Symbolism and Decadence:
* Charles Baudelaire: Though he had passed away in 1867, his influence on the symbolist movement was still very strong.
* Stéphane Mallarmé: A leading figure in symbolism, known for his poetry and unique literary style.
* Joris-Karl Huysmans: Author of "Against Nature," a decadent novel that explored themes of beauty, artificiality, and ennui.
* Paul Verlaine: A celebrated poet known for his melancholy and personal experiences reflected in his works.
Naturalism and Realism:
* Émile Zola: A major figure in naturalism, he was writing his "Rougon-Macquart" cycle of novels.
* Guy de Maupassant: Famous for his short stories and novels exploring themes of love, passion, and social satire.
* Alphonse Daudet: Known for his poignant and often humorous stories about everyday life in France.
* J.K. Huysmans: Though associated with decadence, he also explored naturalist themes in his early works.
Other Notable Figures:
* Victor Hugo: Though in his later years, Hugo remained a literary giant and a prominent figure in Parisian society.
* Pierre Loti: A novelist known for his exotic and often controversial travel narratives.
* Arthur Rimbaud: Though he had ceased writing poetry by 1889, his influence on younger generations of poets was undeniable.
To narrow down your search, consider what genre or style of literature you're most interested in.