Harlem in Paris: Birth of Jazz in France Small Group Walking Tour

Discover the captivating story of how jazz music made its way from Harlem to Paris, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of the Jazz Age. Join our small group walking tour and explore the birth of jazz in France.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Place Blanche - 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…
What's Included
  • Live music during the tour
  • Photo opportunities
What's Not Included
  • Food & beverages not included
  • Hotel transfers not included
Additional Information

New Orleans is acknowledged as the birthplace of Jazz… yet, it was in New York and Paris, specifically in Harlem and Pigalle, that the Jazz Age thrived. When World War I ended, many African American artists migrated from Harlem to Paris, introducing a new genre of American-born music : jazz. Towards the late 1920s, Paris boasted more than 300 jazz…

Location
Artemisia Montmartre
Rue Fromentin
The exact location of the meeting point will be provided a few days prior to the visit. It will be near the Place Blanche.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(31 Ratings)
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Theodore_m
Apr 15, 2025
Harlem in Paris Rocks as a tour - Fantastic tour. Ellen was so knowledgeable and had videos to supplement the background information. Great tour.
Review provided by Viator
Politikchik
Apr 13, 2025
I was very impressed with... - I was very impressed with our guides professionalism and how well prepared she was. She included a powerpoint style presentation with video/audio clips which we viewed over a drink at a very beautiful hotel before walking around the neighborhood. It was clear that she put a lot of research and attention into this tour and I would absolutely recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Drnicolespeaks
Apr 11, 2025
Powerful, Eye-Opening, and Deeply Inspiring - This was an excellent tour—one of the most meaningful experiences I had in Paris. It shared little-known African American history that’s deeply connected to France, especially during the early 20th century. From the birth of jazz in Paris to the rich cultural contributions of Black artists, writers, and musicians, this tour brought to light powerful stories that are rarely told - but history that deserves to be remembered and preserved. One of the most impactful parts of the tour was learning the true life story of Josephine Baker. Beyond the glitz and glamour, her courage, activism, and influence were incredibly moving. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for her legacy and so many others whose stories have been overlooked. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Paris. Whether you’re into history, culture, or just want to experience something unique, I guarantee you’ll learn things you never knew. Don’t miss this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Otis_m
Mar 18, 2025
Great review of great Jazz musicians in Paris. - Ellen is a professional that has throughly researched the introduction of Jazz in Paris. She shows original, songs, documents, audio, and video, of some of the greatest Jazz artists of the past. In many instances, you can see the actual buildings where they played their music. But it’s much more than a history lesson. The efforts of her research brings to life those great musician’s character in ways you may have not heard or known, She took her time to explain thru PowerPoint presentations the points and facts of history she spoke of from memory. The presentation set the mood for the well paced walk thru the district. The contributions made by these musician and their impact on Paris life needs to be told correctly and thoroughly as Ellen did.
Review provided by Viator
Dawn_m
Oct 12, 2024
A great experience! - You don't want to miss this if you're in Paris! The guide was extremely well prepared and her enthusiasm about the subject matter brought an extra dose of joy to the tour. She also supplemented the tour with delightful A/V support through her smart tablet. This was a mother-son vacation in Paris and it was definitely worth our time. I suggested to the tour guide that she should do a Podcast given her knowledge, insights and enthusiasm - I hope she does! I definitely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn about Jazz and the many great artists who shared their phenomenal talents with this wonderful city.
Review provided by Viator
Aphumphrey1
Sep 4, 2024
Harlem in Paris - It was very interesting to hear about all the contributions that African Americans made to the French culture and freedoms.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dionne_h
May 2, 2024
Great tour - This was one my most favorite parts of my visit. The tour was very informative and Ellen is a great guide. Definitely worth doing
Review provided by Viator
Discover07535375089
Apr 21, 2024
So much, African American History in Paris! - The Magnificent “Mrs. Ellen” will guide you on your Harlem in Paris! The “Harlem in Paris: the Birth of Jazz in France” walking tour is a fascinating exploration of a unique cultural infusion that reshaped the Parisian music scene. This tour delves into the warm reception of African American service members by the French during World War I, a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for an enduring friendship. This connection facilitated the flow of Harlem’s jazz into the heart of France, where it found a passionate audience. The tour brilliantly highlights the remarkable accomplishments of African American entertainers, musicians, and writers who made Paris their home. These pioneers not only brought their art to the European stages but also thrived as entrepreneurs, with many owning clubs, homes, and businesses that became central to their communities in Paris. The narrative includes tales of legendary figures like Josephine Baker, who became a star on the Paris stage and an icon of the Jazz Age, and writers like Langston Hughes, whose work resonated with themes of freedom and racial harmony. As you walk the streets of Paris, the tour vividly brings to life the vibrant atmosphere of the jazz clubs during the Roaring Twenties and the profound impact of these artists on French culture. The “Harlem in Paris” tour is not just a historical journey; it is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of a community that, despite facing adversity, left an indelible mark on the world.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Celestine_s
Apr 12, 2024
Great storytelling - Ellen was extremely knowledgeable & kind. She’s a phenomenal storyteller who clearly did a great deal of research & pulled together a cohesive & detailed tour.
Review provided by Viator
Girard_m
Aug 21, 2024
same old same old - learned a few items about some historical figures i didn't know about but for the ones i cover in my college classes there was nothing new.
Review provided by Viator
From $88
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).