5.0(4 reviews)
Marais Highlights & Bakery Tour
From€59
3 hours
Paris, France
About this activity
Discover the Marais district's rich history, visit Place des Vosges, explore Victor Hugo's former residence, and enjoy authentic French pastries on this guided walking tour.
Highlights
- Explore Marais district's rich history
- Visit the iconic Place des Vosges
- Discover Victor Hugo's former residence
- Savor authentic French pastries
- Learn about Parisian bakery traditions
Full description
Immerse yourself in the charm of Paris's Marais district on this engaging walking tour. Wander through its narrow streets, uncovering tales of its storied past, and visit the stunning Place des Vosges, the city's oldest planned square. Step into the world of Victor Hugo by exploring his former residence, now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Along the way, indulge in delectable French pastries, learning about the art of baking that has been perfected over centuries. This tour offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, providing a memorable Parisian experience.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Marais district
- Visit to Place des Vosges
- Bakery tasting experience
- Transportation to meeting point
Itinerary
1
Meet your guide at this historical meeting spot at the Elm tree. Enter through its classical facade from 1624, and exit through the 1494 medieval back, stepping straight into the Marais of another era. A true time machine.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: YES
2
Stop by the magnificent Hôtel de Beauvais. Built as a reward for Catherine Bellier, Queen Anne’s confidante who guided Louis XIV’s sexual ‘education.’ Mozart’s youthful notes still echo in its stones.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
3
L’Hôtel de Sens, a rare medieval mansion in Paris, features turrets, Gothic windows, and a dramatic history. It was the site of Queen Margot’s lover’s assassination by a rival, who was executed on the spot three days later.
Duration: 7 minAdmission: NO
4
The Wall of Philippe Auguste was built in the 12th century to protect the city. Stretching over 5 kilometres, it marks the boundary of medieval Paris and offers a glimpse into the city's early defences.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Discover Village Saint-Paul, a charming hidden gem in the Marais. With its narrow alleys, cobblestone streets, and mix of art galleries and antique shops, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide captivating stories about the history and evolution of the Marais, from its aristocratic beginnings to its current status as one of Paris’ trendiest and most artistic districts. You’ll hear about famous residents, political intrigue, and the district’s transformation into a cultural hotspot. Stop by at Jim Morrison’s last residence where he was found dead at 27 years old.
Duration: 11 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Visitors will be captivated by its striking Baroque façade before stepping inside to discover a breathtaking interior filled with soaring ceilings, intricate details, and beautiful artwork. It’s a serene space where history and art come together.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: YES
7
Get a glimpse of Parisian aristocracy at the Hôtel de Sully, a magnificent 17th-century mansion with a stunning classical facade and a peaceful courtyard.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
Step into Place des Vosges like a 17th-century aristocrat as we use Hôtel de Sully’s private access and discover the stunning Place Royale. Once the heart of Parisian high society, it was the gathering spot for the courtiers of Louis XIV. As you walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets, your guide will introduce you to the key highlights, including the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris, known for its perfectly symmetrical architecture and lush greenery.
Duration: 7 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
Immerse yourself in the private home of one of France’s greatest writers. Explore personal artifacts, rich décor, and the inspiring views that influenced his iconic works, like Les Misérables.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: YES
10
Stroll through Rue des Rosiers, the heart of the Jewish Quarter, discovering historic synagogues, charming boutiques, and the vibrant food scene. As you stroll through the neighbourhood, you’ll venture into the Jewish Quarter, where your guide will share the deep cultural significance of the area. Here, you’ll visit Rue des Rosiers, a lively street filled with artisan shops, cafes, and delicious food stalls, reflecting the multicultural essence of the Marais. Enjoy a truly french waffle. Waffles were eaten by all segments of society, from peasants to kings. They were cooked over an open fire between iron plates with long handles, and over time irons became deeper, and gradually the wafer became the waffle, or the gaufre, as the French called it.
Duration: 25 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
The tour concludes at the Musée Carnavalet, where you'll receive tickets to explore Madame de Sévigné’s house at your own pace. Discover the rich history of Paris as you explore the museum's 17th-century mansion and its fascinating exhibits on the city’s past.
Duration: 1h 10mAdmission: YES
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour is conducted in English
- Photography is allowed in most areas
- Meeting point details will be provided upon booking
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Bring a bottle of water
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
- Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
- Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
- Note for guests who booked Sainte-Chappelle entry. Please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
- Not suitable for guests with special dietary requirements and food allergies
- Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
Traveler reviews
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Becky tour guide
Have an Amazing tour with Becky our tour guide . Walking around the Marais and discovering the history of Paris from old streets to modernity . Visited Musée Carnavalet. Thanks Becky you did Amazing! We loved the tour.
liznatalylApr 7, 2026TRIPADVISOR
A good tour of the Marais district
It was a very rewarding experience, full of discoveries with our guide who was very friendly and competent!
816dorianrAug 16, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Enjoyed the tour
Lot of interesting French History stories. Becky is really attentive and professional with extensive knowledge about Marais history.
Nobuhiko KJul 11, 2025TRIPADVISOR
A wonderful tour
Becky was an outstanding guide. She was professional and knowledgeable. The tour was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
proudg2016May 18, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
Note for guests who booked Sainte-Chappelle entry. Please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
Not suitable for guests with special dietary requirements and food allergies
Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders