Some reminiscing about literary and cultural spots in Paris.
So this weekend I was supposed to be on a school trip to Paris, with a course dealing with American literature and history. Cancelling the trip has been hard but of course necessary, but I'm reliving some of the planned spots in my mind - hopefully I can go again some other time...So here is my literary Paris.
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Where Oscar Wilde and many other great writers, poets, artists and other interesting people are buried. A magical place.
Harry's New York Bar
Favourite bar of many Americans, including Fitzgerald and Hemingway. Still worth going, some interesting memorabilia on the walls...
Suresnes American Memorial
Not really literary but historically important for Americans. We were planning on going to visit the memorial and cemetery of American soldiers.
Shakespeare & Co. Bookshop
Beautiful bookshop, in which already Gertrude Stein and the writers of the Lost Generation spent some time.
Hemingway Bar
Inspired by Hemingway, who was an important figure in the literary scene in Paris. Decor inspired be him and his passions, for example hunting.
Odeon Theatre
Theatre showing great plays. Currently running was for example a production of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie", which we were going to watch...Hope they will be able to perform it at a later stage.
Outdoor Book Stalls
Always a pleasure to walk along the banks of the Seine, and check out all the book stalls, as well as some arts displayed there.
Centre Pompidou
Great collection of art, we were planning on checking out some American artists like Warhol. But many other great things to explore as well, and on the square in front of the CP there are always some cool street artists.
Statue of Liberty
Not quite as big as in New York, but there is a tiny Statue of Liberty as well, which is of course a must on an "American" visit to Paris.
Café de Flore
A café famous for having been one of the extended living rooms for Hemingway and other writers. Still lovely to hang out there today, and imagine all the great books (partially) being written there...