Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1906 to a working-class family. She began working at the age of 8 and by the age of 15 had married twice. Despite her difficult life, she discovered the joy of performing on stage and in her biography she claimed that the knowledge that people were looking at her when she was on stage really electrified her. Her stage career took her to Paris in 1925 and it was love at first sight.
Parisians of that time fell in love with jazz music and African dances and when an American producer suggested she put on a show she didn't hesitate for a moment, even if it required her to dance bare-chested (which was quite common in Paris at that time). Her first show, called Le Revue Negre, became a resounding success and overnight she managed to conquer the city of Lights.
Just as Paris fell in love with Josephine Baker, Josephine was captivated by Paris. For the first time in her life, she was treated as an equal and embraced the Parisian nightlife, spending her days after her performances in the jazz clubs of Montmartre until dawn. Baker became a Parisian celebrity and the highest-paid dancer/singer of the time, and the mutual love between the singer and the city led to her most famous song, “Jái deux amours, mon Pays et Paris.”
World War II gave Josephine the opportunity to show her loyalty to France when, following the Nazi occupation, she joined the ranks of the Resistance and passed on messages written in invisible ink in the margins of her notes.
When she returned to Paris after the liberation in 1944, she was received as a hero. From then until her death in 1975, her life had its ups and downs, including marital problems and financial hardships, but the people of Paris never tired of her and she was loved by them. When she died, she was buried with a state ceremony in the Church of the Madeleine, an honor that few are given.
Accessible ground floor apartment (no need to lug your luggage around). Just 200 meters from Trocadero Square.
In the heart of the vibrant Jewish Quarter (and the falafel!), a studio equipped down to the last detail.
Maximum comfort for families (there is an elevator!). Just steps from the culinary "Red Children's Market".
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Champs-Elysees Theater
– Start your trip at the Alma Marceau metro station. When you exit the metro, walk along Boulevard Montaigne until you reach the Theatre des Champs-Elysees (at number 13 of the avenue) (this is where Josephine Baker first appeared when she arrived in Paris and had her first big success).
Josephine Baker's Apartments
– Turn left on Broccador Street and right on La Tremoille Street where she lived with her husband Jo Bouillon. Turn left on 1st François Street. This used to be where her nightclub, Chez Josephine, was located.
– Head towards Avenue Georges V and then right onto the Champs Elysees. At number 77 you will find the “Marble Palace” where Josephine Baker lived. The luxurious apartment contained a collection of wild animals, including her cheetah named “Chiquita.” All eyes of Parisians were on her as she strolled down the Champs Elysees with her cheetah wearing a diamond collar.
The nightclub where Josephine Baker danced
– Turn left onto Colisee Street and arrive at Le Boeuf sur le Toit restaurant, which is located at number 34. The restaurant moved here in 1941 and Josephine Baker's husband worked here as the lead player of the local jazz orchestra (to this day there are jazz evenings there every Monday).
Laying Ceremony and Favorite Cafe
– Continue down the street and turn right onto Faubourg St-Honore and then onto Royale to reach the Madeleine Church. This is where her state funeral was held for her work during World War II.
– Continue on Boulevard des Capucines until you reach Cafe de la Paix, located at number 12. This is one of the singer's favorite cafes, and you are more than welcome to go inside the luxurious cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee, at a reasonable price, since you have reached the end of your trip.
And here are some more tips for lovers of Josephine Baker, in particular, and for lovers of jazz in general:
1. If you want to start your evening off right, why not start it with dinner at La Coppola, located at 102 Boulevard Montparnasse? This was one of Josephine Baker’s favorite places and she used to dance in the basement. A few steps away, you’ll find a small square that is now named after her.
2. If you like jazz, don't miss one of the best jazz clubs called Duc des Lombards, which is located at 42 Rue des Lombards. Alternatively, if you fancy a dance show, don't miss the Folie Bergere, where Josephine Baker once performed (the venue is located at 32 Rue Richer).
3. If you are in Montmartre, don't miss the Aromatik restaurant located at 7 Rue Jean Baptiste. The place is a few steps from 40 Rue Fontaine where her nightclub Chez Josephine was located. It was one of her favorite restaurants and to this day you can eat lunch there at relatively reasonable prices for restaurants of this type.