A Day of Exploring Black Paris

Paris reveals a side of itself that many visitors overlook through this A Day of Exploring Black Paris tour, priced at $149.78 per person. Spanning approximately 6 hours, the tour is designed to offer an in-depth look at the city’s Black history and culture, making it a compelling choice for travelers interested in a thoughtful, culturally rich experience. The tour is guided by Knight, who is praised for his knowledge, engaging storytelling, and personable style. The group size is intentionally kept small to facilitate interaction, and the experience begins at Les Deux Magots, a historic café with a legendary literary reputation.

This tour covers key neighborhoods like Pigalle and Château Rouge, focusing on Black-owned businesses, influential residents, and cultural landmarks. It also includes stops at La Rhumerie, a Caribbean rum shop established in 1932, and Présence Africaine, a longstanding publisher and bookstore that played a vital role in Pan-African and Négritude movements. The day concludes with a lunch at BMK Paris-Bamako, one of Paris’s top African restaurants, offering authentic dishes from Mali and Senegal. While the tour involves considerable walking and public transportation, it is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness.

The tour’s reviews are outstanding, with a perfect 5-star rating from 66 participants, highlighting knowledgeable guides, engaging narration, and meaningful cultural insights. Many emphasize how the experience enhances understanding of Black contributions in Paris and provide practical tips on transportation and food. This tour offers a deep, local perspective that enriches any visit to Paris, especially for those eager to explore Black history and community life in the city.

Key Points

• 6-hour tour exploring Black Parisian neighborhoods and cultural sites
• Includes breakfast at Les Deux Magots and lunch at BMK Paris-Bamako
• Guided by Knight, noted for his expertise, warmth, and storytelling
• Visits to historic sites like Présence Africaine and Richard Wright’s apartment
• Focus on Black-owned businesses and influential residents in Pigalle and Château Rouge
• Small group experience with up to 10 travelers for personalized interaction
• Rides metro and bus included, offering a local transportation experience
• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 score based on 66 reviews

Discovering Black Paris at Les Deux Magots

The tour begins at Les Deux Magots, a landmark café famous for its literary history. Here, participants enjoy a breakfast included in the tour price, featuring a choice of hot drinks such as espresso, cappuccino, or Dammann tea, alongside croissants and bread with Poitou-Charentes butter. This setting offers an ideal starting point to connect over stories of Paris’s Black community and set the tone for the day. The famous café sets a sophisticated and historic atmosphere, immediately immersing visitors in Parisian culture.

Exploring La Rhumerie: A Caribbean Heritage Spot

Next, the tour visits La Rhumerie, a rum shop founded in 1932 by Joseph Louville, a Caribbean man from Martinique. Still owned by his family, this stop highlights the Caribbean influence within Paris’s Black community. The 30-minute visit offers insights into the history of Caribbean immigrants and their impact on the city’s culture. The authentic drinks and atmosphere provide a taste of Diverse Black heritage that has thrived in Paris for generations.

Inside Présence Africaine: Literature and Decolonization

One of the tour’s cultural highlights is Présence Africaine, a historic bookstore and publishing house founded in 1947. This site played a pivotal role in the Pan-African movement, the decolonization of French colonies, and the Négritude movement. Visitors explore the rich history of this influential institution through its books and archives, gaining a deeper understanding of Black intellectual and cultural activism in Paris. The 20-minute stop emphasizes the power of literature in shaping Black identity and liberation.

Richard Wright’s Parisian Apartment

The tour marks Richard Wright’s residence in Paris with a plaque at 14 Rue Monsieur le Prince. Wright, an American novelist, found a creative refuge in Paris, and his connection to the city underscores the significance of Black expatriates in Parisian history. Though a brief stop, it offers a meaningful insight into the Black literary diaspora and Wright’s contribution to American and African-American literature.

Walking Through Pigalle’s Jazz and Black-Owned Businesses

The Pigalle neighborhood has a storied connection to Black culture, especially during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s. The tour guides visitors through jazz clubs and black-owned businesses that thrived as centers of Black social life. Notable locations serve as testaments to Black influence in Paris, with the guide sharing stories about African-American residents and their role in shaping the neighborhood’s vibrant scene.

Keur: A Gateway to African Art and Decor

The visit to KEUR, a shop specializing in African objets and decor, underscores the artistic craftsmanship of Senegalese artisans. The 15-minute stop introduces visitors to authentic, colorful decorative objects made in Senegal, emphasizing the connection between Paris and Africa. It’s a visual feast that highlights Black craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

Château Rouge: Little Africa in Paris

Château Rouge, often called Little Africa, is a dynamic neighborhood with markets, shops, and eateries serving Paris’s African community. The one-hour visit includes browsing local stores and discussing the neighborhood’s history. Visitors also have the opportunity to talk with locals, deepening appreciation for Black community life and commerce in Paris. The area’s vibrancy and diversity make it a must-see stop for anyone interested in Black Parisian life.

Sampling African Cuisine at BMK Paris-Bamako

The tour concludes with a 45-minute meal at BMK Paris-Bamako, reputed as one of the best African restaurants in Paris. The restaurant offers dishes from Mali and Senegal, providing an authentic taste of West African cuisine. Many reviews highlight the delicious food and generous portions, making this a fitting end to a full day of cultural discovery.

Practicalities: Meeting Point and Transportation

The tour departs from 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés at 10:00 am and ends at 14 Rue de la Fidélité. Transportation between stops involves public metro and bus rides, giving participants a local transit experience that’s both practical and immersive. The entire experience is designed for a small group of up to 10 people, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this Black Paris tour unique is its focused itinerary on Black history and communities through both historic sites and living neighborhoods. The knowledgeable guide, Knight, brings depth and warmth to the storytelling, sharing personal insights and historical context. The combination of cultural landmarks, local businesses, and authentic food creates a multi-sensory experience that offers a more nuanced understanding of Paris’s Black influence — both past and present.

Considering the Experience: Who Will Love It?

This tour appeals most to those who are curious about Black contributions in Paris, history buffs, and foodies interested in authentic African cuisine. The 6-hour pace involves walking and public transit, so it suits travelers with moderate physical fitness. The small-group format and focus on cultural storytelling guarantee an intimate, educational outing that enriches any trip to Paris beyond typical sightseeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness and can accommodate most age groups.

What is included in the tour price?
The breakfast at Les Deux Magots and the lunch at BMK Paris-Bamako are included. Other stops such as visits to shops and neighborhoods are free of charge.

How long are the metro and bus rides?
The tour includes rides on public transportation between stops, contributing to the dynamic pace and local experience.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Travelers should wear moderate physical fitness and may want to bring snacks or water for the day, especially if they want to avoid hunger during the long hours.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The tour involves walking and public transit, so mobility could be a consideration for those with specific accessibility needs.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to proceed. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How do I book this tour?
The experience is available via Viator, with confirmation received at booking and the ability for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations more than 24 hours before the start are fully refundable. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, many reviews mention solo travelers feeling welcomed and engaged, with the tour offering a great opportunity to meet others.