A touch of French culture – discover the 10 most beautiful poems about Paris!
Paris in Verse: The 10 Most Beautiful Poems About Paris
Paris, the City of Light, has inspired countless poets throughout the centuries. Its romantic streets, majestic monuments, and timeless charm have given rise to many poems that capture the magic of this extraordinary city. In this article, we present the 10 most beautiful poems about Paris—poems that celebrate its beauty, its history, and its poetic aura.
Romantic Paris – Beautiful Poems About Paris
“Le Pont Mirabeau” by Guillaume Apollinaire (1912)
Guillaume Apollinaire (1880–1918), a French writer, poet, and art critic of Polish origin, left a lasting mark on French literature in the early 20th century. Widely recognized as one of the major figures of French poetry from this period, he is celebrated for iconic works such as Calligrammes (1918). Apollinaire died in 1918 from the Spanish flu, but is considered to have “died for France” due to his voluntary service in World War I. He is remembered both for his devotion to France and for his profound influence on the country’s artistic and literary culture. Read the full poem. This poem, “Under the Mirabeau Bridge,” is a hallmark of the Symbolist literary movement. One of the most famous French poems of the 20th century, it reflects on love and how it changes over time. Apollinaire uses the image of the Mirabeau Bridge and the flowing Seine in Paris as a metaphor for the passage of time and fading love.“To a Passerby” by Charles Baudelaire (1857)
Charles Baudelaire (1821–1867) was a 19th-century French poet, widely regarded as a central figure in Romanticism and one of the greatest poets in French literary history. His masterpiece, Les Fleurs du Mal (1857), marked a turning point in poetry by exploring daring themes such as beauty, modernity, passion, and decadence. He also penned Le Spleen de Paris (1869) and is often associated with the image of the poète maudit—a cursed poet, tormented by inner demons and deep melancholy. Beyond his poetic talent, Baudelaire was also a renowned art critic and translator. “The deafening street roared around me. Tall, slender, in deep mourning—majestic grief— A woman passed by, with a lavish hand Lifting and swinging the hem and the trim; Agile and graceful, with her statue-like leg. I drank in, tense like a madman, From her eye, a pale sky where the storm is born, The sweetness that enthralls and the pleasure that kills.” Read the full poem. In Les Fleurs du Mal, Baudelaire’s poem “To a Passerby” recounts a fleeting encounter with a woman in the bustling streets of Paris. He expresses awe and longing for this unknown woman, underlining the ephemeral nature of the moment. This poem illustrates the richness of urban life—full of brief, intense encounters and emotional complexity. “To a Passerby” is one of Baudelaire’s most celebrated works, showcasing his talent for capturing beauty and emotion in everyday life.Wartime Paris: Beautiful Poems About Paris
“Paris” by Louis Aragon (1944)
Louis Aragon (1897–1982) was a 20th-century French writer, poet, and journalist. He gained fame both for his involvement in the Surrealist movement and his strong influence on French literature. He was also known for his political engagement, having joined the French Communist Party in 1927 and supporting communist causes throughout his life. His poems—especially the collection Le Crève-Cœur (1941)—left a lasting impact on 20th-century French poetry. Aragon collaborated with major Surrealist artists like André Breton and Salvador Dalí, and maintained close ties with Pablo Picasso. “Where it feels warm even in the heart of a storm Where there is light even in the heart of night The air is liquor, and sorrow turns to courage In shattered windows, hope still shines bright And songs rise from the crumbling walls Never extinguished, reborn from the embers The nation’s eternal flame From Point-du-Jour to Père-Lachaise This gentle rose blooms again in August People of all places—it is the blood of Paris.” Read the full poem. During World War II, Louis Aragon played an active role in the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation, which deeply influenced his writing. In his poem “Paris,” he evokes the suffering the city endured under German occupation, while also celebrating the heroic resistance and eventual rebirth of Paris after liberation.“Paris Bloquée” by Victor Hugo (1872)
Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was far more than a gifted French writer—he was also a poet, playwright, and political figure who took an active part in France’s public life. His contribution to French and world literature is undeniable, with iconic works such as Notre-Dame de Paris (1831), which famously helped save the cathedral itself through its depiction of Quasimodo and Parisian life. Thus, Hugo also played a key role in the preservation of Paris’s architectural heritage. “To bleed is your beauty, to die is your triumph. But no, you do not die. Your blood flows, but Those who saw Caesar laughing in your lazy arms Are amazed: you pass through the expiatory flame. In the admiration of nations, in glory, You find again, Paris, far more than you lose.” Read the full poem. Victor Hugo’s literary career continued with major works such as Les Misérables (1862), an epic novel on 19th-century French society, and L’Année Terrible (1872), which focused on the events of the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871). The poem “Paris Besieged” comes from this collection and expresses Hugo’s admiration and love for Paris, as well as the trials and suffering the city endured during the war.Paris in Its Simplicity: Beautiful Poems About Paris “Paris” by Paul Verlaine (1883)
Paul Verlaine (1844–1896) was a 19th-century French poet and writer. Initially a Romantic poet, he quickly became associated with Symbolism—a movement that sought beauty through suggestion and metaphor. His work has deeply influenced later poets, particularly the Symbolists and Surrealists. Verlaine’s poetry is renowned for its musicality, emotional sensitivity, and ability to express the subtleties of human feelings. “Paris holds beauty only in its past, But what a beautiful past it is! The Seine is hemmed in absurdly, Yet its light green alone is worth the glory. Paris has no cheer but its chatter, And though that chatter may be rather crude, It travels through the tongues of the world, Adding spice to an otherwise bland stew.” Read the full poem. In his poem “Paris”, Paul Verlaine reflects on the idea that the true beauty of Paris lies in its history. He portrays the city as one whose greatness emerges from its past, despite urban imperfections. He pays tribute to the Seine, the river running through the city, emphasizing its enduring and subtle charm.“Paris est tout petit ” by Jacques Prévert (1951)
Jacques Prévert (1900–1977) was a 20th-century French poet, screenwriter, and lyricist. He is one of the most beloved and widely read poets in France. His work is known for its simplicity, conversational language, and accessibility.
Prévert’s poems often capture everyday moments, blending social commentary with reflections on the absurdities of modern life. In addition to his writing, he was politically engaged and penned lyrics for many famous French artists, including Yves Montand, Édith Piaf, and Les Frères Jacques.
“Paris is so small
That’s where its true greatness lies
Everyone meets there
Even the mountains
One fine day, one of them
Gave birth to a mouse
So in its honor
The gardeners created
Montsouris Park
That’s where its true greatness lies
Paris is so small”
Prévert dedicated many poems to the City of Light. Among the most famous is”Paris is So Small”, which was also turned into a song by Les Frères Jacques. Through this charming piece, Prévert shows that Paris’s greatness lies in its simplicity and the encounters that happen on its streets.
He brilliantly suggests that even grand things in Paris can be modest and whimsical. This iconic poem celebrates the timeless allure of the capital, which continues to captivate hearts around the world.
