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PARIS 1 TO 8

The Insider's Guide

Unravel the incredible layers of the 2000 years of history that makes the Paris of the 21st century more complex and interesting than the tourists would ever suspect.  Discover the hidden places and hot new spots in each district. 

This new itinerary is the result of literally years of study and is designed for individual travellers who are well beyond being satisfied by the typical tourist traps.  The idea originally came from a very experienced traveller who knew that after years of visiting Paris, he was simply scratching the surface.  He rightly assumed that the vast majority of interesting experiences are unavailable to people who don’t speak French.  His challenge to me was: “I want to stop feeling like a tourist.  I want to see the things you can’t find on your own.  I want to properly understand Paris.” 

Paris 1 to 8 is the response to this challenge.  It is designed to provide the finest conquest of the city since Roman times.  You can throw away the standard guide books and write your own!

The Arrondissements

After the French Revolution, Paris was divided into 12 arrondissements or municipal districts, nine on the Right Bank and 3 on the Left Bank.  They were numbered roughly consecutively from west to east on the Right Bank (1 - 9) and the Left Bank (10 - 13). 

Since 1860, with the extension of Paris (including faubourgs outside the wall of the “Fermiers généraux”) by Napoleon III and Haussmann, there have been 20 arrondissements, spiraling like a snail from the western side of the Ile de la Cité.

Each arrondissement is divided into four “quartiers” (basically the north west, north east, south west and south east sections of each arrondissement).

Parisians tend to identify very strongly with their own quartier, with many seldom venturing far beyond their neighbourhood on a regular basis. 

Come with us and discover the background and diversity of that make Paris a far more complex and interest city than tourists realize.

The Itinerary

Paris 1 to 8 is an introduction, providing an in-depth insight into the inner circle of Paris.

The itinerary can be divided into modules, allowing for a single day in any arrondissement. Half day highlights are also available and there is a huge variety of options available for short walking tours in any quartier or arrondissement.

If you don’t have the time to do the full itinerary, we recommend planning to include at least one day becoming acquainted with a new arrondissement on each trip to Paris.

For travellers who want to transcend the “typical tourist” label, simply becoming well acquainted with the quartier around their hotel or apartment is an invaluable introduction.

If you choose this as a complete itinerary, there is an introduction day to the history of Paris to provide an overview, followed by a full day spent in each arrondissement from the 1st to 8th, discovering the history, places of interest and contemporary hot spots (including shops, restaurants etc).  You will have a detailed map and we will explain the full list of museums as well as doing a “walk through” of the most interesting in each area.

As all our tours are tailor-made, the content can focus on specific areas of interest in each arrondissement.

Introduction to the History of Paris

1. Notre Dame

2.  Palais de Justice  

3. Sainte Chapelle

The introduction starts with the Gallo-Romain and medieval remains of Paris in the archeological crypt under the forecourt of Notre Dame. 

The Île de la Cité was the also site of the original palace of the French Kings.  We can still see authentic vestiges of the royal Capetian palace - the chapel built by Saint Louis (Louis IX) and the Conciergerie built by Philippe le Bel.  The triple fleur-de-lys emblem of the Kings of France is still visible on the massive gate at the front of the courtyard of what is now the Palais de Justice.

We then move across the river to the Louvre, originally built under Philippe Auguste (Philippe II) at the beginning of the 13th century as reinforcement to the city’s defences outside the wall.  It was transformed into a sumptuous royal residence under Charles V in the 14th century.  The foundations of the medieval Louvre are a must see.

