Le Marais Free Tour

Are you ready to explore the enchanting Medieval Paris? Join us for a complimentary tour of Le Marais, one of the most captivating districts of the French capital, while we uncover the intriguing history of the Bastille!

Tour Details

Winding dead ends and narrow alleyways await you. Nestled in the heart of Paris' 4th arrondissement, this remarkable neighborhood tells the tale of the city’s medieval era. Our complimentary tour will commence at the designated time from the Place Pierre-Kauffmann, located adjacent to rue des Barres.

This charming lane is notable for its quaint cobblestones and stunning architecture that whisk visitors back to the Middle Ages, featuring landmarks like the historic Hôtel de Barre and the residence of the Daughters of the Cross.

Our next stop is the Shoah Memorial, recognized as Europe's inaugural Jewish documentation center. This site was significant during the Nuremberg trials. Following this, we will step into the vibrant Jewish Quarter of Le Marais.

As we explore the Jewish Quarter, we will visit the enchanting Hôtel de Sens gardens, where we will discuss the history of Coquette Palace, which is the final resting place of Margaret of Valois. After this historical insight, we will proceed to Square Marie Trintignant to admire the primary entrance. Keen observers will notice 19th-century graffiti etched on its façade.

Continuing our adventure, we’ll reach Le Village Saint-Paul, a quaint historic enclave reminiscent of a mini medieval town within Le Marais. We’ll delve into its rich past before tackling a playful challenge: navigating out of a dead-end street without retracing our steps. Will we succeed? You’ll have to find out on the day of the tour!

Once we navigate through this puzzle, we’ll set out to uncover the three treasures of Le Marais. Here’s a hint: one of them is the only work by Delacroix displayed outside a museum. Solving this riddle will lead us to the grand façade of the Hôtel de Sully, a splendid palace crafted in the Louis XIII style dating back to the 17th century. We will venture into the courtyard and garden, but only on the condition that once we enter, we cannot go back. Are you up for the challenge?

If we discover the exit, we’ll emerge into a sprawling square. From there, our tour will journey to another significant site—the Place de la Bastille. Here, we will explore the storied fort that was captured on July 14, 1789, igniting the French Revolution. Dominated by a towering obelisk, we’ll look into the diverse historical narratives surrounding this emblematic location, marking the entrance to Le Marais.

After two hours of exploration, our tour will conclude at the Place de la Bastille.