Paris Medieval Heart: Walking Tour in Ancient Marais
Description
The Marais serves as a testament to the seamless fusion of ancient and contemporary elements. From former prisoners in the Bastille to aristocrats, orthodox Jews to eccentric artists and fashion designers, this district has been a melting pot of diverse narratives. Embark on an enlightening journey through this district, which was originally a swamp drained by the Templar Knights in the 13th century. Follow the traces of Medieval architecture and uncover the hidden mansions that once provided residence to noble inhabitants. You'll see Paris' oldest synagogue. The guide will show you Jewish shops and restaurants that offer delicious delicacies such as Falafel, Hamantaschen, and Hanukkah Jelly Donuts. Discover the iconic Place des Vosges, and hidden mansions that once welcomed royal ministers, courtesans, and French aristocrats. Discover innovative designer boutiques and unwind in trendy cafés, the vibrant heart of Parisian nightlife for the dynamic gay and lesbian community.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the oldest synagogue in Paris
The guide will introduce you to this oldest square in Paris and it's many stories and hidden gems.
Visit the appartment of the iconic French writer Victor Hugo.
The guide will introduce you to a real perle: the hidden garden of this magnificent mansion built by Sully, the finance minister of King Herny IV (1589-1610).
Discover this original church, the first one who broke away completely from the Gothic Style and use the new Baroque Style of the Jesuits.
Discover the gastronomical delicatessen in the heart of the ancient Jewish Quarter.
Discover a hidden garden with traces of the Medieval defensive wall of Paris
Get acquainted with the fortress used by the Templar Knights in the Middleages.
The guide will show you a very interesting space you never would find on your own: the factory of ashes, a very unique institution that worked until the middle of 19th century.
You will have a stop in front of this museum, dedicated to the wodlwide famous painter Panblo Picasso, inventor of the Cubism.
Behind the frontside of the buildings discover the hidden gardens where noble people at the time of the kings had their luxury mansions.
With your guide you will discover this area with many trendy fashion stores, food shops and cafés around the LGBT community.
Get acquainted with this impressive building created in the 1970ies as a postmodern museum for contemporary art, a library and a cinema.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(34)
Sasha was the best! We had a great time and he taught us so much about the history of Paris! Great way to start our trip- would go again for sure!
We truly enjoyed the historical walking tour “Paris Medieval Heart” through the ancient Marais district. The excursion was fascinating, informative, and beautifully organized, allowing us to fully experience the unique atmosphere of medieval Paris. Our guide Malkhas brought history to life with engaging stories, interesting facts, and vivid descriptions of the old streets, hidden courtyards, historic buildings, and famous landmarks of the Marais. It felt like traveling back in time while discovering one of the most charming areas of Paris. The tour was both educational and enjoyable, with the perfect balance of history, culture, and local atmosphere. We especially appreciated the guide’s professionalism, enthusiasm, and ability to make every stop memorable. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to discover the rich medieval history and authentic spirit of Paris!
Thank you so much for the great review. We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the experience with Malkhas and hope to welcome you back soon for other experiences in Paris. Best wishes.
Malkhas was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend this tour to see a unique part of Paris
What about...what is there to see? One of the most beautiful neighborhoods (in my opinion, of course) in Paris. From seeing Place Des Vosges to the Carnavalet museum to medieval buildings to just walking through one of the most refined, intimate, multicultural and livable neighborhoods (as a tourist, I speak of course), just a stone's throw from almost any classic destination.
A very informative and enjoyable tour around Le Marais with Sacha. He was great company, entertaining and showed us lots of hidden historical spots as well as lively areas with great food and shopping, without mad amounts of crowds. Even our teenagers loved it. Thanks Sacha!
Our young lady guide was friendly and extremely knowledgeable - she had a history and art background. We were lucky enough to be the only couple on the tour - she showed us many historical and social sites and had us enthralled with her explanations and descriptions. Was one of the best tours we’ve done
The guide was well informed, well prepared, had a notebook of grand illustrations and pictures to show us at appropriate moments. It was a perfectly wonderful tour and our guide was great!
Sacha was our tour guide. Our group consisted of the 4 of us traveling together and another woman. It was great to have a small group. While the weather was not nice, Sacha did his best to bring the history to life. The tour was the perfect amount of time.
My tour of the Marais was even better than expected. Seeing inside the home of Victor Hugo was amazing. I knew the tour would include seeing where he lived but going inside was a nice surprise. Sacha was very knowledgable and made the tour interesting.
Our guide Maria was wonderful, very knowledgeable and friendly. We visited the Marais several times over the years but never with a guide. We discovered charming places we wouldn’t have found on our own. We recommend this experience warmly. We were only 4 of us and it felt like a private tour.
