Discovering Café Tournon–the Hidden Gem of African American Paris
The historic establishment, which is still open, was a popular meeting place for African American expat artists and writers.
If you have ever wandered the streets of Paris on a rainy afternoon looking for a reprieve from the hustle of the city, hopefully, you found your way to Café Tournon in the posh 6th Arrondissement.
Just like every other café in the city, you can order a comforting espresso or a glass of cheap Beaujolais wine, but it’s not the drinks that make the establishment special but rather its rich history. For decades, it was a hangout and refuge of African American artists and musicians.
If you engage in a little small talk with one of the waiters, before you know it, you’ll have in your hands framed photos of the Harlem Renaissance painter Beauford Delaney and the legendary jazz bandleader Duke Ellington.