The Marais neighborhood in Paris is welcoming for all. It’s popular among locals, expats, and millennials. It has a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture. And…
Highlights
- Feel like a local in this hip neighborhood where Parisians come to play.
- Find hidden gems steeped in history and an authentic Parisian village atmosphere.
- Admire the “inside-out” architecture of the Pompidou Center.
- Wander the beautiful Rue des Rosiers in the Jewish quarter.
- Learn about Paris’ thriving gay community at Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie.
- Stroll through the Place des Vosges, a 17th-century square once home to Victor Hugo.
- Visit historic landmarks, including a church, cloisters, garden, and private mansion.
- Browse antiques and art on the cobblestone streets of Village Saint-Paul.
- Upgrade to enjoy a narrated cruise on the beautiful Seine river.
- Take our chartered Paris shuttle for convenient transportation, included with your tour.
What you'll do
Want to feel like a local? You have to go where they go. Welcome to Le Marais.
This stylish neighborhood is filled with trendy shops, medieval alleys, and unusual attractions many travelers miss. But it’s where Parisians come to play. You’ll understand why with this immersive walking ...
Want to feel like a local? You have to go where they go. Welcome to Le Marais.
This stylish neighborhood is filled with trendy shops, medieval alleys, and unusual attractions many travelers miss. But it’s where Parisians come to play. You’ll understand why with this immersive walking tour of Le Marais. You might even feel a little Parisian yourself at the end.
Led by your local guide, you’ll explore the Marais’ rich history and modern appeal, from the old Jewish quarter to the vibrant LGBT community. See the Pompidou Center, the so-called “inside-out building” and learn why Parisians hated and eventually loved it (not unlike the Eiffel Tower).
From there, your guide will take you on a journey deep into the heart of Le Marais. Visit the Place des Vosges. Victor Hugo once lived here, but it’s popular today with French picnickers. Walk down the 12th-century Rue des Rosiers (“street of rosebushes”) and imagine you’ve stepped into a storybook. But this is the real Paris, picturesque yet always changing.
Our tour ends at the Saint Paul metro station. Your guide can share tips on where to spend the rest of your afternoon if you want to stay in the area longer. Once you’re here, it’s hard to say goodbye to Le Marais.
Itinerary
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Centre Pompidou
A monument in the Centre Beaubourg famous for its “inside-out” architecture
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Rue Sainte-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie
A 13th-century street with new energy thanks to the Parisian LGBTQ community
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Cloître des Billettes
One of the last preserved cloisters in central Paris
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Église des Blancs Manteaux
A beautiful church built in 1258 by Saint Louis
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Impasse des Arbalétrier
A medieval dead-end named for a crossbow shooting range
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Rue des Rosiers
The classic photo-worthy street in the Jewish quarter of the Marais
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Bibliothèque de la Ville de Paris
A historic library housed in one of the oldest mansions in the Marais, the Hôtel de Lamoignon
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Hôtel Carnavalet
Featuring the Musee Carnavalet, the city’s top history museum
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La Place des Vosges
One of the oldest squares in Paris, near Victor Hugo’s former home
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Hôtel de Sully Garden
A scenic courtyard in a private mansion
Make this tour private
Book Private TourPlan your trip
Upgrade
Add on a Seine river cruise, good for one year from your tour date.
Tour ending point
Our tour ends at the Saint Paul metro station.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Full Schedule
Reviews
The ExperienceFirst guided tour of Marais in Paris was great. Our guide, Yoan, was informative, friendly, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour!
— OrazioJim
Jo-Anne
Meeting point
Meet in front of building 2 Rue Brisemiche, located next to the Pompidou Center across from the large Dalí mural. (The mural shows the face of a man holding his finger to his mouth).
The guide will be holding an orange sign that says “ExperienceFirst.”
For easier navigation, you can paste this address into Google Maps: 2 Rue Brisemiche, 75004 Paris.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
We cover about 2 miles at a leisurely pace. If mobility is an issue, consider booking a private tour.
How does the Seine cruise upgrade work?
Your guide will give you instructions on where to find the boat. Your ticket is good for a one-hour cruise along the Seine anytime within one year of the date of your tour. Make sure to arrive on time for your Eiffel Tower tour to receive your boat tickets — if you miss your tour, you won’t be able to pick up your cruise tickets. Reservations are not required for the river cruise. Just show up 20 minutes early with your tickets. The boat ride is roundtrip, starting and ending by the Eiffel Tower. Here is a map of the meeting point.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t expected but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
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