Magpie
4.9(18,764 reviews)

Paris Hidden Marais Tour

From€49
Paris, France

About this activity

Wander Marais, the best-preserved medieval area in Paris. Home to the heart of the Jewish community, Marais is also the centre of the city's LGBTQIA+ community and is known for its open mentality. Try a delicious, sweet meringue, see historic landmarks and enter hidden gardens often overlooked by tourists.

Highlights

  • Wander through the best preserved medieval neighbourhood in Paris
  • Try a delicious merveilleux from a local pastry
  • Discover the centre of the city’s Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities
  • Spot the hidden squares, tucked-away alleyways, local street art, and marvelous churches of Marais

Full description

Local Impact: How you taking this tour will benefit the local community: 
During your tour you will pick up some responsible travel tips from your guide, such as where to find freshwater when you need to fill up your bottle, or where to shop in a sustainable manner. 
Welcome to Marais, in the City of Lights! Marais is a mix of old and new, known for its open mentality that lives side by side with French tradition. You’ll start your walking tour in front of the Centre Pompidou - Europe's largest modern art museum. Meet your local expert guide and then move to the Hôtel de Ville passing the Stravinsky Fountain and some local street art along the way. This building acts as the city’s town hall, located on the square where public executions were once carried out.
As you pass by churches and historic monuments, you’ll also see rainbow boardwalks and how art and freedom also thrive here! This area is known for its open LGBTQIA+ community and Pride always passes by here. Visit the Saint Gervais church just behind the square, getting a glimpse of the beautiful inside interiors, then wander along the little streets of Marais to spot some old medieval churches and corbelled houses dating back to the Middle Ages. Then it’s time to fuel up with a sweet treat. You’ll be treated to something a little different – a delicious meringue known as a ‘merveilleux.’ 
Then it’s on to the Rue des Rosiers – the heart of the Jewish community in Paris. It’s a vibrant pedestrian street full of falafel stands and popular Jewish-influenced delis. Learn a bit about the history and culture of the community here, then head along the Rue de Rivoli to Hotel de Sully, once a hotel particulier (a former private residence of the aristocracy that’s now owned by the State). Pass by the court and the hidden gardens, which are kept open for the public but are often overlooked by tourists, making the area a peaceful oasis. 
From the back of the gardens, follow a passage that takes you to Paris’ oldest and most beautiful square, la Place des Vosges, home of France’s national writer, Victor Hugo. From there, it’s only a short walk to our final destination, La Place de la Bastille. This is a former prison that was captured on July 14, 1789, triggering the French Revolution. The area nearby is full of bars and restaurants, leaving you with plenty of options for carrying on with your evening in the City of Lights! 
We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.
Please note that this tour covers 2 km (1.2 mile) of walking.

Included / Excluded

  • Local English-speaking guide
  • A special pastry called "Merveilleux"
  • Additional food and drink
  • Tips and gratuities for your guide

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity

Reviews

4.9(18,764 reviews)
GetYourGuide
John
Sep 2026
5.0

Exceptional time. Kristi was outstanding. Food was great and interesting facts about NO made it well worthwhile. I will recommend to anyone that I know that is going to New Orleans that they book and take this tour. I would do it again.

GetYourGuide
John
Sep 2026
5.0

Exceptional time. Kristi was outstanding. Food was great and interesting facts about NO made it well worthwhile. I will recommend to anyone that I know that is going to New Orleans that they book and take this tour. I would do it again.

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide traveler
Sep 2026
5.0

We really enjoyed our small group tour with Intrepid. Our tour guide Camella (sp) took us to interesting small bars and shops where the local Venetians meet after work & on weekends. She was very informative and friendly. The variety of food and wine was fantastic. We highly recommend this tour as a first up in Venice.

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