Harlem in Paris - birth of Jazz

Walk with me in Pigalle & discover the African-American pioneers who brought Jazz to Paris

Listing highlights

What you’ll do

This experience is hosted in English and French.

4.8 out of 5 stars, from 71 reviews

, April 2025

This was our first time to Paris and Ellen made the trip extra special. Her knowledge of the historical African American jazz scene in Paris is entertaining as it is knowledgeable. She is passionate about the subject and brought a hidden part of Parisian history alive for us. You listen to music as you walk along which also made it special. Ellen is easy to get on with and we will definitely book her for some of her other tours when we are back on Paris. A lively, informative and enjoyable time that leaves you richer for it. If you are a fan of Josephine Baker as well as lesser known jazz luminaries you will enjoy this tour. It will expand what you already know.

Julian

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

, October 2024

Was hesitant about a white person facilitating a tour focused on Black ppl but forged ahead in hopes the guide would be a culturally humble, self aware communicator w an ability to connect cross culturally. NOPE. Our guide was the opposite. She asked us to meet at a hotel. When we arrived first and decided to have a seat at the hotel bar we were met by a white, foaming at the mouth hotel staffer who shoo-ed us like stay dogs from the property. When the guide arrived, instead of addressing him, she apologized on our behalf and chastised us for entering without her. In America, we don’t require white escorts for entry. SN: the hotel bar is open to the public. A Black hotel staffer apologized on his behalf. He apologized to our white guide. Wow! Guide then told us normally she would have cancelled bc enough people hadn’t booked the tour. Wow. She pulled out an iPad, began to make egregious statements such as French people aren’t racist toward Black people “only Jews and Arabs.” Left fast

Ashley

New York, NY

, October 2024

Ellen provided a thorough and insightful lecture on early jazz greats and specifically the unspoken female voices of the scene. This tour would be a great option for those who are unable to do a great deal of walking , or simply do not want to. We were hoping that more sight seeing would be involved, and that the option to attend the speakeasy as was mentioned in the description would be included, but that was not the case. We did find this tour on the pricier side compared to others we’ve taken, but did enjoy everything we learned, and found Ellen very lovely.

Marni

Whitby, Canada

Some reviews have been automatically translated.

Upcoming availability

Where we’ll meet

Hotel Artemesia

75009, Paris, France

About me

I am a trained historian who has lived in Paris for over 35 years. I love to share the stories of the people who had an impact on Paris & French culture. My multimedia tours use video, audio & archival photos that bring to life the forgotten heroes of Franco-American history.

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