contact@vacances-actives-linguistiques.com

REQUEST A QUOTE

Contact-us

The Marais

A guided walking tour in the famous district of Paris
Schedule and Book online

Walking visit

Ticket included

Secure online booking

Tour in French

Available ON REQUEST

Visit the Marais 

Sunday, August, 06th, at 10:00am.
Guaranteed visit from 4 persons. 

Price : 13€ per person

Duration : about 2hrs 

Book your visit now

A tour of the Marais : there’s no better way to soak up the history of Paris and a bustling neighbourhood bursting with culture and love for life.

Marais means “marsh” and the area takes its name from the marshland that was farmed here in the feudal era (12th century). The neighbourhood is a real melting pot with Renaissance manors next to half-timbered houses, contemporary art museums, trendy bars and more. It’s been home to different communities such as Jewish, Chinese, homosexual, elite, working class and now… tourists! 

We know all its secrets, milestone moments and legends and we’d love to introduce you to the wonders of the Marais.

Step by Step schedule

  • Hôtel de Sens Paris 4e, Saint Gervais neighbourhood
  • Rue François Miron: the oldest house in Paris 
  • Hotel de Sully and garden: (secret passageway)
  • Hotel Carnavalet 
  • The Jewish Marais
  • Centre Pompidou
  • …and a surprise !

Step by step organisation

  • Departure : Meeting point provided after booking
  • No transport : walking tour !

Not included :

    • Purchases, tips and personal expenses

Your step by step tour in the Marais

Our tour starts with us going back to the city’s roots in the Marais: Rue François-Miron on what was once a Roman road. Two of the oldest houses in Paris still stand here. Their half-timbered 15th century exterior wasn’t brought to light until 1967. Why did it take so long? Our guide will tell you everything! Soak up the wood panelling, gable ends and ground floor shopfronts that give the street its je ne sais quoi!

Let’s continue our Marais guided tour at the awe-inspiring Hôtel de Sens, a medieval architectural gem in the middle of residential Paris. Turn the corner of Rue du Figuier to come face to face with the extraordinary late 15th century manor’s keep and towers. It set the scene for a gory episode of Queen Margot’s life (among many others!) that your guide will be delighted to share with you.

Thirsty for more ?
Next step: Hôtel Carnavalet and Archives Nationales

Let’s venture along Rue des Francs Bourgeois which will lead us to Rue des Blancs Manteaux. Along the way we’ll pass Hôtel Carnavalet (now a museum), a Renaissance gem that was home to the Marquise de Sévigné in the 17th century. Next up is the Archives Nationales in Hôtel Clisson and Hôtel de Soubise, a blend of medieval defensive architecture and sheer opulence… This maraisienne stroll is a sight for sore eyes with landmark treasures in such a cramped neighbourhood. 

Next step: The Jewish Marais

The Marais has been home to Jews from France and abroad since the 13th century and is seeped in Hebrew history and culture. Let’s go through the centre, Le Pletzl (meaning small square in Yiddish) which is bursting with history and a hive of Jewish life with kosher delis, shtiebels (small prayer rooms), synagogues and more. Fancy a break with some falafel? 

Last step: Centre Pompidou

Let’s end our wanderings at the Centre Pompidou to sate your appetite for contemporary art!

The Stravinsky Fountain will catch your eye on the way… 16 sculptures in motion bring the fountain to life with their spray, fast and slow cogs. The colourful and original piece by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely pays tribute to Igor Stravinsky’s musical compositions…  

We’ve got one last trick up our sleeve to “end on a high” and enjoy some me-time in the beautiful Marais.

All Step by Step Tours

• Vacances Actives News : Travel, Culture  & French language •

Our last posts

Read our Blog