4.  Conciergerie

5.  Palais de Justice

6.  The Louvre

PICTURE DETAILS -

1. Notre Dame Forecourt - Although there is usually a long line of people waiting to see inside the cathedral, they don’t notice they are standing above one of the most interesting historical sites in Paris.  Marked on the ground is the outline of the medieval streets, houses and churches that once stood there.  Visit the Crypte Archéologique and you will see the foundations, as well as remains from Roman times. Look for the bronze plaque which is Point Zero to calculate all distances from Paris
2. Palais de Justice -  The symbols of French royalty (crown, triple fleur-de-lis etc) on the gates are exactly as they stood there in the time of Louis XVI.  A palace and court have existed here since the 4th century, but it became the permanent residence of the Capetian kings almost 900 years ago.
3. Sainte Chapelle -  Saint Louis (Louis IX) was living in the palace his grandfather had built when he decided to replace the old chapel and build a reliquary chapel for the relics of Christ he had purchased.  The chapel, built between 1242 and 1248, was on two levels with the upper chapel linked directly to his private quarters by a gallery.  The splendour of the stained glass windows makes the visit here unforgettable.
4. The Conciergerie -  was built at the beginning of the 14th century, by Louis IX’s grandson Philippe le Bel.  The 64 meter long Salle des Gens d’Armes was used to accommodate the king’s household and is the largest remaining vestige of a medieval hall in Europe.  It became a prison in 1392 when Charles V moved his residence from the Palais de la Cité to the Hôtel St-Pol (now 4th arrondissement).  During the Revolution, it was known as the “Antichamber of Death” and today we can visit the site of the cell occupied by Marie-Antoinette in 1793.  The Conciergerie remained a prison until 1914.
5. Palais de Justice -  When Charles V moved his residence to the Right Bank, the centre of his administration remained at the Palais de la Cité, making it the centre of the judicial system.  Reconstructed because of numerous fires over the century, the building houses the Court of Cassation and the Court of Appeals.  The monumental staircase at the front of the building replaced the staircase originally leading to Philippe le Bel’s palace and the courtyard (Cour de Mai) is where Marie-Antoinette’s cart left to take her on her final journey from the prison to the guillotine.
6. The Louvre -  Originally built around 1200 by Philippe Auguste as a fortress outside the wall, it was transformed into a royal palace by Charles V in the middle of the 14th century.   During the Renaissance, two wings of the original medieval palace were demolished to build a new, more impressive royal residence as the Louvre became the seat of power for the French Kings.  Over the centuries, the French kings and emperors (both Napoleon and Napoleon III) extended the Louvre, making it the biggest palace in Europe.

 

Paris 1

1. The Louvre

2.  Place Vendome

3. Tuileries Garden

The true heart of Paris, the original centre of power.  The tour covers 1000 years of French history, starting on the site of the Palais de la Cité, residence of the first Capetian Kings, with a walk through the Conciergerie.  The royal presence is represented by the Louvre, site of the Tuileries Palace and Garden, Palais Royal and Place Vendôme.  It contrasts with the “stomach of Paris” established at Les Halles in the 12th century with its lively gourmet shops still maintaining the tradition

4. Palais Royal

5.   Arts Decoratifs  

6. L'Escargot

PICTURE DETAILS

1. The Louvre - The former residence of the Kings of France is now the most visited museum in the world.  It would take literally months to examine the 35,000 objects exhibited.  Most tourists are happy to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, but we recommend you venture further.  Don’t miss the Napoleon III apartments and check out the Empire and Restoration furniture and objects around the corner, such as the Duchess of Berry’s OTT dressing table.
2. Place Vendôme -  Paris property development during the reign of Louis XIV, whose statue graced the centre of the square until the Revolution and now home to prestige boutiques (Chanel, Cartier) and the Ritz Hotel.  The column was erected in 1810 using the bronze from Russian and Austrian cannons captured by Napoleon’s army at Austerlitz.  Napoleon’s statue stands at the top of the column.
3. Tuileries Garden - Although the Tuileries Palace no longer exists, its 25 hectare garden is a restful oasis in the centre of Paris.  The original 16th century Italian garden of Catherine de Medici’s Tuileries Palace was replaced by Le Nôtre in 1664 and this French style garden remains much the same today. Both the Palace and the garden witnessed many important historic events as the Palace remained a royal residence (and Imperial residence under both Napoleon I and Napoleon III) until it was destroyed in the Commune’s fires in 1871.
4. Palais Royal   - Originally built by Richelieu (Palais Cardinal) to be close to King Louis XIII at the Louvre.  Louis XIV’s mother preferred it to the Louvre and when she moved there with her two sons, it was renamed Palais Royal.  Louis XIV gave it to his brother Philippe, Duke of Orleans and it remained in his family until the 19th century.  It houses unusual boutiques (La Petite Robe Noire is one of my favorite Paris shops) and restaurants including historic “Le Grand Véfour”.  The rich (often scandalous!) history of Palais Royal makes it a favorite for guided tours.
5. Arts Décoratifs -  This museum, situated in the west wing of the Louvre, deserves to be on everyone’s “must see” list.  The full visit takes you in chronological order from the Middle Ages through to today, with a fascinating display of furniture, paintings and objects.  We love the period rooms, especially Jeanne Lanvin’s boudoir and the spectacular courtesan’s bed, said to have been Zola’s inspiration for “Nana”.
6. Les Halles, rue Montorgueil - Les Halles was known as the “stomach of Paris” since the central food markets were set up there in the 13th century.  Rues Montmartre and Montorgueil continue the tradition with a great variety of “foodies” stores.  The restaurant L’Escargot d’Or was set up at 38 rue Montorgueil in 1832.  Over the years it has welcomed an impressive list of VIP’s including Marcel Proust, Salvador Dali and Jackie Kennedy.  L’Escargot still has the golden snail (dating from the Second Empire). 

 

Paris 2

1. Rue Montorgueil

2.  Galerie Vivienne

3. Place des Victoires

The arrondissement of contrasts.  Geographically the smallest, its diversity is stunning - from the financial district in the west and the chic rue de la Paix, the elegant Galerie Vivienne, original national library and the theatres to the foodies’ favorite (rue Montorgueil) and the bustling garment district by way of historic passageways and amazing architecture.  Extending from the upmarket fashion boutiques of Place des Victoires, you’ll discover the best of the furnishing fabrics in Rue du Mail.  This arrondissement is also where you’ll find the oldest (700 years old) toilet in Paris!

4. Rue de la Paix

5.   Tour Jean Sans Peur  

6.  Reamur Metro

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Rue Montorgueil -  This busy “foodies” street starts at Les Halles in the 1st arrondissement and continues into the 2nd arrondissement.  It is a favorite for people who love the market atmosphere.
2. Covered Passages -  Most of the famous Covered Passages of Paris are found in the 2nd arrondissement.  The best know is the beautiful Galerie Vivienne, next to the Galerie Colbert and close to the Passage de Choiseul.  I also love the bustling Passage des Panoramas.  The Passage de Cairo in the garment district is the oldest still existing.
3. Place des Victoires - Marks the border of the 1st and 2nd arrondissements.  Stylish fashion boutiques surround the equestrian statue of Louis XIV.  Leading off the Place des Victoires, you’ll find a major cluster of decorator showrooms specializing in furnishing fabrics in rue du Mail (e.g. the Pierre Frey flagship boutique is at no. 27).
4. Rue de la Paix -  The extension of Place Vendôme, rue de la Paix leads directly to the Opera Garnier.  Along this prestige street you will find the top manufacturers of fine jewellery including Cartier’s flagship boutique where Louis Cartier’s original office is now part of the VIP showroom.  At No. 22 you’ll find the gorgeous ballet boutique set up 50 years ago by Rose Repetto.
5. Tour Jeans Sans Peur   -  This is one of my favorite historic sites, (with the oldest toilet in Paris!) The 21 meter high tower was built around 1410 and is the last vestige of the Paris residence of the Dukes of Burgundy.  There are excellent medieval exhibitions there (unfortunately only in French) and the pictures on display give an insight into life in the period.
6. Rue Réaumur -  Art Nouveau entry to Reaumur metro station, designed by Guimard in 1904.  The extension of the street was created at the end of the 19th century.  Most of the land was purchased by bulk fabric merchants and a new type of architecture utilizing iron, stone and glass was used to meet their needs, particularly for increased natural light in the manufacturing areas.  In order to encourage new initiatives in architecture, competitions were held and many of the winning designs are found in rue Réaumur, which can be likened to an early 20th century “La Défense”.

Paris 3

1. Place des Vosges

2.   Arts et Metiers  

3.  Hotel Soubise

The historic Marais.  The northern part of the Marais was given to the Templars who established a self contained city outside the walls of Paris.  During the 16th and 17th centuries, the “marshlands”, which had been used for the cultivation of fruit trees, vegetables and aromatic plants, became the site of the new private residences of the great aristocratic Parisian families.  These now house some of the most interesting museums in Paris including Carnavalet (the Museum of the History of Paris), Hôtel Soubise (now the National Archives) and Hôtel Salé (Picasso Museum).

