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Marais Walking Tour: Explore Paris's Royal Past
4.9
169 Ratings
Paris
Uncover the mysteries of Paris’s erstwhile royal locality on this 2.5 hours exclusive guided walk around the Marais. Your guide will take you through the narrow lanes, patios, and uber-chic houses that characterize this distinctively Parisian region.
Uncover the mysteries of Paris’s erstwhile royal locality on this 2.5 hours exclusive guided walk around the Marais. Your guide will take you through the narrow lanes, patios, and uber-chic houses that characterize this distinctively Parisian region.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Le Marais - Begin by appreciating the historical significance of the Marais, which was once outside the central area of Paris but is now at its core. Visit the Church of Saint Paul and Saint Louis, then explore the courtyard of the grand Hotel de Sully. Continue to delve into the royal history of the Marais by visiting the immaculate Place des…
- Le Marais - Begin by appreciating the historical significance of the Marais, which was once outside the central area of Paris but is now at its core. Visit the Church of Saint Paul and Saint Louis, then explore the courtyard of the grand Hotel de Sully. Continue to delve into the royal history of the Marais by visiting the immaculate Place des Vosges, a public square renowned for its beauty in Paris. Then, journey through time to learn about the vibrant Jewish community that made the Marais famous during the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore the bakeries and shops of the Pletzl before wandering down the shop-filled rue des Francs Bourgeois. Along the way, you’ll encounter mansion after mansion, former residences of the nobility who once lived in the Marais. Some of these are now museums, such as the highly recommended Musée Carnavalet. The tour may also introduce you to both the Hotel de Ville, or City Hall, and the Pompidou Center, both architectural marvels from different eras.
- Eglise Saint-Paul Saint-Louis - The tour begins with a visit to the 17th-century St-Paul-St-Louis church, constructed by the Jesuits with a design inspired by the Gesù church in Rome.
- Jardin de l’Hotel de Sully - Next, pass by the Hotel de Sully, a building erected between 1624 and 1630. Designed by architects Jean 1er Androuet du Cerceau and Yves Boiret in the Renaissance style with Baroque elements, the hotel’s construction is part of a larger trend of monumental building in this area of Paris.
- Place des Vosges - Then, proceed to Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. A walk in the Marais without admiring Place des Vosges is like strolling the Champs Elysees without seeing the Arc de Triomphe!
- Rue des Francs Bourgeois - Continue along Rue des Francs Bourgeois, one of the longer and more intriguing streets in the Marais district, known for its trendy fashion boutiques.
- Musee Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris - Next, visit the Hôtel Carnavalet, a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Paris, alongside the Louvre’s square courtyard. Discover the Musée Carnavalet, a museum that showcases Paris’ history and reveals the city’s diverse character.
- La Rue des Rosiers - Then, walk along Rue des Rosières, a quaint street at the heart of the Jewish quarter.
- Jardin des Rosiers - Joseph-Migneret - Next, see the Jardin des Rosiers, a small garden nestled between hotels and hidden behind boutiques. This secluded spot is named in honor of Joseph Migneret, a school principal who saved many students by hiding them in his home during WW2, and who was eventually arrested and killed.
- Centre Pompidou - Nearing the end of the tour, head to the Centre Pompidou, the renowned contemporary museum famous for its high-tech architectural exterior. This multicultural complex was designed to unite various forms of art and literature in one location, inspired by ideas from France’s first Minister of Cultural Affairs.
- Hotel de Ville - Conclude the tour at Hôtel de Ville, the building that houses the city’s local administration. It has served as the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357.
- Eglise Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais - Adjacent to Hôtel de Ville, catch a glimpse of the Église Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais, the first example of French baroque style in Paris. It served as a parish church until 1975 and is now the headquarters of the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem.

What's Included
- DURATION 2.5 HOURS
- TOUR WILL RUN, RAIN OR SHINE
- TOUR GUIDE EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU (Does NOT apply if you choose ‘SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE’ option)
- PRIVATE WALKING TOUR (Does NOT apply if you choose ‘SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE’ option)
- DURATION 2.5 HOURS
- TOUR WILL RUN, RAIN OR SHINE
- TOUR GUIDE EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU (Does NOT apply if you choose ‘SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE’ option)
- PRIVATE WALKING TOUR (Does NOT apply if you choose ‘SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE’ option)
What's Not Included
- Tour Price Does NOT Include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (We Recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour Does NOT Include Gratuities (OPTIONAL)
- This tour does not include entry into any synagogues, as access is restricted for security reasons.
- Tour Price Does NOT Include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (We Recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour Does NOT Include Gratuities (OPTIONAL)
- This tour does not include entry into any synagogues, as access is restricted for security reasons.
Additional Information
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In…
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside.
- IMPORTANT RE: WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY Wheelchair friendly tour is only available as a PRIVATE TOUR (if you chose the “SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR” option, you will not be able to have a tour or a refund)
- This tour does not include entry into any synagogues, as access is restricted for security reasons.
Location
Saint-Paul
Meet your guide in front of the entrance to the St.Paul metro station (line 1). Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(169 Ratings)
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Catherine_p
Mar 10, 2026
Lots of walking, guide... - Lots of walking, guide offers options for stopping for a drink if needed, recommendations for places to eat.
Review provided by Viator
Claire_r
Feb 26, 2026
Le Marais Walking Tour - Enthusiastic presentation was very engaging. Interesting stops, tidbits of trivia, and mix of current and past history. I recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Rebecca
Feb 23, 2026
Alasdair was very knowledgeable. It was moving to hear about French and Jewish history. This was a Rich experience! - Alasdair was s very well, spoken and knowledgeable of the area. I was moved to tears a couple of times. Highly recommended! We loved this tour. With love, from Momtana
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jakegillman
Feb 23, 2026
Family walking tour - My 3 kids and I had a wonderfully beautiful morning walking through this gorgeous city with Alistar
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderingarsenal6
Feb 16, 2026
Phenomenal experience - Incredible tour. Great historical perspective and humor
Review provided by Tripadvisor
919jingv
Jan 30, 2026
Enriching stroll through Le Marais - Eden delivered a fabulous experience for us. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about Paris’ rich history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnspring2015
Jan 25, 2026
A great way to see some of the oldest parts of Paris! - Alasdair was our guide for this tour, and he was great. Very passionate about the history of Paris, with lots of interesting anecdotes added as we went along. The history of the Marais district and the Jewish population in Paris over the many hundreds of years of the evolution of city was fascinating. Highly recommended if you like that sort of thing. We did. And Alasdair ended the tour by recommending (and walking us to) an excellent French restaurant for lunch, which was great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pamela_s
Jan 11, 2026
Fantastic guide! Loved... - Fantastic guide! Loved the specificity and history in this tour! Eden is very knowledgeable and organized!
Review provided by Viator
Leah_r
Jan 5, 2026
Great, interesting walk - We took this walking tour on Christmas Day. Lots of interesting historical information. Our tour guide was helpful, interesting and managed our group well.
Review provided by Viator
Joeylove29
Dec 27, 2025
Wonderful walking tour - It was very cold but we had a wonderful experience. I highly recommend the tour. We fully covered the Marais District. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor