Things to Do in Paris
Le Marais is the #1 discovery of every visitor to Paris.
It is where tourists want to stay on their next trip. And where Parisians dream to live.
Why? Because of its unique mix.
Old stones and elegant buildings, side-by-side with trend-setting stores and exciting places to hang. "next year's fashion is in Le Marais now" is the common saying.
On this tour, we promise small groups for an intimate experience.
We will see "Jewish Paris", aristocratic mansions, secluded gardens, and beautiful people. History and Trendy.
The guides base their comments on their personal experience. You get the stories behind the buildings, you hear what Le Marais means for a Parisian, you get pulled by the sleeve off-the-tourist-path.
Do not miss Le Marais!
Our commitments include:
* small groups
* English-language tour led by a true local (no expat freshly off the plane)
* a mix of landmarks and hidden gems. Royal "Place des Vosges," secluded "hôtel Sully", Jewish "rue des rosiers", and the "talk-of-the-town" trendy
* 90 to 100 minutes. Not too long, not too short
* accessible route. this tour is compatible for wheelchairs
* Average tip is €12.95
What is a small group?
Our small group tours usually have around 12 people. While group sizes can go up to 20, we add a second guide when that happens to keep the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
Ah, Paris, the capital of elegance, chic, love, art and science. Its architecture and ambiance are truly iconic, and its people famous for their achievements and... sense of pride.
The city rose from its humble beginnings as a marshland settlement, became a Roman colony, seat of the early Frankish monarchs to finally set trends as the biggest medieval city in Europe. Home to many revolts and societal changes, it evolved as the capital of the free thinkers and... the most famous revolution changing the political landscape of the western civilization forever. With its final overdo in the 19th century, its elegant boulevards became a go-to model for many other cities. Today, Paris retains many of its fortes, adding a spice of modernity.
All this can get a little overwhelming, so why not have a helping hand while diving in? Walkative will grant you that and much more, with our local guides taking you on a fascinating journey through Paris most important monuments and histories, including:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Sainte Chapelle
- Conciergerie
- Pont Neuf
- Pont des Arts
- Louvre (history of the palace and museum)
- Carrousel Arch
- Tuileries gardens
- And much, much more!
ℹ️ ⚠️ ATTENTION - booking rules
Please note that our free tours are designed for individual travelers and small private groups only. Hence, we do not accept parties of 8 or more people on regular free tours and guides have the right to deny participation to such groups. If you travel in a party of 8 or more please book a private tour in advance.
If you show up at the meeting point with the bigger group our guide will ask you for the payment (12 eur/person) before the tour or cancel your reservation on the spot. To confirm your reservation please arrive 10 minutes before starting. We can not guarantee participation when you will be late.
Please note that multiply bookings (under different names) for 7 people who belong to one group will still be treated as one organized group and the guide has the right to deny participation to such parties.
This policy is implied in the best interest of our individual visitors.
Please respect our rules.
Discover the essence of Paris ́s most iconic and opulent neighbourhood on our tour: Le Marais is a local treasure, inviting you to uncover its rich history, monuments and hidden gems far away from typical tourist trails.
Our expert guide will take you on an immersive journey through the aristocratic charm of the 16th and 17th century, with magnificent palaces of the high bourgeoisie, showcasing authentic jewels of French architecture. Despite its humble medieval origins, Le Marais was spared from Haussmann’s urban renewal, preserving remnants of its illustrious past, medieval and renaissance.
Marvel at architectural masterpieces like the Hôtel de Sully and the ancient walls of Philippe Auguste. Let your mind wander through picturesque private mansions, where tales of royalty offer a glimpse into the district’s opulent history.
Follow the footsteps of literary giant Victor Hugo before delving into the Museum of the History of Paris. Experience the vibrant Jewish quarter, home to Paris’s infamous Jewish community since the 13th century. Discover the Pletzl, a hub for Eastern European Jews fleeing persecution, and indulge in the flavours of the area, from traditional Jewish delicacies to the best falafel in town.
Let us guide you through Le Marais, offering local insider tips on the best eateries, patisseries, museums, and galleries and immerse yourself in the unique vibe of this iconic neighbourhood.
Explore Paris' Old Town—a history stretching 2,000 years all the way back to ancient Rome. This is where Paris was born, and this is why people travel to Paris.
Start with Notre-Dame—the iconic cathedral, standing on the small island where Paris was first born. Explore hidden gems of Paris—medieval streets, the tapestry of the Unicorn, a collection of the beheaded kings of France, and Roman baths.
This is the Paris that has inspired artists. Walk the paths of legends of literature and the arts—Picasso, Hemingway, Cyrano de Bergerac, d'Artagnan, Simone de Beauvoir. Learn why Paris has more art-house cinemas than any other city in the world, and why they are all to be found here in the old town.
Experience what only Paris can offer. Join local traditions, like rubbing a certain statue for luck in circumstances that can arise only here.
Discover the old district called the "Latin Quarter" (and why they call it that), Sorbonne university (founded 1253), the Panthéon (who is buried there?), and the Luxembourg Gardens (voted best park year after year).
Be careful—what matters to you in life may never be the same after this tour.
In English, rain or shine, in a small group, away from the crowds—and as always, you pay what you want. This is the tour for you.
If there's an alternative to Paris' classy centre, it's Montmartre! Known for its artsy vibe, winding streets, red mills and providing pleasures of both the mind and the body, this iconic location serves the Parisians and the world as both an inspiration... and a warning.