4.  Carnavalet

5.  Temple 

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Place des Vosges -  Marks the border of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, with the Pavilion of the Queen in the 3rd.  This was Henri IV’s property development and is still one of the most prestigious residential addresses in Paris. 
2. The Conservatory of Arts and Métiers -  the first scientific and technical museum in Europe, was founded in 1794.  It has 40,000 objects on exhibition.
3. Hôtel Soubise -  Built in 1700 by the Prince of Soubise, this former hôtel particulier is now part of a complex which houses the National Archives.  In addition to themed exhibitions, it is possible to visit some of the original rooms, including the princess’« chambre de parade » with décor dating from the 1730’s.
4. Carnavalet -  The Museum of the History of the City of Paris is not to be missed!  The diversity of displays covers 2000 years of Paris life.  History buffs love it and there is no history themed tour which is complete without a visit here.  It is also a major attraction for people interested in French interior décor with its wonderful selection of room recreations throughout various periods.
5. Temple “emplacement” -  This peaceful garden in front of the 3rd arrondissement’s Town Hall is in the place once occupied by the Temple Palace.  The site was part of the marshland which had been converted in 879 into a “marais” - a place to grow vegetables and aromatic plants.   The Order of the Temple was given this land in the 13th century, which they surrounded by a wall and defended with a 50 meter high keep.  It was in this keep that Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were imprisoned before their execution during the Revolution.  Napoleon ordered its demolition in 1808 but you can see the outline of the tower marked out on the street in front of the town hall.

Paris 4

1. Pompidou Centre

2.  Hotel De Ville

3. Philippe Auguste's Wall

The best preserved ancient quartiers of Paris, including the right bank (Hôtel de Ville, Marais and the Jewish Quartier) and across the Seine to Notre-Dame and Île Saint-Louis.

Stepping back in time from the contemporary Pompidou Centre, through the successive sites of royal residences from medieval times around the village St Paul and Place des Vosges, via the patrician Île Saint-Louis with its brilliantly preserved houses dating from the early l7th century, we finish the day back at the historic birthplace of Paris, the “Cité” at the “crypte archeologique” beneath the forecourt of Notre-Dame.  The maquette of Paris during Roman times is the perfect introduction to the 5th arrondissement.

4.  Ile St Louis

5.  Village St Paul  

6.  Notre Dame

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Pompidou Centre -  President Georges Pompidou wanted to create an original cultural institution for modern and contemporary design, where the plastic arts rubbed shoulders with music, cinema, design, books etc.  The Centre opened in 1977 and is now the third most visited institution in France after the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
2. Hôtel de Ville -  Built on the former “Place de Grève”, this site has been the political centre of the city of Paris since Etienne Marcel established the municipal administration headquarters here in 1357 (his statue dominates the Seine façade).  Construction of original Hôtel de Ville commenced under François I in 1533 and took a century to complete. Like many landmark buildings, it was destroyed by the Commune’s fire in 1871.  The winning design from the competition for rebuilding was an imitation of the original Renaissance building and the façade was reconstructed between 1873 and 1883.
3. Philippe Auguste’s wall -  To protect Paris from invasion during his absence due to the Crusades, Philippe Auguste had a huge wall built around the city. The wall enclosed 253 hectares (most of Paris at the time, as well as some uninhabited land, meadows, vineyards and little hamlets). The 5 km long wall was 3 meters thick at the base and 2.3 meters thick at the top.  It was 9 meters high counting the parapet.  It was flanked by a round tower about every 70 meters.  The best preserved section of this original wall can be seen in the 4th arrondissement at the back of Village Saint-Paul.
4. Ile St Louis -   Originally two islands, Ile Notre-Dame and Ile des Vaches (an uninhabited island serving as pasturage for cows).  Houses were constructed between 1618 and 1660.  Most of those along the Seine were built by wealthy financiers, parliamentarians, magistrates etc and the elegant private residences resulted in the nickname “Island of the Palaces”.
5. Village St Paul -  This area between the Seine and rue Saint-Antoine is a labyrinth of little courtyards and alleys containing an interesting assortment of boutiques and is well known for antiques.
6. Notre Dame -  Although situated on Ile de la Cité, the cathedral is in the 4th arrondissement since the island was divided into two administrative districts in 1860.  Since construction commenced in the 12th century, many important historic events have taken place here including Napoleon’s coronation as Emperor of the French.

