Understanding Paris in Two Hours

The Emergence and Development of Paris

• Notre Dame. History and Legends. Our walk will start in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. In the Middle Ages, the square in front of the cathedral was the center of spiritual and cultural life, nowadays it is mainly populated by tourists and pigeons. I will tell you about the construction of the cathedral, its legends, and how Freemasons and alchemists are related to this place.
• Hotel de Ville Square. Origins of Lutetia. Passing by the Hotel de Ville, I will tell you how in the 50th year BC, Roman troops came across the settlement of Parisii, which marked the beginning of the transformation of Lutetia into Paris. You will learn how this transformation happened and how the coat of arms of the French capital was born.

Marais and Châtelet. The History of the City in Two Districts

• Marais. Streets, Houses, and People. Believe me, the most interesting and amazing in Paris is in Marais! This ancient district has preserved its original appearance. I will show you the first headquarters of French detectives. You will learn about the unusual street names in Marais - Bad Guys, Vultures, King of Sicily, Rose Bushes, Free Citizens. I will tell you about the Templars and how the district became the residence of French kings and why the residence later moved to the Louvre. You will learn how the Bastille, the man in the iron mask, and the Jews of Paris are linked to Marais.
• Queen Margot's Castle. We will follow in the footsteps of Queen Margot, I will tell you an interesting and tragic story of her life, and you will see the Château de Sceaux where she lived. Semi-Gothic semi-Renaissance, with mullioned windows, round towers with conical roofs on the corners - as if taken from the pages of a fairy tale book.
• Place des Vosges. Evolution of French Architecture. Then we will cross the Rue Saint-Antoine and head to Place des Vosges - a true gem of late Renaissance French architecture. Here, in his youth, writer Georges Simenon spent several happy years, and from house number 21, Parisian Commissioner Maigret set off to investigate complex crimes. I will tell the history of the first palaces and mansions, built by the most famous French architects.
• Shopping. Marais - this is not only the Middle Ages, narrow streets, romance, and stories of royal secrets. It's a paradise for shopping lovers! I will gladly show you cute vintage shops where unique pieces of famous brands can be purchased at reasonable prices. Tea lovers will appreciate the Carette salon on Place des Vosges, whose interior was created by Givenchy.
• Châtelet. Evolution of the District. Then we will head to Châtelet, I will tell you about the evolution of this district, the Diaghilev seasons, we will see the "Belly of Paris" and the most mystical Parisian church.

Route

• Notre Dame Cathedral
• Stravinsky Fountain
• Châtelet
• Conciergerie
• Church of Saint Merri
• Town Hall
• Hotel Beauvais
• Timber-framed houses
• Village Saint-Paul
• Jewish Quarter
• Place des Vosges
• Château de Sceaux
• Hôtel de Sully
• Church of Saint-Paul
• Carnavalet Museum
• Philippe Auguste's Wall
• Victor Hugo's House