Paris has a deep and interesting Black history, which includes numerous notable contributions and areas of influence from people of African descent. What better way to discover the city’s Black heritage than through a guided tour from the Afrocentric perspective?
Exploring the Footsteps of Legends
Follow in the footsteps of Josephine Baker, Langston Hughes, Eugene Bullard, and other African American luminaries on an enriching stay in Paris. In the years following World War I, many Black Americans found acceptance and opportunities in the City of Light.
Through specially designed excursions and enriching talks, you will trace the journey of African Americans in France, gaining insight into why they moved to Paris and how they forever influenced French culture. In Montmartre, listen to stories about the club owners and musicians that shaped Paris’ jazz fervor, and learn about the contributions of key figures of the African diaspora. During carefully curated excursions, gain an in-depth perspective on the contributions and indelible influences made by African American expatriates.
In the years following World War I, Paris earned a reputation as a leader in civil rights, providing unparalleled freedoms and opportunities for African Americans to work and live in a way that was not accessible in the United States.
Along the way, enjoy quintessential Parisian experiences: tasting divine cuisine, cruising the Seine River, and exploring the incredible art scene. This thoughtfully balanced program also allows you to discover the storied arrondissements, celebrated cuisine, world-renowned art, and iconic landmarks of one of the world’s most dazzling cities!
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Inspiring Moments Await
- Discover how the African American expatriate community influenced Paris.
- Explore Montmartre, where African American jazz musicians created their own Harlem in the 1920’s.
Reputable Companies Offering Black Paris Tours
There are several reputable companies offering Black Paris tours on a variety of topics:
- Entrée to Black Paris: This company provides visitors a look at Black Paris and its legacy through its various informative tours.
- Walk The Spirit Tours: Founded in 1994 by Julia Brown, Walk The Spirit Tours pioneered Black heritage tours in Paris.
- Le Paris Noir: Created in 2013 by Parisian tour guide Kévi Donat.
- Black Paris Tours: Black Paris Tours CEO Ricki Stevenson founded her company in 1998.
- Pioneers of the Left Bank: Takes visitors on a tour of what is now the city’s Latin Quarter.
- Colesville Travel: Colesville Travel‘s Black Paris Tour is an 11-day adventure providing a complete immersive cultural experience.
Discovering Black Culture in Paris A Journey Through History and Heritage
Tour Options and Highlights
Like Entrée to Black Paris, American Concierge also hosts a Black Paris Post World War II tour highlighting the lives of many Black literary icons.
Want to see it all in half a day? The Spirit of Black Paris Half-Day Bus Tour is a private 3.5-hour tour that journeys past well-known sites and lesser-known corners, learning the rich Black history rarely told in guidebooks or traditional tours. Learn of Sally Hemings on the Champs-Elysées, aviator Eugene Bullard at the Arc de Triomphe, WEB Dubois at Opera, the 369th Harlem Infantry Regiment in Lower Montmartre, Bricktop and Langston Hughes in the shadow of the Moulin Rouge, and many more. The tour ends with a half-hour walk through the Arts district.
Spirit of Black Paris 5-hour bus and combo bus/walking tours (for groups of 6+ and educational institutions only): This 5-hour tour combines the Spirit of Black Paris bus tour + Writers, Artists, and Intellectuals walking tours. Begin with a comprehensive Bus Tour, stop for a snack break, and continue your fascinating day immersed in the haunts and stories of Wright, Baldwin, Henry O. Tanner, Miles Davis, and more in the Latin Quarter/St.Germain-des-Pres district. Hotel pick up is included.
Pioneers of the Left Bank - Soak up the ground-breaking achievements of Diaspora intellectuals around the Sorbonne and the post-WWII jazz greats in neighboring St. Germain-des-Pres district.
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Tour & Lunch - After your inspiring glimpse at Black and contemporary Paris, what’s more relaxing than lunch with your guide? Dine at a restaurant that complements the tour content.
Sample Tour Program
Consider this sample tour program for an enriching experience:
October 5 - 13, 2024
Price: Starting at $3,995 per person
Air Program: 9 days/8 nights (includes 1 air night)
Land Program: 8 days/7 nights