Latin Quarter to the Marais Private Tour

3-hour Tour Content

Latin Quarter

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

Then, we go to Luxembourg Garden, which is considered Europe's loveliest garden. In the garden stands "Le Senat" (French High Chamber) in a palace commissioned by Queen Marie de Medicis 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 Paris's only two civil flamboyante gothic places).

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 for its location of Notre Dame, the Paris cathedral, and one of the world's most visited and photographed monuments. (We do not enter the Notre Dame cathedral.)

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

In Ile de la cité is also "Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole", the oldest Restaurant in Paris (16th century).

We then leave Ile Saint Louis by its east-end side with a fantastic view of the Chevet of Notre Dame Cathedral.

On the Way to Île Saint-Louis

The footbridge between Ile de la Cité at the Notre-Dame Chevet level and 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' 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).

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

The Marais: Paris Open Sky Museum

The Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais Church.

Rare Paris Timber Houses.

Rue Saint Antoine the former entry of Paris.

16th and 17th century prestigious Private mansions (Hôtel particuliers)

Ultimately if every things goes well, our tour will come to its end at the prestigious Place des Vosges, initially named "Place Royale", it is the oldest square of Paris and the most famous sightseeing of  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 more deeply explore some component of the tour.

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

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