20 Songs to Discover Paris Through Music
Paris, Celebrated: Beautiful Poems About Paris
“C’est la place de la Concorde” by Jacques Charpentreau (1928)
Jacques Charpentreau (1928–2016) was a 20th-century French poet, writer, and teacher. He devoted much of his life to teaching literature and poetry, notably as a literature professor. His pedagogical talent was widely recognized. In addition to his educational work, Charpentreau left behind a significant literary legacy. His poetry is often marked by simplicity, which makes it accessible to a broad audience. “It’s at Place de la Concorde in Paris That a child, sitting beside the fountains, Steps dreamily into the heart of the cool night As clear as the water from the fountains. A child of night, of dreams, of hope, Who longs to fight against sleep Just to glimpse His nighttime dreams coming to life.” Read the full poem. In “It’s Place de la Concorde”, Charpentreau takes us to the heart of Paris, to the iconic Place de la Concorde. The poem centers on a child sitting by the fountains, capturing the sense of wonder and fascination that such a Parisian setting can evoke—even for a child. Through this gentle imagery, Charpentreau reflects the enchanting essence of the French capital.“Only in Paris…” by François Caradec (2007)
Though best known for his humorous works and his contributions to the Oulipo group, François Caradec (1924–2008) was also a writer, poet, literary critic, and humorist. He wrote many essays, biographies, and poems, and was an accomplished translator. Passionate about surrealism, Caradec was closely connected to several famous surrealists. His poetry often explored a wide range of themes, from everyday life to society, literature, and art. “Only in Paris is the sky so blue And the Seine so grey Or the sky so grey And the Seine so blue Where the dim light blurs the gaze Along the riverbanks as it slips under the bridges. A barge glides by and crosses the city An echo answers A white trail in the sky Like in the sea’s blue, long white streaks. Only in Paris, at Place de l’Étoile On weekdays and Sundays, The Unknown Soldier is a dead man Honored by war, forgotten. Only in Paris, by rekindling the flame, Paris believes it must. Only in Paris do zinc rooftops Turn black in the rain And dry slate glisten In summer’s sun That spring forgets.” Read the full poem. Caradec’s poem “Only in Paris…” is a lyrical tribute to the French capital. He highlights the unique traits of the city—its contrasts, its ever-changing light, and its poetic atmosphere. The poem evokes both the visual charm and the historical weight of Paris, painting it as a place of memory, beauty, and quiet contradiction.Contrasting Paris: Beautiful Poems About the City
“Sonnet, Miscellaneous Poems” by Paul Scarron (1654)
Paul Scarron (1610–1660) was a 17th-century French writer, playwright, and poet whose sharp wit and talent left a lasting mark on the literature of his time. He began his career writing poems and comedies, quickly developing a unique voice that blended burlesque with biting satire. A prominent figure in the literary circles of the era, Scarron was influenced by the poets of the Pléiade and the humor of Rabelais. His masterpiece, Le Roman Comique (1651–1657), is considered one of the earliest modern novels in French literature. Through his epistles and humorous letters, he also enriched French literary heritage. “A confused pile of houses Mud in all the streets Bridges, churches, palaces, prisons Shops well or poorly stocked Many people—black, white, red-haired, grey Prudes, lost women Murders and betrayals Scribes with crooked hands Powdered men with no money Men who fear the bailiff Braggarts who always tremble Pages, footmen, nighttime thieves Carriages, horses, and loud noise— That’s Paris; what do you think of it?” .Read the full poem. In “Sonnet, Miscellaneous Poems”, from his Poésies diverses, Paul Scarron offers a satirical take on the gritty reality of urban life in Paris. With a keen eye for contradiction, he humorously portrays the city’s chaos, diversity, and contradictions. This poem reflects Scarron’s signature style—mocking yet vivid—painting Paris not just as a city of grandeur, but one teeming with flaws, color, and human complexity.“Paris” by Jules Supervielle (1939–1945)
Jules Supervielle (1884–1960) was a Franco-Uruguayan poet, writer, and playwright whose lyrical works made a lasting impact on 20th-century literature. His poetry often explored universal themes such as nature, time, nostalgia, and the quest for meaning—all conveyed in a language that was both simple and profound. A passionate traveler, Supervielle also shared his experiences through captivating travel stories and successful theatrical works. “O Paris, open city Like a wound, Why didn’t you become Green countryside? Now you are seen By enemy eyes, New ears Hear our old sounds.” Read the full poem. Supervielle’s “Paris” is a poignant reflection on the city during World War II. The poem explores the transformation of Paris under enemy occupation, expressing both sorrow and nostalgia for the city as it once was. He captures the emotional dissonance of a city watched and listened to by unfamiliar forces, evoking a deep sense of loss and resilience. This poem is a moving portrayal of Paris’s vulnerability and strength during one of the darkest periods of its history.
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris