A taste of Montparnasse

Before 1910 Montmartre was the place to be for the artists but since then, artists slowly came to the area of Montparnasse, Picasso, Chagall, Vlaminck, Leger, Braque and Guillaume Apollinaire, who wrote: “Here is the Montparnasse, that became for the painters and poets what Montmartre was before for them: the asylum of the beautiful and free simplicity”.

On the political side certain russian revolutionaries prepared the Big Night, Lenin made an appearance a couple of times, but Trotsky organized many reunions in the area, often interrupted by the police.

A strange japanese man is arrested by mistake in one of the bars of the area, he is wearing a long red robe, a neckless with earrings. His name is Foujita. No one knew that he would become one of the most renowned painters of the century. Famous for his portraits of women and cats.

In between the 2 wars writers came in and took the place of the painters. Surrealists such as Jacques Prevert, Louis Aragon to unknown foreigners: Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, Scott Fitzgerald and many others…

This part of Montparnasse’s culture has faded a lot since WWII, but many of its artist atelier-residence “Cités” are still there to see! (piture below)

More about Montparnasse.

Suggested Hotel:

Hotel Sophie Germain Located in the area of Alesia/Montrouge the hotel Sophie Germain a modern 3star hotel. The rooms are well kept, organized and clean a welcoming and nice staff completes it all!
The area isn’t overly touristic so it’s a plus if you don’t like areas swarming with people.
Recommended for couples, families, friends.