Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour)
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 41 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) worth booking?
Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) is a 2.5-hour experience in Paris, France, from $70 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 41 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (41)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $70 per person
Jazz was born in New Orleans....but the Jazz Age flourished in New York & Paris, or to be more precise, Harlem & Pigalle. After WW1, numerous African American artists emigrated to Paris from Harlem, bringing with them a
What you get
About this experience
Jazz was born in New Orleans....but the Jazz Age flourished in New York & Paris, or to be more precise, Harlem & Pigalle. After WW1, numerous African American artists emigrated to Paris from Harlem, bringing with them a new style of music born in America : jazz. By the late 1920s, there were over 300 jazz clubs, bars and cabarets in Paris, for the most part in Pigalle. This is the fascinating story of the men and women who made Paris a mecca for Jazz, ushering in the Roaring 20s.
What's included
Included
- There will be music, photos & videos throughout the tour
Not included
- Food & beverages not included
- Hotel transfers not included
What you'll see and do
Just next door to the Place Blanche is the location of Josephine Baker's club, called "Chez Josephine". Known as the "Black Venus of Paris", Baker became a French national and lived here from 1925 until her death in 1975. After starting her career in vaudeville shows in Harlem, Baker arrived in France in 1925 as a dancer for the NY Syncopated Orchestra, accompanied by a young clarinet player named Sidney Bechet. She headlined the orchestra's new show, the "Revue Negre", which was commissioned by the Theatre des Champs Elysées. It was an audacious show featuring 13 dancers, 12 musicians...and Josephine Baker, aged 18 & wearing very little more than feathers. Her erotic dancing fascinated the French & turned her into an immediate star, an icon.
10 minutes here
Next we stop at the bistro where Louis Armstrong would dine after rehearsals in the recording studio just up the street. There he discovered the delights of choucroute (sausage & cabbage) & where he met local Gypsy Jazzman Django Reinhardt.
10 minutes here
After visiting Josephine Baker, we will stop in front of Zelli's, the mythical Parisian cabaret of the 1920s. It was the most popular club in the city thanks to its avant garde jazz music. Here we will "meet" the fascinating Eugene Jacques Bullard, son of a freed slaved from Martinique. He became the 1st African American fighter pilot in history. Fighting for the French, he flew 30 missions and downed 2 German planes, earning a promotion to Corporal & the nickname "Black Jacques". After the war, he learned to play drums and was hired as a musician at Zelli's, where he rose to the position of manager. With backing from Joe Zelli, he opened his own night club, the Grand Duc, where he offered a mix of hot jazz & soul food, becoming one of the most popular clubs in Paris.
10 minutes here
We will discover the Jazz Ladies & their legends. We meet Bricktop, Queen of Pigalle, who arrived in Paris with $24 in her pocket. After establishing herself, she went on to rub shoulders with royalty & celebrities. Then we "meet" Valaida Snow, the 2nd best trumpet player in the world (Louis Armstrong's words!). She played 8 different instruments, she sang, she danced and she charmed audiences everywhere. A beautiful and talented woman, she became a star in Europe in the 1930s. In 1940, while playing in Denmark, she was arrested by the Nazis. Saved in a prisoner exchange, she returned to the US a broken woman, but recovered and went on to pursue jer jazz career.
20 minutes here
Sadly the club is closed, a victim of Covid. But in front of the club we will hear the story of Alberta Hunter, an extraordinarily talented blues singer. Having lived the Jazz Age in both Harlem & Paris, she abandoned music in the 1940s to become a nurse for 20 years. At the age of 83 she was persuaded to come out of retirement and she relaunched her singing career, becoming a star all over again with her sublime voice.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
The exact location of the meeting point will be provided a few days prior to the visit. It will be near the Place Blanche.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Place Pigalle
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Visit the Hidden Paris
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 41 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
41 verified traveler reviews for Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Knowledgeable guide and interesting tour
Ellen taught us a lot about jazz in Paris and the history of black musicians. We had a thorough discussion, lots of information and also walked around to see monuments to artists and clubs. We left with knowledge about past and present jazz clubs
Response from the operator: Thank you for these kind words !
via Viator
Harlem Jazz must see!
Ellen is a very knowledgeable tour guide with historical tourism and a spicy and fun personality. We enjoyed her a lot and enjoyed how she dances along while the jazz music is playing☺️. Ellen set the tone on how tour guides should be.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words, and for being such lovely guests on the tour. It was my pleasure !
via Viator
Wonderful walk down memory lane of Paris with jazz greats of yesterday
A relaxed and informative journey to Paris of the past that honors the early jazz greats. A must go if you are a history buff.
Response from the operator: Many thanks !
via Viator
Learn the history of jazz in Paris!
It is a good tour. Easy way to learn a lot about jazz in Paris. The walking is light and pleasant!!!
Response from the operator: Many thanks !
via Viator
We really enjoyed this...
We really enjoyed this tour. Our guide was very thorough and kept us and our children entertained. It was a great experience.
Response from the operator: It was my pleasure !
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $70 to $150
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) cost?
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Prices start at $70 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 41 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour)?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Harlem in Paris : the Birth of Jazz in France (Small Group Walking Tour) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX, Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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