Please note that Montmartre is known for its uphill climbs, it's stairs, and it iconic cobblestone roads! Therefore, it is unfortunately not wheelchair friendly. It is doable with a stroller/pram, but getting up the stairs and navigating the cobblestones will prove to be a challenge for you.
Once a sleepy village located on the slopes of the Martyrs' Mountain, in the late 19th century Montmartre was transformed into the world capital of art. Couple that with a string of bohemian vagabonds settling here, and you've got yourself a mix like none other in the world. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, Modigliani, Matisse, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec to name just a few - many of them were engulfed in literature, philosophy, painting and... sex, drugs and alcohol. Scandals abound, this place has it all and still draws the unruly among the human kind.
On top of that, literally, there stands the magnificent basilica of Sacré-Coeur. The surrounding streets winding up to it served as a backdrop of countless famous films and series.
Let Montmartre enchant you, like it did to us. On our tour you will see:
- Moulin Rouge
- Cafe deux moulins (Cafe known from the film “Amelie”)
- Van Gogh’s house
- Moulin d’ la Galette
- Place des Abbesses
- ︎Studios Picasso/Modigliani
- Vineyard/Oldest Cabaret in Paris
- Sacré Coeur Basilica
ℹ️ ⚠️ ATTENTION - booking rules
Please note that our free tours are designed for individual travelers and small private groups only. Hence, we do not accept parties of 8 or more people on regular free tours and guides have the right to deny participation to such groups. If you travel in a party of 8 or more please book a private tour in advance.
If you show up at the meeting point with the bigger group our guide will ask you for the payment (12 eur/person) before the tour or cancel your reservation on the spot. To confirm your reservation please arrive 10 minutes before starting. We can not guarantee participation when you will be late.
Please note that multiply bookings (under different names) for 7 people who belong to one group will still be treated as one organized group and the guide has the right to deny participation to such parties.
This policy is implied in the best interest of our individual visitors.
Please respect our rules.
Hello! I am writing to tell you something incredible...
I recently met a friend at the foot of the steps of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica . We had intended to discover a small shop specializing in angels. As we left the store we found a pen. When we picked it up, we saw a white dove and decided to follow it. It flew in the direction of the Sacré-Coeur basilica, like a carrier pigeon transmitting a message from Gaul...
She began the flight and, like a game, we continued following her. He passed by the Church of Saint Pierre and landed on the Place du Tertre , posing for the painters who gather there.
Suddenly she continued her journey and stopped in the vineyards of Montmartre, where we saw her plucking a sprig of vine. With it in its beak, it flew from the Lapin Agile cabaret to the Maison Rose, making us remember the famous painting by Picasso and his dove of peace...
Continuing his journey, from there he took us to the bust of Dalida, where he seemed to want to give love to the unfortunate artist... The dove took flight again, leaving behind the statue of Bishop Saint Denis and heading towards the Passe-muraille until stopping at the horns of the great Galette mill.
Without a doubt this dove carried a message!
He then flew over the Bateau Lavoir, the famous workshop where Picasso created his masterpieces... until finally stopping at the Je t'aime wall ... 🙂
We then understood the beautiful message that this dove was trying to convey to us; a message of peace, love and freedom.
And this, my city, is full of messages, stories, beautiful corners and curious facts that I would love to share with you.
Will you accompany me?
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Meeting Point
La Boutique des Anges, 2 rue Yvonne le Tac, 75018, Paris
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hG2gMwYWY5z5gEm89?g_st=ic
How to get?
- Metro 2, Anvers station
- Metro 12, Abbesses station /!\ TAKE THE ELEVATOR /!\
How to recognize me?
You will be able to recognize me by my red umbrella 🔴, I will be next to the little angels store (Boutique des Anges)
Can't attend the tour?
- Modify reservation: you can modify your reservation for another day/time and the number of attendees
- Cancel reservation: If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel your reservation so that the guide is not waiting for you and makes room for other tourists
/!\ Bring bottles of water and arrive 10 minutes early because I can't wait out of respect for people who arrive early /!\
With this tour, we'll immerse ourselves in the history of Paris by following the course of the iconic Seine River, the city's soul.
Join us to watch:
- The horror story surrounding the Place de la Concorde.
- The Orsay Museum and its jewels.
- The National Assembly of France; its role in the monarchy and the Republic.
- The Alexander III Bridge: The most ostentatious bridge in Paris.
- Les Invalides and the most popular man in France; Napoleon Bonaparte.
-Art museums such as the Grand Palais and the Petite Palais.
- History of the Boats on the Seine and one of its protagonist: The Bateau Mouche.
-Alma Bridge: Recognized for an unfortunate event that occurred in 1997.
-Last stop, the famous and iconic Eiffel Tower.
-Take advantage of our TOURIST BOAT TICKETS ON THE SEINE with a price reduction, quickly and easily, as well as tickets to Disneyland Paris.
We concluded with a fun and educational group activity. Don't miss it!
This tour is not only a journey through monuments, bridges, and museums, but also a recounting of the key moments that have shaped the city. Join us to explore Paris from a unique perspective!
*WE REQUIRE A MINIMUM OF 4 PEOPLE TO DO THE TOUR.
*Reservations for 6 or more people must pay a fee of €10 to the guide at the start of the tour.
