Paris Iconic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour

Every year many visitors flock to Montmartre, but most miss out on the authentic hidden side of this special place. Away from the crowds, you can still find the Montmartre of Picasso, Toulouse Lautrec and Van Gogh, where artists lived, drank and painted, exchanging their paintings for food and art supplies. Hear their fascinating stories and those of the raucous cabarets and music halls where the French Cancan was invented. Today Montmartre remains a delightful and typical quarter of Paris, proud of its history and inhabited by Monmartrois who remain passionate about their unique neighborhood. Explore tiny alleyways, evocative cobbled streets and quiet squares, discover a beautiful working vineyard and lively café terraces. See the artist's square, where modern day artists still gather each day to paint and sell their works, and admire the spectacular views over the city from the foot of the Sacré Coeur. Discover the real Montmartre, one of the best-kept secrets in the city.

Not only do the Parisians adore the Marais, most visitors also fall in love with this very special part of the city. Combining centuries of history, splendid architecture, high fashion, world-class museums and art galleries, and an amazing restaurant scene, the Marais is not to be missed! Spared the massive renovations of 19th century Paris, the Marais retains the old-world charm of narrow streets, quiet courtyards and splendid medieval and Renaissance mansions. Discover cutting edge boutiques and hip cafés. Visit the traditional Jewish quarter, where you can taste the best falafel in the city, and don’t forget to check out some of the newest and best pastry shops in the city! Hear stories of jousts, love affairs, treason and revolution, as you stroll through some of the most delightful streets in the city. Dynamic and modern, yet steeped in history and overflowing with charm, the Marais is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of contemporary and historical Paris.

Traditional haunt of writers and scholars, the vibrant and eclectic Latin Quarter is bohemian Paris at its best. Walk in the footsteps of the iconic writers and poets of the Lost Generation writers who lived and wrote in Paris, immortalizing their lives here in print. Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound and Gertrude Stein found their inspiration here, making Paris of the 1920’s the artistic center of the world. Today you’ll discover cobbled streets, quirky bookshops and lively cafés. We’ll take you to the very heart of this delightful neighborhood, past glorious outdoor food markets, tree-lined streets and pretty squares roamed by cats and stylish students. See the Sorbonne University, founded in 1237, and the mighty Pantheon, guarding the remains of France’s most venerable men and women. Witness the ongoing restoration of the iconic Cathedral of Notre Dame as she turns the next page of her long history. The authentic Latin Quarter is packed with history and full of surprises.

Home of literary geniuses, rebellious students and revolutionaries, the captivating stories of this mythical neighborhood can be found down winding streets, in quiet courtyards and on its legendary café terraces. We’ll dive into the fascinating past of this iconic Left Bank neighborhood as we discover the Parisian’s St Germain des Pres, far from the tourist crowds. Here, revolutionary plots were hatched, philosophical and literary debates raged in the cafés, and stylish Parisians danced and made music in underground jazz clubs.The intellectual and artistic elite of Paris flocked here in the 1950’s, bringing together artists, writers, poets and musicians, and the crowded bars and clubs reverberated to the new music of Miles Davis and Sidney Bechet. Today it’s still lively and typical, home to art-house cinemas, art galleries, hip boutiques, bustling street markets and some superb places to shop and eat; a perfect place to stroll and soak up the very Parisian atmosphere.

Join an expert local guide for a fascinating walking tour through the islands of Paris, home to dazzling medieval architecture, splendid renaissance mansions, quiet streets and of course the beautiful banks of the River Seine. See the imposing 13th century gothic structure of Notre Dame Cathedral. Learn of her incredible construction and the mastery of her medieval architects and builders that enabled her to survive the devastating fire. (Note! Entrance to the cathedral is not included). You’ll also see the oldest bridge in Paris, the revolutionary prison of Marie-Antoinette, the flower market and one of the prettiest squares in the city, as well as the riverbanks with their iconic booksellers. Discover the lovely Ile St Louis, an island a world away from the bustle of the city (as well as being home to one of the best ice-cream makers in Paris!), filled with magnificent townhouses and elegant courtyards.