Discover the World of Jean Rhys in Paris

Have you always had a secret desire to visit one of the most iconic cities in the world but never thought you could afford it? While it certainly isn't cheap to visit the city, there are some excellent and very conveniently situated hostels in Paris that not only offer great budget accommodation, but also enable you to meet many new people along the way. The friendly staff in the hostels in Paris are always pleased to help with information about their city and the many things just waiting for you to discover during your stay.

For those interested in the literary history of Paris, there is much to enjoy – including the chance to delve into the life of its famous writers, many of whom wandered the same streets you will, just beyond the doors of the hostels in Paris.

The Left Bank

On the beautiful Left Bank of the city, St Germaine des Prés is famous as the site of an extraordinary literary outpouring that occurred in the early 20th century. Here, creatives like Ernest Hemmingway, James Joyce and Ford Madox Ford lived and wrote (and drank), creating some of the most challenging literature of that period. However, there was another side to this incredibly creative period on the Left Bank. On the outskirts southeast to St Germaine des Prés is Bute aux Cailles, which was a story of deprivation and poverty.

Jean Rhys

It was in and around this area, the writer Jean Rhys, famous for The Wide Sargasso Sea, spent so much time on her own. Away from the fashionable and popular literary salons, where the experimental modernist writers used to meet, she explored the other face of the city. Bute aux Cailles was part of the Left Bank but definitely not part of the literary circle, to which many authors came in search of freedom and inspiration; instead, this was a place where people really lived on the edge.

Another Side to the City

It's a wonderful way to spend a few days, wandering around the relatively unknown area of Bute aux Cailles in the 13th arrondissement, just as Jean Rhys did. She was an outsider, not only in society, but even within the Left Bank, which was itself outside the norms of the day. Today this area is not part of the normal touristic trail, but it is definitely worth visiting to discover many hidden treasures off the beaten track.

Unspoilt and Quirky

The Bute aux Cailles still has the small narrow cobbled lanes and interesting atmosphere that Jean Rhys would have known. Along with a host of great bars and restaurants, there are many unspoilt examples of Art Deco buildings and features to discover here. There is an almost rural feel in the area, due to the many gardens and squares.

During the 1920s, it was a poverty-stricken area of the city, but today it is a vibrant and dynamic place. You will not find the fashionable shops of haute couture fashion, but rather small and individual boutiques, and a village-like atmosphere. Traditionally a working class area, it has fiercely maintained its essence and it is now being rediscovered by young artists and musicians who relish its relatively unspoilt and unique character.

So, if you fancy a trip that will give you another view of this very famous city, book into one of the excellent hostels in Paris and you could end up discovering a whole new world.

Looking for a dream travel experience? Jason H. Cunningham works for Hostelling International, a company with more than 4,000 hostels worldwide. For the best hostels in Paris or anywhere else, join our global community and say hi to the world. From quality, affordable accommodation and backpacker tips, to meaningful volunteer opportunities and enriching our eco footprint, we are the world’s local hostelling hub.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.