Paris 5

1. St Michel Fountain

2.  Great Mosque

3. Lady & Unicorn Tapestry

The Latin Quarter, heart of the “University”.  The vestiges of the original Gallo-Roman city when Paris was called Lutèce (Lutetia) are still visible (and visitable!) at the “Thermes” and “arènes”.  Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, established her abbey on the “mountain” which bears her name and is now the site of the Pantheon.  The centre of learning since the 12th century (in the 13th century Robert de Sorbon established his college here), it became known as the “latin quarter” because it was the language commonly used by the students who had come from many countries.  From the Saint-Michel fountain, along the Seine to the Jardin des Plantes, from the Mosque to the lively rue Mouffetard, this area is a favorite for locals doing walking tours.

4. Pantheon

5.  Tour d'Argent (Caviste)  

6.  The Sorbonne

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Saint-Michel fountain -  One of the best known meeting places on the Left Bank, the fountain is at the Seine end of the famous Boulevard St-Michel.  Part of Haussmann’s plan for allowing more light and air into Paris, the “place” needed a list aesthetically and this fountain depicting the Archangel Michael slaying the Devil has been there since 1860.
2. The Great Mosque of Paris -  This was the first mosque in Paris.  It was built after WWI as a thank you to the soldiers from French colonies who had fought in the war.  The decision was made following the Battle of Verdun in 1916 in which 28,000 Muslims died fighting for France.  Artisans from North Africa were brought in to do the decoration using traditional materials.  It is a large complex which has a salon de thé situated near the Jardin des Plantes.
3. Cluny Museum of the Middle Ages -  The Medieval Museum is housed in the former Paris residence of the Cluny Abbey, dating from the 15th century.  It was originally constructed leaning against the remains of the Gallo-Roman thermal baths dating from the 1st to 3rd centuries.   Founded in 1843 by a passionate amateur collector the former residence now houses a unique collection of art and objects, including the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestries.
4. The Pantheon -  Originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris, it was completed at the start of the French Revolution.  The government changed the function from a church to a mausoleum for "the great men from the grateful homeland"). As it is such an honor to be buried there, entrance is only allowed by a parliamentary act for “National Heroes”.  Among those buried there are Voltaire, Rousseau, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Emile Zola, Louis Braille and its architect Soufflot.  Marie Curie is one of only two women  buried there.
5. La Tour d’Argent -  The Restaurant de la Tour d’Argent dates from 1582 and claims that the fork was officially consecrated there by Henri III.  Throughout the centuries, it was a favorite dining spot for some of the most famous names in French history.  Since 1890 they have been numbering every duckling, a tradition that continues for diners today.  The wine list and cellar are world famous.
6. The Sorbonne -  Part of the University of Paris, this historic building derives its name from the Sorbonne College founded by Robert de Sorbon in 1257.  Cardinal Richelieu, a former student of La Sorbonne, rebuilt it at the beginning of the 17th century and included a magnificent chapel which housed his tomb.  This chapel is now used by the university for functions.  The current building along rue St-Jacques dates from the end of the 19th century.
 
 

Paris 6

1. Shopping

2. Place Michel Debre   

3.  Cafe de Flore  

The chic district.  Including the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens surrounding the palace built by Marie de Medici (now the French Senate), this elegant area was the home of patrician Parisians 2000 years ago and so it remains today.  Continuing the tradition of the ancient Marché Saint-Germain, the district has a rich array of designer boutiques, antique dealers and markets.  Famous cafés (Procope, Deux Magots, Café de Flore) are still popular haunts.

4.  Luxembourg Palace

5.  St Germain  

6.  Luxembourg Gardens 

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Left Bank Shopping - Tucked away behind the St-Germain-des-Prés church you’ll find the charming Place de Furstenburg with a variety of prestigious decoration and design boutiques including Flamant (pictured).  The surrounding streets (Jacob, Bonaparte and Saint-Pères) are also filled with interesting décor and antique stores and galleries.
2. More Left Bank Shopping -  On the other side of Boulevard St-Germain, you’ll find a huge of boutiques.  The Centaur at Place Michel Debré sits right in the centre of a mind boggling variety of shoe stores in the streets radiating in each direction.  The most upmarket boutiques are found in rue de Grenelle, but you’ll also have a lot of fun exploring rue du Cherche Midi.
3. Famous Cafés -  In the second half of the 20th century, this section of St-Germain became known as the intellectual hub of Paris thanks to the writers and philosophers who regularly met at the cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.  The cafés are still a favorite spot for people watching and you’ll often hear the jazz bands St Germain is also famous for.
4. Luxembourg Palace -  In 1615 Marie de Medici, then widow of Henri IV and mother of the King Louis XIII, commissioned Salomon de Brosse to build her a private residence.  A native of Florence, she wanted a style reminiscent of the Pitti Palace.  It is now the occupied by the French Senate.
5. Saint-Germain-des-Prés -  The original church after which the quartier is named is the oldest in Paris, originally dating from the 6th century.  During the Middle Ages the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés owned most of the area.  After the Revolution, only the church remained (the square Romanesque tower dates from early 11th century).  It was Haussmann who created the famous Boulevard St-Germain, now known for the chic designers and cafés.  The area between the boulevard and the Seine still has a number of the original small streets. This square facing the church has now been renamed for Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, two of the famous intellectuals who frequented the cafes there.
6. Luxembourg Gardens - A large section of the garden surrounding the original palace still remains and is open to the public.  It is beautiful in any season (autumn is particularly spectacular) and no visit to Paris is complete without spending some time there.  Wander around admiring the colourful flower beds and wide variety of sculptures, or watch the locals playing chess, bridge or petanque.  Joggers love it and there are also tennis courts and basket ball courts.  For the children there are sandpits, play equipment, pony rides and a puppet theatre.

 

Paris 7

1. Musee d'Orsay

2. Rodin Museum

6.  Napoleon's tomb

The « noble » faubourg.  The vast domain which had been the property of the Saint-Germain abbey became the new “in” place for the aristocrats to build their mansions from the end of the 17th century.  Following the French Revolution, these dwellings became government property including the former Bourbon Palace, which now houses the National Assembly.  With various ministries and embassies occupying these palatial residences, the 7th has been called “Washington on the Seine”.  The Hotel des Invalides with Napoleon’s tomb and the Eiffel Tower on the former training ground of the Ecole Militaire (Champ de Mars) are the main tourist attractions .

4.  Assemblee Nationale

5.  Eiffel Tower

6.  Alexander Bridge

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Musée d’Orsay - In 1900 Gare d’Orsay was inaugurated as the Paris terminus for the Orléans Railway Company and it remained a station for 40 years. Threatened with demolition in 1976, the building was saved by a project supported by three consecutive French Presidents, resulting in the opening of the museum in 1986.  Although widely known for its collection of Impressionist paintings, the museum displays all forms of arts, displayed in chronological order from 1848 to 1914.
2. Rodin Museum - In the superb Hôtel Biron and its lovely gardens, you’ll find the Rodin Museum., housing the sculptor’s collection including his famous works - “The Thinker” and “The Kiss”.
3. Napoleon’s Tomb, Les Invalides - Napoleon’s tomb was placed in the Church of the Dome, originally built as the private royal chapel at Les Invalides.  Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, the Hôtel des Invalides housed up to 3000 aged and ill army veterans. 
Part of the complex continues its original vocation as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans but the main building now houses the Army Museum.
4. Assemblée Nationale - The Palais Bourbon was originally built for the Duchess of Bourbon, Louis XIV’s legitimized daughter with Mme de Montespan.  Like most of the former aristocrats’ residences in the area, it was nationalized during the French Revolution.  Napoleon had the portico added to the front, which mirrors the Madeleine Church on the other side of the Seine.  It is now the seat of the French National Assembly.
5. Eiffel Tower - Built for the 1889 International Exhibition, this tower was originally meant to be a temporary structure.  Many of the most noted French figures of the time were vehemently opposed to Gustave Eiffel’s winning design.  The Tower was saved from demolition in 1909 because its antenna was used for telegraphy and it is still used by French radio and television today. The best known symbol of Paris, it is also the most visited (paying) monument in the world.  The almost 7 million visitors in 2007 brought the total number since 1889 to more than 236 million.
6. Alexander Bridge and Les Invalides - Arguably the most beautiful of the Seine’s many bridges is the Pont d’Alexandre, leading from Place de la Concorde to the Left Bank.  Named after the Russian Tsar Alexander, tradition has it that couples who make a wish and kiss on the bridge while a boat passes below will have their dream come true.

