France has long been a source of inspiration and sanctuary for countless American artists, writers, performers, and intellectuals. The French culture, the vibrant artistic circles, and the promise of creative freedom drew these Americans across the Atlantic. Their stories remind us that the dream of living in France is not just reserved for the past but is achievable today.
Here's a closer look at eight influential Americans who moved to France and how you, too, can follow in their footsteps—with the right preparation, including learning French.
1. Mary Cassatt (Born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in 1844 - died in Paris, France in 1926)
Oil on canvas, c. 1880–84
Mary Cassatt, a prominent American painter and printmaker, spent the majority of her life in Paris, where she connected with the Impressionist movement. In 1874, she opened a studio in the city. Her strong friendships with influential artists, notably Edgar Degas, played a crucial role in her artistic development. Cassatt and Degas shared a unique and long-standing collaboration, marked by mutual respect and inspiration. Their studios were located close to each other. Cassatt's famous paintings of women and children in everyday settings made her career and established her as an important figure in the art world.
2. Gertrude Stein (Born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in 1874 - died in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France in 1946)
Gertrude Stein, an influential writer and art collector, transformed her Parisian salon into a hub for avant-garde artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. Her move to France in the early 1900s helped her join a lively artistic community that inspired her creativity. As Stein famously declared, “America is my country and Paris is my hometown,” encapsulating her deep connection to the city.
3. Man Ray (Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. in 1890 - died in Paris, France in 1976)
Avant-garde artist and photographer Man Ray was a pioneering contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements. In July 1921, he moved to Paris and settled in the Montparnasse area, which was popular with artists. His Paris years were characterised by groundbreaking and experimental work that left a lasting impact on photography, painting, and film. His collaboration with Surrealist photographer Lee Miller, for example, led to the development of the photographic technique of solarisation.
4. Henry Miller (Born in New York City, U.S.A. in 1891 - died in Los Angeles, U.S.A. in 1980)
Henry Miller, known for his provocative novels, experienced a pivotal phase in his literary career after moving to Paris in the 1930s. It was during this time that he wrote Tropic of Cancer, a groundbreaking work that defied societal norms and was initially banned in the U.S. until 1964. As Miller once reflected, “All France, it has often been said, is a garden, and if you love France, as I do, it can be a very beautiful garden.”
5. Sidney Bechet (Born in New Orleans, U.S.A. in 1897 - died in Garches, France in 1959)
Sidney Bechet, a jazz legend, moved to France in the late 1940s. His music was loved by French audiences, making him very popular and helping establish France as a welcoming home for jazz musicians.
6. Josephine Baker (Born in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. in 1906 - died in Paris, France in 1975)
Josephine Baker, the celebrated performer and civil rights activist, became famous in Paris during the 1920s, as an icon of the Jazz Age and a symbol of artistic and social freedom. Her profound love for France was reciprocated when she was granted French citizenship and honoured for her significant contributions to the French Resistance. In a historic recognition of her legacy, Baker was buried in the Panthéon in 2021, becoming the first Black woman to receive this distinction. “The Parisians gave me their hearts, and I am ready to give them my life,” she once said. “Of course I wanted to do all I could to aid France, my adopted country.”
7. James Baldwin (Born in New York City, U.S.A.in 1924 - died in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France in 1987)
In 1948, author and social critic James Baldwin moved to Paris, seeking refuge from the racial discrimination he encountered in the United States. In the cultural freedom of France, Baldwin found the space to write some of his most influential works, including Go Tell It on the Mountain. Paris also provided a platform for him to engage with European audiences on profound issues of race and identity. As Baldwin himself put it, "It's a great city, Paris, a beautiful city––and––it was very good for me.
8. Joan Mitchell (Born in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. in 1925 - died in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France in 1992)
An abstract expressionist painter, Joan Mitchell relocated to France in the 1950s, setting up her studio in the picturesque village of Vétheuil. In 1982, Mitchell made history as the first female American artist to have a solo exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.
Your French Dream Awaits
These eight Americans exemplified the transformative experiences that come with living in France. They found inspiration, community, and a sense of belonging that inspired their greatest works. If you’ve ever dreamed of following in their footsteps, it’s possible—but preparation is key. Learning French is essential not only to navigate daily life as an American expat in France but also to fully appreciate the richness of French culture and create your own meaningful connections.
Whether you're just beginning your French journey, are an intermediate student (A2+), or seeking to improve your fluency, it is never too early or too late to start. With the guidance of an experienced French teacher, you just need to take that first step. Find flexible French lessons that suit your needs, and take the first step toward making your dream a reality.
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