Paris and poetry: A journey through mythical works and places

The French capital, an inexhaustible source of inspiration, has been immortalized by the greatest poets.

Of Verlaine unto Prévert, these artists celebrated Paris in its lights, shadows and emotions.

Discover a poetic journey through the most iconic lines dedicated to Paris and the essential places to experience poetry today.

A. The Poems that Sublimate the City of Lights

1. Paul Verlaine: “Paris” (1893)

A symbolist poet, Verlaine captures the historic and vibrant essence of Paris:

“Paris is only beautiful in its history,
But this story is so beautiful!
The Seine is surrounded absurdly,
But its bright green alone is worth the glory. [...]”

2. Guillaume Apollinaire: “The Mirabeau Bridge” (1912)

Symbol of love and nostalgia, this poem remains one of the most famous:

“Under the Mirabeau bridge the Seine flows
And our loves
Should he remember
The joy always came after the pain. [...]”

3. Alfred de Musset: Sonnet (1829)

Musset evokes a romantic Paris in The Tales of Spain and Italy :

“[...] Paris and its smoke, and all this beautiful kingdom,
I can still hear your postilons screaming in the wind,
How I loved this gray weather, these passers-by, and the Seine [...]”

4. Jules Supervielle: “Paris” (1939-1945)

In a context of war, Supervielle depicts a wounded but resilient city:

“O Paris, open city
As well as an injury,
What have you not become
From the green countryside. [...]”

5. Jacques Prévert: “Song of the Seine” (1951)

Prévert combines lightness and tenderness by describing the Seine and Paris:

“The Seine is lucky
She has no worries
She takes it easy
Day and night. [...]”

6. Paul Scarron: Sonnet (1654)

With a satirical touch, Scarron paints a living picture of Paris:

“A confused cluster of houses,
Droppings on every street,
Bridges, Churches, Palaces, Prisons,
Well-equipped or poorly equipped shops, [...]”

7. Charles Baudelaire: Le Spleen de Paris (1869)

Baudelaire explores the melancholic soul of the capital:

“[...] I love you, O infamous capital! ”

8. Louis Aragon: “Paris” (1944)

In the middle of war, Aragon celebrates the insurgent and resilient spirit of Paris:

“[...] Nothing has the brilliance of Paris in powder
Nothing is so pure as his insurgent front. [...]”

9. Pierre Coran: “White Paris”

The Belgian poet paints a winter and silent Paris:

“The snow and the night
Fall on Paris,
At an ant's pace. [...]”

10. Victor Hugo: “Paris blocked” (1872)

In The Terrible Year, Hugo glorifies the resilience of Paris after the tests:

“[...] You are regaining, Paris, much more than you are losing.”

B. Where to Read and Listen to Poetry in Paris?

To extend your poetic immersion, here is a selection of the best places to listen to or read poetry in Paris. These places combine charm, history and literary passion.

1. The House of Poetry

Adress : 157 Saint-Martin Street, 75003 Paris
Why go : This iconic place regularly organizes readings, meetings with contemporary poets, and shows that combine poetry and music. A reference for lovers of worms.
Web site : maisondelapoesieparis.com

2. Shakespeare and Company

Adress : 37 Rue de la Bûchery, 75005 Paris
Why go : This historic bookstore near Notre-Dame offers a wide choice of poetry books, from classics to contemporary ones. It also organizes literary evenings in an intimate atmosphere.
Web site : shakespeareandcompany.com

3. The Cave of Forgotten Obliettes

Adress : 21 Galande Street, 75005 Paris
Why go : This unusual place combines music and poetry during evenings open to the public. You can listen to recited poems or slammed texts in a warm and authentic setting.

4. The Poetry Market

Adress : Place Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris (annual event)
Why go : This unmissable event brings together publishers, poets and amateurs every year. It is a unique opportunity to discover rare collections and to meet authors.
Dates : Generally in June.
Web site : poesie.evous.fr

5. La Librairie Gallimard

Adress : 15 Boulevard Raspail, 75007 Paris
Why go : For its well-stocked collections of poetry, classical and modern, as well as its regular literary events. It is a haven for poetry lovers.

6. Le Café de Flore

Adress : 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Why go : This mythical café has seen literary figures like Prévert and Aragon pass by. Sit on the terrace with a book of poetry for an immersion in the Parisian bohemian spirit.

7. The Sorbonne - Richelieu Amphitheater

Adress : 17 Sorbonne Street, 75005 Paris
Why go : Poetic readings and conferences are regularly organized there, especially as part of literary studies and festivals. Check the schedule of events.

5 Key Points to Remember to Experience Poetry in Paris

1. Emblematic places : The House of Poetry and Shakespeare and Company are must-sees for poetry lovers.
2. Unique events : The Poetry Market is an annual event not to be missed.
3. Historic addresses : The Café de Flore and the Caveau des Oubliettes offer a literary and friendly atmosphere.
4. A rich selection : Bookstores like Gallimard are full of poetic treasures waiting to be discovered.
5. A living scene : Slam readings and evenings make poetry accessible and modern.