Paris 8

1.  Arc de Triomphe  

2. Nissim de Camondo

3.  Parc Monceau  

The “image” of Paris.  The Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Place de la Concorde, along with the luxury fashion designers in rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré and avenue Montaigne represent the quintessential international image of France.  The renowned gourmet merchants (Fauchon, Hédiard), the beautiful porcelain, silver and crystal manufacturers and fabulous hotels such as the Crillon, Meurice, Four Seasons etc (called “palaces” in Paris) are all found in the 8th in close proximity to the Elysée Palace, official residence of the French president.  Former residences of wealthy Parisians which have been preserved as museums (Nissim de Camondo, Jacquemart André) allow us to experience the “luxe” heritage of this unique city .

4.  Madeleine Church

5.  Laduree, Champs-Elysees

6.  Place de la Concorde

PICTURE DETAILS

1. Arc de Triomphe - At the top of the Champs Elysées, this famous triumphal arch was commissioned by Napoleon after the victory of Austerlitz in 1806. With regime changes, it took 30 years to complete.  It is now a monument honoring those who fought for France and underneath the arch we find an eternal flame at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
2. Nissim de Camondo - Moise de Camondo’s mansion at 63 rue de Monceau contains his outstanding collection of 18th century furniture and objects.  It also provides an interesting insight into the private home of a wealthy individual in the early 20th century.  The mansion and its entire collection were bequeathed to the Arts Décoratifs museum in 1935 and it is named in honour of his son Nissim de Camondo.

3.

 Parc Monceau - The Duke of Chartres’ trend setting18th century garden featured a series of very fashionable « follies » in this “garden of illusion”.  The City of Paris purchased the 18 hectare property in 1860 and sold 10 hectares to financiers, who in turn sold lots, allowing for the construction of the luxury buildings and opulent private dwellings (such as Nissim de Camondo) surrounding the park.
4. Madeleine Church - The church, designed to provide a suitable backdrop for the Place de la Concorde (then Place Louis XV) at the end of rue Royale, had only its foundations and portico (which became the inspiration for the façade of the Palais Bourbon) when the Revolution arrived. For some years, there was debate over what should be done with the building until Napoleon decided it should become a Temple to the Glory of the Great Army in 1806.  During the Restoration, Louis XVIII decided the neo-classical style temple should become a church dedicated to Marie-Magdalene.  The July Monarchy considered other plans for the building before finally consecrating it as a Catholic church in 1842.
5. Ladurée - Champs-Elysées - The well known salon de thé has a beautiful (Jacques Garcia designed) restaurant on one of the most famous streets in the world.  The 2 km Avenue des Champs-Elysées (Elysian Fields) is the most expensive real estate in Europe.
6. Place de la Concorde - Originally this large square was designed to house an equestrian statue of Louis XV.  Renamed Place de la Revolution, it became the setting for the guillotine, where both Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were executed.  The obelisk, which stands in the centre between two fountains, was given to France by the viceroy of Egypt in 1831.  The 3300 year old obelisk was originally at the entrance of the Luxor Temple.

 

More information

As this itinerary is completely flexible, there are no fixed departures or prices.  Complete Paris 1 to 8 tours are available continuously from June 2009.  Given the necessity of an incredibly deep and diverse knowledge of  French history combined with an intimate knowledge of each quartier, we have a very limited number of specialist experts available.  This is not your average “walking tour”!  Therefore, bookings are accepted subject to availability.

Cost depends on inclusions such as:

Accommodation - you can organize this yourself or we can do it for you.  If you want to do the full itinerary (or at least, four days), we recommend you consider staying in an apartment to allow you to feel less like a tourist.  We can start with a discovery tour of your own quartier, introducing you to the best places to buy your own supplies etc.

Transport -  as with accommodation, we believe it is best to do Paris like a Parisian and we generally use public transport (mainly buses so you can actually see where you are) or walk.  However, some clients for various reasons, some clients prefer to use private limo transport.  In Paris this is expensive, but for people with limited time or mobility, it is a good option.

We are happy to provide you with a quote for an itinerary specifically designed to suit you.  Contact us directly or see your travel agent.

Click here to download the brochure in PDF