Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour)

This walking tour explores how the migration of African American artists to Paris after World War I introduced new musical styles that fueled the city’s vibrant jazz scene in the Roaring Twenties. Centered in the Pigalle district, Paris boasted over 300 jazz clubs, bars, and cabarets – including the iconic Chez Josephine owned by Josephine Baker. The tour also highlights the historic meeting between jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt on Rue Mansart. With engaging storytelling, multimedia, and firsthand accounts, the tour provides an immersive experience that brings Paris’s jazz culture to life. Delve deeper to uncover the transformative impact jazz had on the city.

Key Points

• This small group walking tour explores the evolution of jazz from New Orleans to Paris in the post-World War I era, highlighting the migration of African American artists.
• The tour showcases the vibrant Parisian jazz scene in the 1920s, when the city boasted over 300 jazz clubs, bars, and cabarets, mainly in the Pigalle district.
• Key highlights include the iconic Chez Josephine club owned by Josephine Baker and the historic meeting between jazz legends Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt on Rue Mansart.
• The tour provides a comprehensive, multisensory experience combining storytelling, music, photos, and videos to bring the Parisian jazz age to life.
• The tour is led by an expert guide with extensive knowledge and storytelling skills, offering an immersive exploration of the key individuals and locations that shaped Paris’s vibrant jazz culture.

Tour Overview and Historical Context

The tour, titled "Harlem in Paris: the Birth of Jazz in France," explores the remarkable story of how jazz music, originating in New Orleans, flourished in the vibrant neighborhoods of Harlem and Pigalle, Paris, during the post-World War I era.

In the aftermath of the war, many African American artists emigrated to Paris, bringing with them a new, captivating musical style.

By the late 1920s, Paris had over 300 jazz clubs, bars, and cabarets, primarily concentrated in the Pigalle district.

The tour delves into the stories of the individuals who made Paris a renowned jazz hub during the Roaring Twenties.

Tour Details and Logistics

The tour meets at Artemisia Montmartre, located at 11 Rue Fromentin, 75009 Paris, near Place Blanche, and starts promptly at 2:00 pm.

Admission to the stops is free, but food and beverages aren’t included.

The tour features a blend of music, photos, and videos, providing a multisensory experience.

It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, and located near public transportation.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

• Meeting point: Artemisia Montmartre, 11 Rue Fromentin, 75009 Paris
• Tour start time: 2:00 pm
• Admission: Free, food/beverages not included
• Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller friendly, near public transit
• Cancellation policy: Free up to 24 hours before

Key Stops and Highlights

Chez Josephine, the club owned by the prominent Parisian jazz figure Josephine Baker, known for her provocative performances, is one of the key stops on the tour.

Another notable stop is Rue Mansart, where visitors learn about the bistro where Louis Armstrong dined and met Django Reinhardt, a local Gypsy jazz musician.

The tour provides insights into other historical jazz locations, offering a deeper understanding of how Paris became a hub for this new music style during the Roaring Twenties.

Through a blend of storytelling, multimedia, and firsthand accounts, the tour gives participants a comprehensive view of jazz’s cultural impact in the city.

Chez Josephine: Josephine Baker’s Club

Josephine Baker’s club, Chez Josephine, stands as a prominent fixture in the Parisian jazz scene during the Roaring Twenties. This legendary venue was known for Baker’s provocative performances that captivated audiences.

• The club’s intimate atmosphere and vibrant decor provided the perfect setting for the electrifying energy of Parisian jazz.

• Patrons were treated to a fusion of American and French influences, with Baker’s exotic dance moves and the rhythmic pulse of the music.

• Chez Josephine became a hub for the city’s creative elite, attracting artists, intellectuals, and socialites alike.

• The club’s legacy continues to inspire and influence the cultural landscape of Paris, representing the spirit of artistic innovation and cultural exchange.

• Today, Chez Josephine remains a symbol of the Parisian jazz age and the enduring legacy of Josephine Baker’s pioneering spirit.

Rue Mansart: Meeting of Jazz Legends

Amidst the vibrant jazz scene of 1920s Paris, Rue Mansart emerged as a hub for musical legends to converge.

