Latin Quarter to the Marais Private Tour

3-hour Tour Content

Latin Quarter

The tour starts close to the Panthéon in the heart of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter).

Then, we go to the Luxembourg Garden, which is considered Europe's loveliest garden. In the garden stands "Le Sénat" (the French upper house) in a palace commissioned by Queen Marie de Médicis at the beginning of the 17th century.

The tour then continues with the Odéon (a theater inaugurated by Queen Marie-Antoinette), the Sorbonne Chapel, and the Hôtel de Cluny (one of only two Flamboyant Gothic civil buildings in Paris).

Then come the Saint-Michel, Saint-Germain Boulevards, and the ancient Roman Baths of Paris.

We end our stroll in the Latin Quarter with two amazing churches, Saint-Séverin and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, and then with the iconic Shakespeare & Co. bookstore.

Île de la Cité: the Heart of Paris

This island is well known as the location of Notre Dame, the Paris cathedral, and one of the world's most visited and photographed monuments. (We do not enter Notre-Dame Cathedral.)

But the Cité island is also the historical heart of Paris. During the Ancient Roman era, the south bank of Lutetia was abandoned because of the "barbarian invasions," while the remaining part of the city on the island (Île de la Cité) was fortified. At the beginning of the 4th century, the town lost its name, Lutetia, and became Civitas Parisiorum, later shortened to Paris.

Also on the Île de la Cité is "Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole", a house in the former canons' quarter said to date from 1512, now a restaurant.

We then leave Île Saint-Louis by its eastern end, with a fantastic view of the chevet of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

On the Way to Île Saint-Louis

The footbridge between the Île de la Cité, at the level of Notre-Dame's chevet, and the Ile Saint-Louis is one of the most romantic places in Paris.

You will then enjoy amazing views of Tour d'Argent (one of Paris's most famous restaurants), Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall), and the Gothic Tour Saint Jacques.  We will also admire the Dome of the Pantheon from afar (the building at the beginning of the tour).

The Île Saint-Louis was urbanized at the beginning of the 17th century and is full of prestigious historical private mansions. The island is also famous for being the place of Berthillon, where you can enjoy the best ice creams and sorbets in Paris.

The Marais: Paris Open-Air Museum

The Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church.

Rare Paris Half-Timbered Houses.

Rue Saint-Antoine, the former entrance to Paris.

16th- and 17th-century prestigious private mansions (hôtels particuliers)

Ultimately, if everything goes well, our tour will end at the prestigious Place des Vosges. Initially named "Place Royale", it is the oldest square in Paris and the most famous sight in  Le Marais.

4-Hour Extended Tour Content

The 4-hour extended tour is the same as the 3-hour one, with its four parts (Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, Île Saint Louis, and the Marais). The only difference is that in the 4-hour tour, you have one extra hour to explore some parts of the tour more deeply.

People typically ask for more Île de la Cité (Notre-Dame, outside only) or for a deeper exploration of the Marais.

Just tell your guide your wishes at the beginning of the tour.