A Moveable Feast
In the vibrant heart of 1920s Paris, a young Ernest Hemingway captures the essence of his apprenticeship as a writer, amidst the camaraderie and literary ferment of the Lost Generation. Through evocative prose and intimate vignettes, he recounts his love for his first wife, Hadley, their shared adventures, and the forging of his literary voice in the City of Lights.
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Paris, France
This haven for bibliophiles serves as a symbolic wellspring of inspiration. Hemingway encounters literary giants like James Joyce and Sylvia Beach, shaping his artistic aspirations and fostering a sense of belonging within the Parisian literary scene. The bookstore becomes a microcosm of the intellectual ferment and artistic camaraderie that defined the Lost Generation.
Today, it remains a haven for bookworms and aspiring writers, echoing Hemingway's early encounters.
Today, it remains a haven for bookworms and aspiring writers, echoing Hemingway's early encounters.
74 Rue Cardinal Lemoine
Paris, France
Hemingway's tiny apartment becomes more than just a setting; it embodies the early struggles and triumphs of his writing career. Here, he grapples with poverty, writer's block, and the joys of simple pleasures like buying fresh bread and flowers. The cramped space fosters intimacy and fuels his creativity, becoming a character itself in the narrative.
TRANSLATION:
From January 1922 to August 1923 on the 3rd floor of this building, with Hadley, his wife, lived the American writer Ernest HEMINGWAY 1899 – 1961 The quarter, which he loved above all others, was the veritable birthplace of his work and of the uncluttered style which characterized it. This American in Paris maintained familiar relations with his neighbors, notably the owner of the adjoining dance hall.
“This was the Paris of our youth, a time when we were very poor and very happy.” – Ernest Hemingway (A Moveable Feast)
Les Deux Magots
Paris, France
Another legendary cafe, Les Deux Magots, becomes a space for lively discussions and intellectual debates. Hemingway engages in stimulating discussions with fellow writers like Fitzgerald and Joyce, sparking creative insights and fueling his intellectual fire. Today, the cafe maintains its vibrant atmosphere, buzzing with conversations and literary echoes.
Jardin du Luxembourg
Paris, France
Hemingway finds solace and inspiration amidst the park's serene beauty, penning sections of his early works under the shade of chestnut trees. They become a sanctuary for his creative process, offering him space to think, write, and simply be. Now, the park remains a verdant escape, offering tranquillity and creative fuel for visitors.
Place de la Contrescarpe
Paris, France
This lively square pulsates with energy. Hemingway soaks up the atmosphere, observing the diverse characters and enjoying the local color. The square becomes a microcosm of Parisian life, offering him a glimpse into the city's vibrant soul.
27 Rue de Fleurus
Paris, France
Gertrude Stein's salon is a vibrant hub of artistic exchange. Hemingway engages in stimulating conversations with Stein, Picasso, and other luminaries, exposing himself to diverse artistic perspectives and fueling his own creative fire. The salon becomes a symbol of the intellectual and artistic awakening he experiences in Paris.
Café de Flore
Paris, France
This iconic cafe serves as a canvas for observing Parisian life. Hemingway drinks coffee, people-watches, and captures the essence of the city's intellectual and artistic scene. The cafe becomes a stage for his observations, offering him endless material for his writing.
Michaud's Paris Restaurant
Paris, France
Another nearby spot made famous in a chapter from A Moveable Feast, is on the corner of Rue Jacob and Rue des Saints-Pères. It is the former site of a popular 1920’s restaurant, Michaud’s. This upscale eatery provides a contrast to Hemingway's usual haunts. Here, he celebrates special occasions and indulges in the finer things in life. The restaurant becomes a symbol of his evolving lifestyle and newfound success.
The place has changed hands many times over the years and is now an eatery called Comptoir Des Saints Peres.
The place has changed hands many times over the years and is now an eatery called Comptoir Des Saints Peres.
La Closerie des Lila
Paris, France
This brasserie embodies the bohemian spirit of Montparnasse. Hemingway enjoys lively conversations, drinks with friends, and witnesses the artistic energy of the neighbourhood. The brasserie becomes a symbol of the carefree, creative lifestyle he embraces in Paris.
Follow along on the map
See where the book takes place in Paris.
All Stories
Explore stories in Paris
Discover movies and books set in Paris and find their story locations.
Stay updated with our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on new books, movies and locations added to Story Street.
