Tour Details

Paris Walking Tour: Discover the Marais District

From: £12.88

Duration: 2 hours

Explore the historic Marais district of Paris, home to the Places des Vosges, Pompidou Centre and the Bastille, on a 2-hour walking tour with an expert guide. The Marais is known for its strong Jewish community and is packed with shops, galleries and cafes that give it a lively atmosphere. Many of the narrow streets of the Marais are pedestrianized, so a walking tour is the best way to guarantee you won’t miss any of the highlights of this delightful Parisian district, including the Hotel de Ville and the Rue des Rosiers.

Wander through one of Paris’ oldest districts during this historical walking tour. Meet your expert guide near the Pompidou Centre (Centre George Pompidou), which celebrates modern art. Its eye-catching exterior design has made it a top Paris attraction, and this will be the first sight you'll see on your tour.

Follow your guide through the narrow lanes of the Marais, where the next point of interest is the Hotel de Ville (the town hall). This impressive building dates back to 1553 and is now the home of the Mayor of Paris. The large square in front of the Hotel de Ville hosts different attractions throughout the year, including an ice-skating rink and outdoor concerts.

As you walk, your friendly guide will explain the fascinating history of this district. The Marais was the site of the first Jewish settlement in Paris and continues to be the hub of the Jewish community today. Pass by the Memorial de la Shoah, an important Jewish site inaugurated in 2005 that stands as a powerful reminder of the Holocaust in France.

Next, see one of the best examples of Jewish culture in the Marais today – the cobbled Rue des Rosiers, home to Jewish bakeries, bookshops and kosher food outlets. Walk along this vibrant street with your guide, and make note of its popular cafes to come back to during your time in Paris.

Continue to the Place des Voges, one of the oldest squares in Paris and a highlight of the Marais. It was once a royal park and is considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Paris; it was also home to famous French writer Victor Hugo. Your guided Marais walking tour ends at the Place de la Bastille, the site of the famous Bastille prison that was stormed on July 14, 1789, marking the start of the French Revolution.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon