Bonjour!
Thank you for joining Travel The World With Renee™ hosted Trip From Harlem To Paris, Baker To Baldwin!
Buckle up for a whirlwind adventure that's sure to leave you saying "ooh la la!" We're about to embark on a journey that's equal parts historical and excitement, with a dash of "je ne sais quoi" thrown in for good measure.
Our grand adventure kicks off in the heart of Harlem, New York, where we'll delve into the vibrant history of the Harlem Renaissance. We'll retrace the footsteps of literary giants, jazz legends, and cultural icons who shaped this era of unparalleled creativity.
But hold on to your hats, because we're just getting started! Next, we'll hop across the pond to the City of Lights, where we'll uncover how the Harlem Renaissance's influence spread like wildfire, captivating Parisian hearts and minds.
So, if you're ready to explore the fascinating connections between two iconic cities and discover how the Harlem Renaissance transformed the artistic landscape on both sides of the Atlantic, then come along for the ride! This is one historical adventure you won't want to miss!
Once in Paris, we'll stroll through charming Parisian neighborhoods, savoring croissants and café au laits at quaint sidewalk cafes. We'll dive deep into the vibrant African American community that thrived in Paris between 1920 and 1950, uncovering the hidden gems and cultural landmarks that tell their stories.
While in Paris we'll explore Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter where African American legends captivated audiences with their talent. We'll trace the footsteps of African American writers and artists who found inspiration and creative freedom in the City Of Lights.
We'll visit the cafes and salons where African American intellectual and artistic exchanges flourished, fostering a unique cultural renaissance. Along the way, we'll uncover the struggles and triumphs of this community, gaining a deeper understanding of their contributions to Parisian and global culture while soaking up the joie de vivre that makes Paris so special.
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!!!!
Hold onto your berets, mes amis! After we rest up from our flight, we will set out to admire the most iconic sights in Paris while eating a gourmet Parisian meal, sipping on Wine & Champagne cruising down the Seine River, OOH LA LA.... this is Paris honey!!!
The next day, we will set out to one of the most picturesque areas in Paris, Montmartre. This charming hilltop neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and stunning views of the city. We'll wander through the Place du Tertre, where artists set up their easels to capture the essence of Montmartre, and explore the iconic Sacré-Coeur Basilica, a masterpiece of Roman-Byzantine architecture.
We'll also discover the hidden corners of Montmartre. As we stroll through this enchanting neighborhood, we'll soak up the bohemian atmosphere and artistic spirit that have made Montmartre a beloved destination for generations, then we will go back in time to when Montmartre was referred to as the Harlem of Paris, to explore the history of Interwar Black Paris (Interwar is the period between World War I and World War II (1918-1939).
Be prepared to strut your stuff down one of the most famous avenues in the world, Champs-Élysées. Yeah, we're fancy now!. We'll channel our inner Parisian chic and maybe even strike a pose or two. Afterwards, we will head to Saint Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter.
Saint Germain-des-Prés is a historic neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, known for its intellectual, artistic, and literary heritage. It has been a hub of cultural activity since the 17th century, attracting writers, artists, philosophers, and musicians from around the world. In the 20th century, Saint-Germain-des-Prés became a focal point for the African American expatriate community, who played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of the neighborhood.
The Latin Quarter is nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, it's a captivating blend of history, intellectualism, and youthful energy. The Latin Quarter primarily occupies the 5th arrondissement, extending slightly into the 6th. The Latin Quarter has a more youthful, energetic vibe, largely due to the presence of the Sorbonne University and numerous student-frequented cafes and bars. It also tends to be slightly more affordable. The Latin Quarter is also well known for the Panthéon, and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
We will start our Black Paris Experience tour on this day at Café de Flore where Richard Wright & James Baldwin engaged in a significant and heated debates in the late 1940s centered around their differing perspectives on race, identity, and the role of literature in addressing social issues.
We will visit Château de Versailles/The Palace Of Versailles one of the most iconic and grandiose royal residences in Europe, located in the town of Versailles, just outside of Paris. The main palace building at Versailles is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, featuring grand halls, lavish apartments, and intricately designed rooms adorned with gilded decorations, frescoes, and elaborate furnishings. The Hall of Mirrors, a highlight of the palace, is a stunning gallery lined with mirrors and windows overlooking the palace gardens, where grand ceremonies and diplomatic events were held. You may not believe it but you will learn some African American history about Château de Versailles.
You will have the option to partake in a night tour at the Louvre, because anyone can go during the day.... WE DIFFERENT, YEAH, WE DIFFERENT!!! The Louvre in Paris is one of the most iconic and important museums in the world, renowned for its vast collection of art and historical artifacts spanning thousands of years of human history. The Louvre is not just a museum; it is a cultural institution that embodies the artistic and intellectual achievements of humanity. Of course you will learn some little known black history.
As you can see, this trip is more than just a NYC and Paris sightseeing trip; it's a celebration of rich heritage and the indelible mark left on the City of Lights. Leaving this tour you can say you walked in the footsteps of legends, experience the magic of NYC and Paris but more, you created memories that will last a lifetime. I hope this trip to is all that you've dreamed of and more!