About this experience
The Marais district is woven from memories of the Middle Ages and permeated with aristocracy, although not only the French king's courtiers lived here. You will hear a story about the 'natives' and see the old district of Paris through their eyes: what did the masons, ministers, a great writer, and even the hero of another writer do here amidst beautiful architecture and jasmine gardens? And the ascent to the rooftop at the end of the tour will provide a stunning view of the entire Marais, Notre-Dame, and the Eiffel Tower.
What to Expect
Learn about the historic district through its residents
Throughout its existence, the historic Marais has sheltered Templars, Bastille prisoners, ministers, courtiers of the French king, members of secret societies, Jews, and creative individuals of various kinds. You will see exquisite mansions of Parisian nobility and Masonic temples, visit the oldest square in the city—Place des Vosges—and learn where the most famous prison in the capital once stood. We will talk about how the district developed, recalling its residents—be it Queen Margot, whose palace is located here, or writer Victor Hugo. By the way, according to Dumas, one of the characters from 'The Three Musketeers' also lived in Hugo's house.
The atmosphere of Marais from the ground and from above
The walk will not only introduce you to the main attractions of Marais but also allow you to sense the spirit of the old district. Thanks to the Jewish community, you will come across many cafes where falafel is sold—noisy queues form for this delicacy. The reputation of Marais as a district of creative individuals is confirmed by the concentration of designer boutiques and shops. And after visiting the main points of the district, you will climb to one of the rooftops of Marais, from where you will see the perfect square of Place des Vosges, the pearl-like church of Sacré-Cœur, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.
Organizational Details
- Your tour will be conducted by me or another guide from our team
- No additional expenses are expected
- In France, banknotes of €200 and €500 are not accepted, so we kindly ask you to prepare banknotes of smaller denominations for personal expenses in advance.
