Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) in Paris
Paris, France

Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour)

Outty Ranking 69 4.7 · 35 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $80

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

69/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) worth booking?

Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) is a 3-hour experience in Paris, France, from $80 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
69 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (35)
Duration
3 hours
From
$80 per person

There is a famous saying : “Everyone has 2 countries, their own & France”. This was especially true for numerous artists, writers & jazz musicians between the 2 world wars, many of whom flocked to Paris not only for arti

What you get

    About this experience

    There is a famous saying : “Everyone has 2 countries, their own & France”. This was especially true for numerous artists, writers & jazz musicians between the 2 world wars, many of whom flocked to Paris not only for artistic inspiration but also to find themselves. Known as the Lost Generation, these were men & women who had suffered through WW1, a war that had taken 20m lives. They were all between 20 and 30 years old & questioned the old regime as morally bankrupt – seeking to build a new system. Eager to share ideas they would gather in the numerous cafés of the Left Bank. Many of these struggling artists & writers stayed in the area’s cheap hotels or cold-water flats. We will visit the places they lived, worked & partied, bearing in mind that the bohemian Left Bank of starving artists & struggling writers has given way to chic boutiques & high end bistros. Drinks not included in the price. School groups are welcome on this tour - contact us for rates.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • A tablet is used by the guide to present photo & video documentation, and for reading excerpts of works from each author

    Not included

    • Transportation to & from meeting point
    • Food & beverage not included

    What you'll see and do

    1. Place de la Contrescarpe

      We start off in a pleasant café with a short introduction to the Lost Generation authors and their involvement in WW1. Guests are requested to enjoy a cup of coffee while we begin the tour.

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Rue Mouffetard

      We visit the first flat where Ernest Hemingway lived & learn about his early years. We also visit the place where James Joyce finished his masterpiece Ulysses, in the face of much opposition.

      10 minutes here

    3. Odeon

      We visit the original location of the famed bookstore Shakespeare & Company, a 2nd home to so many of the Lost Generation writers - Hemingway, Pound, Stein & most especially Joyce.

      15 minutes here

    4. We visit the homes of the Lost Generation authors around the Luxembourg gardens : Man Ray, William Faulkner, Hemingway (again)

      30 minutes here

    5. Montparnasse Quartier

      We end the tour in one of the famed Montparnasse cafés, where all the Lost Generation writers came to party back in the 1920s. Guests are invited to enjoy a drink while we discuss the Fitzgeralds & their tragic end; Ezra Pound, with his outstanding talent & his despicable political views; then the controversial Gertrude Stein.

      30 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Paris

    Meeting point is in front of the Café la Contrescarpe, on the Place Contrescarpe

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We end the tour in 1 of two possible locations - - one of the famed cafés of Montparnasse (Le Select, La Rotonde, Le Dome...) - Harry's NY Bar near the Opera

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sat
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Visit the Hidden Paris

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Please note that I have been vaccinated (5x)

    Photos

    Hemingway at home in Paris 1926Hemingway in Italy during WW1James Joyce in Paris, 1934Sylvia Beach with James Joyce at Shakespeare & CompanyWilliam Faulkner in the Luxembourg Gardens, 1925Man Ray & Salvador Dali, 1934 (photo Carl Van Vechten)

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    10 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    35 verified traveler reviews for Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    31
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    Sort
    David_T · June 2026

    Lost Generation tour is first rate!

    An excellent way to learn about the Lost Generation in Paris. Ellen knows the answers! An excellent way to see the places the authors and artists made history.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words ! It was my pleasure.

    via Viator

    Alan_P · June 2026

    Ellen was a fantastic...

    Ellen was a fantastic person to lead a tour of this generation of writers and artists. She answered follow up questions using her vast knowledge of the individuals that shaped a literature out of the ashes of World War I.

    Response from the operator: It was my pleasure !

    via Viator

    Raye_R · May 2026

    1920’s Come to Life!

    I’m so glad I experienced this wonderful tour with Ellen. She was very knowledgeable about the 1920’s and the Lost Generation. Her ipad was loaded with photos from that period and of the famous authors. I highly recommended this tour

    Response from the operator: Thank you !

    via Viator

    Rachel_S · April 2026

    Guide with Expertise: You Will Learn

    The guide was very knowledgeable and had a terrific understanding of this topic. Overall, this was a fascinating way to learn about the writers who frequented the area. I would have liked more stops- and to cover more territory, but the weather prevented us from a bit more exploring.

    via Viator

    Jane_G · March 2026

    Fabulous Tour!

    The tour was fantastic, one of the best tours I have taken! Ellen is very friendly and knowledgeable about the subject matter. She incorporated a well prepared multimedia presentation into the tour. I highly recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Many thanks for the kind words ! It was my pleasure.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat
    Price range
    $80 to $150
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 69

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)49
    Booking momentum (14% weight)41
    Value for money (12% weight)83
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour): questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.

    How much does Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) cost?

    +

    Prices start at $80 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 Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) take?

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    Plan for about 3 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 Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 35 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 Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour)?

    +

    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 Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour)?

    +

    Around 12 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?

    +

    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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Paris 1920: Lost Generation Writers of the Left Bank (Small Group Walking Tour) start and how do I get there?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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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