This unassuming bistro was the meeting place for none other than Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt. The legendary American trumpet player dined alongside the virtuosic French Gypsy guitarist, sparking conversations and collaborations that would shape the course of jazz history.

Patrons would have been captivated by the musical exchange, as these two giants of the genre came together in this intimate setting.

Rue Mansart’s legacy as a nexus of jazz innovation underscores the rich cultural exchange that defined Paris’ role in the global spread of this quintessential American art form.

Tour Experience and Reviews

The tour’s compelling experience is further reflected in the overwhelmingly positive reviews it has garnered.

With an overall rating of 5.0 out of 25 reviews, the tour has captivated participants with its informative content, engaging storytelling, and effective use of multimedia.

Reviewers praised the guide’s extensive knowledge and ability to bring the history of jazz in Paris to life through personal anecdotes.

Some highlights of the tour experience include:

• Immersive exploration of key jazz locations like Chez Josephine and Rue Mansart
• Insights into the influential roles of figures like Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong
• A blend of historical context and musical appreciation that enhances understanding
• Accessibility for wheelchair users and stroller-friendly environments
• Flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

Guide’s Expertise and Interaction

The guide, Ellen, is widely praised for her extensive knowledge and exceptional storytelling skills.

Participants on the "Harlem in Paris: the Birth of Jazz in France" tour appreciate the way she blends historical context and personal anecdotes, enhancing their understanding of jazz’s impact.

Ellen’s expertise shines through as she brings the rich tapestry of Paris’s jazz scene to life.

While some reviewers express a desire for more exploration of lesser-known figures and locations, the majority of participants are captivated by Ellen’s engaging presentation and the depth of information she provides.

Her ability to seamlessly incorporate music, photos, and videos further elevates the overall tour experience.

Exploring the Paris Jazz Scene

Stepping into the heart of Paris’s flourishing jazz scene, the tour explores the stories of the individuals who transformed the city into a vibrant hub of musical expression.

From the iconic Chez Josephine, where Josephine Baker captivated audiences with her provocative performances, to the unassuming bistro on Rue Mansart where Louis Armstrong dined with local talent Django Reinhardt, the tour weaves a rich tapestry of the city’s jazz history.

The experience also features:

• Insights into the influx of African American artists who emigrated to Paris in the post-World War I era, introducing a new musical style
• Discussions on the rapid growth of jazz clubs, bars, and cabarets in Pigalle, Paris’s entertainment district
• Immersive multimedia elements, including music, photos, and videos, to bring the era to life
• Opportunities to explore lesser-known figures and locations that contributed to the Parisian jazz scene
• Engaging storytelling that deepens visitors’ understanding of jazz’s profound impact on the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, so tickets don’t need to be purchased in advance. However, booking ahead is recommended to secure a spot on the popular tour.

Is the Tour Led in a Specific Language?

The tour is led in English. According to the overview, the tour explores the stories of individuals who made Paris a jazz hub during the Roaring 20s, and the guide, Ellen, is praised for her extensive knowledge and storytelling skills.

What Is the Average Tour Group Size?

The average tour group size is not specified in the provided information. Tours are described as "small group," suggesting an intimate setting, but an exact number is not given.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants are welcome to take photographs during the tour. The walking tour encourages visitors to capture the vibrant sights and sounds of the historic Parisian jazz scene as they explore the key locations and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

Are There Any Restrictions on Food or Drinks During the Tour?

Based on the tour details provided, food and beverages are not included in the admission fee. Participants can enjoy refreshments at their own expense during the tour stops, which are primarily historical jazz venues and landmarks.

Sum Up

The "Harlem in Paris: the Birth of Jazz in France" walking tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s vibrant musical history. Led by the knowledgeable guide Ellen, the tour immerses visitors in the stories behind the legendary jazz clubs, bars, and cabarets that transformed the Parisian landscape in the post-World War I era. From Chez Josephine to the haunts of jazz icons, this tour transports you back to the Roaring Twenties and the birth of a cultural revolution.