Le Marais Off the Beaten Track Paris Historical Small Group Tour
2h30
Small Group
About this activity
Colorful characters from the Past will come out around every corner along your stroll. Follow your guide away from the crowds to hear details and anecdotes about their intimate lives and public deeds.
In Le Marais, History overwhelms you as soon as you get out of the subway. Right where streams of cars are passing by, there was once a field for jousts and tournaments. As in Game of Thrones, French history had its King Slayer... You will learn with fascination how a Scottish noble knight mortally wounded King Henri II. Brrr...
Nearby, the Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church façade is similar to when duchesses and "Marquises" gathered to attend fashionable masses. Imagine their satin dresses rustling as they hurry to hear an eloquent priest. Louis Bourdaloue was called "Preacher of kings, King of preachers". You're will surely understand why!
A stroll will take you then to the Village Saint-Paul, the most picturesque part of Le Marais. The opportunity to discover what medieval Paris looked like is worth a detour. In this timeless atmosphere, you will be introduced to King Charles, sixth of his name, and the way his mistress, the sweet Odile, dealt with his madness.
Another extraordinary woman lived there: Marguerite, a 50-year old former Queen, for whom two 20 old lovers fought to death... France has always been France, even in the past.
You will then go to Place des Vosges, the magnificent heart of Le Marais. An unassuming entrance gives onto an overwhelming setting. Here lived Marie de Sévigné, a young orphan who became a famous writer. She was as successful in literature as she was unlucky in her private life! Don't miss the details.
Along Le Marais' vibrant streets, you'll be amazed by the numerous private mansions you'll see. They've been theatrical scenes for extravagant historical figures. Behind these opulent façades, the playwright Beaumarchais did everything he could to support the American War of Independence. In another quest for liberty, Madame de Brinvilliers conceived an evil plan to hasten time. She concocted a very efficient "inheritance powder"... Want to try some?
Well, we'd rather recommend you have a nice coffee with your guide instead. A typical Parisian café is the perfect place to satisfy your lingering curiosity concerning the ups and downs of Le Marais' colorful locals.
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In Le Marais, History overwhelms you as soon as you get out of the subway. Right where streams of cars are passing by, there was once a field for jousts and tournaments. As in Game of Thrones, French history had its King Slayer... You will learn with fascination how a Scottish noble knight mortally wounded King Henri II. Brrr...
Nearby, the Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church façade is similar to when duchesses and "Marquises" gathered to attend fashionable masses. Imagine their satin dresses rustling as they hurry to hear an eloquent priest. Louis Bourdaloue was called "Preacher of kings, King of preachers". You're will surely understand why!
A stroll will take you then to the Village Saint-Paul, the most picturesque part of Le Marais. The opportunity to discover what medieval Paris looked like is worth a detour. In this timeless atmosphere, you will be introduced to King Charles, sixth of his name, and the way his mistress, the sweet Odile, dealt with his madness.
Another extraordinary woman lived there: Marguerite, a 50-year old former Queen, for whom two 20 old lovers fought to death... France has always been France, even in the past.
You will then go to Place des Vosges, the magnificent heart of Le Marais. An unassuming entrance gives onto an overwhelming setting. Here lived Marie de Sévigné, a young orphan who became a famous writer. She was as successful in literature as she was unlucky in her private life! Don't miss the details.
Along Le Marais' vibrant streets, you'll be amazed by the numerous private mansions you'll see. They've been theatrical scenes for extravagant historical figures. Behind these opulent façades, the playwright Beaumarchais did everything he could to support the American War of Independence. In another quest for liberty, Madame de Brinvilliers conceived an evil plan to hasten time. She concocted a very efficient "inheritance powder"... Want to try some?
Well, we'd rather recommend you have a nice coffee with your guide instead. A typical Parisian café is the perfect place to satisfy your lingering curiosity concerning the ups and downs of Le Marais' colorful locals.
Included
- A Professional guide to lead you through Le Marais' winding streets.
- Small group visit (6 people max) to keep it intimate.
- Coffee and/or Tea
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food, snacks and alcoholic beverages
- Entrance fees (no inside visit scheduled in the tour)
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A moderate amount of walking is involved (c. 2.8 kilometers on flat ground)
- A maximum of 6 people per booking
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Features
Tourism
90%
Cultural
70%
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