Gourmet Marais

 

The best-preserved medieval area in Paris, the heart of the Jewish community, the centre of the gay scene — the neighbourhood of Marais is as eclectic as the gastronomic treats you’ll try on this tour! Get ready to eat, drink, and explore your way through the city’s gourmet charms!

Join a local guide to discover the enigmatic charms of France’s capital on this enlightening Paris city tour that pairs secret local hangouts with delicious food and wine — a winning combo!

You’ll start your Paris tour in front in front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and then move on to the Hôtel de Ville, the city’s town hall, on the square where public executions were once carried out. Learn about the horrible death of Robert-François Damiens, the infamous man who tried to assassinate King Louis XV.

We’ll then move on to the little tangled streets of the Marais to spot beautiful medieval churches, corbelled houses, and narrow lanes. We’ll also pass by an iconic bakery whose baguette was elected one of the best in Paris.

Next, we’ll visit Rue Saint-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, one of the oldest streets in the Marais, and today the centre of the French gay scene. You’ll learn how this part of city, once sordid, became synonymous with trendy Paris, and a shopping hub for fashionistas and the core of “bobo” culture. While we’re here, we’ll stop and sample a delicious macaron from one of Paris’ most famous pastry chefs.

Just a street away is Rue des Rosiers, the heart of the Jewish community. It’s a vibrant pedestrian street full of falafel stands and delicious Jewish-influenced delis.

Our Paris tour will then take us back to the South Marais, where stands the longest remaining piece of the 12th century defensive wall of Paris. After a walk through impressive Saint-Paul’s church, we’ll stop in a local wine and alcohol store, where we’ll sample some iconic French liqueurs like Cognac, Armagnac, Absinthe, and “Old Plum” brandy. To accompany our drinks, we’ll also taste some delicious French charcuterie treats: one of the best hams in France, pâté, rillettes, and other indulgences.

From there we’ll move on to Paris’ oldest and certainly 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, the 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!

Meeting/pick-up point: In front of Notre-Dame Cathedral, under the statue of Charlemagne. Your guide will be holding a sign.
Duration: Approximately 4 hours.
Start/opening time: 2pm.
End/closing time: Approximately 6pm.
Languages: English.
Drop-off location: Place des Vosges/Bastille