (opened in 1951) still captures the same spirit. The bookstore supports writers and hosts events year-round. I always love browsing through the shelves and discovering new books.
Montmartre
While the Left Bank was the heart of the literary scene, Montmartre was where artists and writers went to relax and get inspired. The cheap cafés, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere made it the perfect backdrop for creativity. Today, the area is still full of artists, and it’s also famous thanks to the film Amélie.
27 Rue de Fleurus
Another famous salon was hosted by Gertrude Stein at this address. Writers like Hemingway, Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald gathered here. The house has been remodeled, but there’s a plaque marking the spot, so you can imagine what it was like when all the greats were walking in and out.
Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore
These two cafés in the trendy Saint-Germain-des-Prés area are legends in their own right. Back in the day, they were the hangouts of the Lost Generation. Writers like Hemingway, Simone de Beauvoir, and Picasso spent hours here, debating ideas and writing. Both cafés still have that old-world charm, with classic décor and sidewalk seating that lets you soak up the history.
La Closerie des Lilas
Tucked at the far end of the Luxembourg Gardens, La Closerie des Lilas is a quiet café where Hemingway once read The Great Gatsby. The café’s interior looks almost exactly like it did in the 1920s, making it the perfect spot to step back in time.
Le Polidor
In Midnight in Paris, this is the place where Gil meets Hemingway. In the 1920s, it was a favorite haunt of writers like Joyce and Hemingway. The interior hasn’t changed much, and sitting here today feels like stepping into the past. You can imagine yourself sharing a meal with some of the most famous artists and writers of the time.
Jazz Clubs
If you want to experience some of the music that defined the 1920s, there are a few jazz clubs that keep the spirit alive:
- Le Caveau de la Huchette – A popular spot since it appeared in La La Land.
- Le Caveau des Oubliettes – A cozy, intimate venue in the Latin Quarter.
- Le Duc des Lombards – One of Paris’s most famous jazz clubs, offering top-tier performances.
Harry’s New York Bar
This bar, which opened in 1911, is where the Bloody Mary and Sidecar cocktails were invented. It was a favorite of Fitzgerald and Hemingway. The bar’s classic wood finish and vintage décor have barely changed, so you can enjoy a drink in the same setting where the Lost Generation once gathered.
Dingo Bar
Known as the place where Hemingway met Fitzgerald, the Dingo Bar was open all night, making it a popular spot for the literary crowd. Today, it’s an Italian restaurant called L’Auberge de Venise, but the original bar still stands, so you can relive a bit of that legendary past.
Speakeasies
If you’re looking for a more hidden, 1920s-inspired vibe, there are a couple of cool speakeasy-style bars:
- The Prescription Cocktail Club – This bar channels a 1920s NYC speakeasy, offering a stylish atmosphere and fantastic cocktails.
- The Little Red Door – A small, tucked-away bar in the Marais with eclectic décor and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
As Hemingway once said, “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.”
While Paris has changed since the days of the Lost Generation, you can still visit these spots and imagine what it was like back in the 1920s. For a moment, you can experience the magic of that bygone era—and feel like part of its creative legacy.
