The Best Places To Write In Paris

Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Matt Hawthorne

Introduction: Why Paris is a Writer’s Dream

When it comes to finding the perfect writing spot, Paris is unrivalled. The City of Light has long been a haven for writers, offering everything from cosy cafés to inspiring gardens. With its rich literary history and stunning backdrops, it’s no wonder that Paris is often regarded as one of the best places to write in the world.

Whether you’re journaling, working on your next novel, or simply looking to get away for an afternoon of reflection, Paris has countless spots to suit your writing needs. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best places to write in Paris, each with its own unique charm.

1. Café du Dôme: A Classic Writing Spot

Café du Dôme is one of the most iconic cafés in Paris, particularly for writers. Established in 1898, this café has been a hub for intellectuals and creatives for over a century. In the 1920s, it became a popular gathering place for expatriates, particularly Americans like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Hemingway himself often sat at this very café, writing his early works.

What makes Café du Dôme one of the best places to write in Paris is its rich history and its peaceful, old-world atmosphere. You can feel the energy of the past while sitting at one of its outdoor tables or inside the cozy interior. The café’s simple yet elegant decor, complete with dark wood and antique furnishings, provides an inspiring space for any writer. The ambiance is just right for those who need a quiet, reflective environment to focus on their craft.

Whether you’re spending an afternoon journaling or tackling a few pages of your manuscript, Café du Dôme is a perfect spot to escape the hustle of the city and let your creativity flow.

Writing at Café du Dôme

2. La Rotonde: Writing in Parisian Elegance

If you’re looking for a café that exudes Parisian elegance, La Rotonde is the place to be. This café, which opened its doors in 1911, is steeped in history. During the early 20th century, it was a favorite haunt for artists and writers, from Pablo Picasso to Jean Cocteau. It was also a popular meeting spot for American expatriates like Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

La Rotonde is located in the heart of Montparnasse, a neighborhood known for its vibrant cultural scene. Today, it continues to be a top destination for writers seeking inspiration. Its brass fixtures, red banquettes, and classic bistro charm create a welcoming environment for those looking to sit down with a notebook or laptop.

While La Rotonde can be a bit of a tourist spot, visiting in the early morning provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for uninterrupted writing sessions. Sitting at an outdoor table on a quiet Parisian morning, with the sun gently warming your face, is a true writer’s delight.

Without a doubt, La Rotonde ranks as one of the best places to write in Paris, offering an atmosphere that invites creativity.

Did you know?: American writer Malcolm Cowley was jailed in the 1920s for a fistfight with the Rotonde’s petulant owner.

Writing at La Rotonde

3. La Closerie des Lilas: Hemingway’s Favorite Writing Spot

For anyone familiar with Hemingway’s work, La Closerie des Lilas is a must-visit. This café is famously known as Hemingway’s favorite writing spot during his years in Paris. In his memoir, A Moveable Feast, he writes fondly of the café, which he described as his “home café.” The café still honors Hemingway today, with a plaque marking his favorite seat at the bar.

La Closerie des Lilas is more than just a café—it’s a literary landmark. Since the early 20th century, it has been frequented by countless writers, poets, and artists. The café’s timeless decor and tranquil ambiance make it an ideal place for writers looking to dive deep into their work. Its location on the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens also makes it one of the more peaceful spots in Paris.

The setting at La Closerie des Lilas is perfect for longer writing sessions. Whether you prefer the elegance of the brasserie or the calm of the bar, the café offers plenty of space to relax and write. It’s easy to see why this spot remains one of the best places to write in Paris.

La Closerie des Lilas

4. Le Select: A Lively Writing Café in Paris

For writers who draw inspiration from a lively atmosphere, Le Select offers the perfect balance between energy and tradition. Opened in 1925, Le Select quickly became one of the most popular gathering spots for writers, artists, and intellectuals. Its bright, well-lit interior and eclectic decor provide a unique setting for any writer looking to get the creative juices flowing.

The café’s open atmosphere makes it an ideal place for people-watching—a great source of inspiration for many writers. You can start your afternoon by ordering a martini at the bar, soaking in the 1920s Parisian charm, and jotting down ideas for your next piece. The energy of Le Select, combined with its historical significance, makes it one of the best writing places in Paris for writers who enjoy being part of a lively environment.

In addition to its writing-friendly ambiance, Le Select remains relatively unchanged from its 1920s heyday, allowing writers to feel connected to the past. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to channel the creative energy of Paris’s golden age of literature.

Le Select

5. Le Dingo: A Café with Literary History

For writers who appreciate literary history, Le Dingo (now known as Auberge de Venise) is a hidden gem. This is the café where Hemingway first met F. Scott Fitzgerald, an encounter that would later become the stuff of literary legend. While the café has since transformed into an Italian restaurant, much of its old charm remains intact.

The original bar where Hemingway and Fitzgerald once sat is still in place, making it a unique writing spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Paris’s literary past. The quiet atmosphere and historic feel make Le Dingo one of the best writing spots in Paris for literature lovers.

Grab a glass of champagne, just as Hemingway and Fitzgerald once did, and let the creative energy of this historic location guide your writing. There’s something magical about writing in a place where literary legends once gathered.

Le Dingo

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Writing in Paris with Nicholas Hemingway Pens

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Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Writing Spot in Paris

Paris is filled with inspiration for writers, whether you prefer the bustling atmosphere of a café or the quiet solitude of a garden. From Café du Dôme to La Closerie des Lilas, these iconic spots have inspired some of the greatest literary works in history. So grab your notebook and pen, and discover the best places to write in Paris.