 "Le Petit Cénacle" soon gained a reputation for extravagance and eccentricity, but also for being a unique refuge from society.Gautier began writing poetry as early as 1826, but the majority of his life was spent as a contributor to various journals, mainly "La Presse", which also gave him the opportunity for foreign travel and for meeting many influential contacts in high society and in the world of the arts.Throughout his life, Gautier was well-traveled, taking trips to Spain, Italy, Russia, Egypt and Algeria.