The history of the Hebrew community in Paris, and in fact throughout Europe, is rich and complex, and tragic on more than one occasion. From a time centuries ago when there was a Hebrew community in the Paris area before France even existed, through the Medieval period and the rise of anti-Semitism, you’ll take a historical journey through to the present day. On this 2-hour guided walk, your guide will tell you about the main events in the history of the Hebrew community in Paris. Some of the important points were the raids of the French kings, the Dreyfus affair, WWII Nazi occupation, and the Vichy government. You’ll learn about the medieval origins of various superstitions and prejudgments about the Hebrew community. The principal sites you’ll see on the tour include Notre-Dame Cathedral, the memorial to the victims of the Vichy regime, the Pletzl area in the traditional Jewish quarter, the Rue des Écouffes, the Goldenberg Deli, and the Art Nouveau synagogue in the Rue Pavée.

Join your guide for a fascinating walking tour of the charming and historical Ile de la Cite. Start your tour on the Left Bank in the Latin Quarter and pass by the famed bookstore, Shakespeare & Company, a gathering place for the literary legends of the 'Lost Generation'.   Then, see the imposing gothic structure of Notre Dame Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, this magnificent edifice has recently survived a devastating fire, yet she is still standing proudly as the symbol of the city. Learn of her incredible construction and watch history unfold before you, as she readies herself to stand tall for another eight centuries.   Next, enjoy a short stroll through the charming flower market to Sainte Chapelle. Built in the 13th century by King Saint Louis, 80% of the walls are covered by remarkable colored glass windows. Your last visit is to the Conciergerie, built as a medieval palace, but most famous as the prison and last home of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.

Discover everything about Paris in one day with a unique full day private tour. Admire its culture, gastronomy, and history. Let your local host take you to the most authentic places of the city, avoiding the crowds. Feel like a local, as you walk through the most picturesque neighborhoods of Paris. Visit the famous Pantheon, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, where the remains of famous characters from history rest. Cross the romantic Seine River, colored with its artists and its bohemian atmosphere. Don't forget to have a coffee in the mythical round table bars facing the streets. Enjoy an authentic Parisian lunch, a perfect excuse to take a break from walking and to recharge your energy. Journey through the history of the city and see the most important sights of Paris, including the square where Marie Antoinette was beheaded. Pass through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens and the magnificent Louvre Museum, where you will quickly enter, thanks to your skip-the-line tickets. Get all the insights you need to make the most of your time exploring the City of Light.

This in-depth exploration of the histories, myths, legends, and lore hidden behind the stones of Paris’ most interesting neighborhood takes you to the historic Île de la Cité in the heart of the city. From the gothic splendor of the bell towers of Notre Dame that inspired Victor Hugo to create his hunchback bell-ringer, to the dazzling stained glass windows in Sainte Chapelle, you’ll see Paris from several entirely different perspectives, and discover exactly what makes it such a special place. Your day starts with a stroll along the banks of the Seine, where you’ll hear all about the hidden history of this intriguing city, taking in its romantic sights along the way. Following this, it's time for a short wander through the streets of Île Saint-Louis, where you'll get a stunning view of your next stop. As you approach the iconic Notre Dame, your guide will take you back in time hundreds of years to when the mighty cathedral (the distance from which all points in France are measured) was first built and Paris looked very different than it does today. You’ll be taken as close to the majestic landmark as the ongoing restoration will permit you to give you the best views possible. After crossing the river into the historic Latin Quarter, you’ll stroll down meandering, cobblestone streets where you'll hear the stories and learn of the characters—poets, philosophers, artists—that made Paris the City of Light. Then, it's a short walk to the Conciergerie, the oldest remaining part of the Palais de la Cité. This former royal residence of the kings of France became a prison during the French Revolution. You'll enter with pre-reserved tickets and receive a guided tour.* Next, you’ll head to the city’s most beautiful chapel—Sainte Chapelle. This royal chapel was originally built to house relics and today it’s still one of the most jaw-dropping rooms in Paris. It’s also one of the city’s most popular attractions. Luckily, you’ll have skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour* to fully appreciate this remarkable monument. After passing through the tranquil Place Dauphine, your guide will leave you with a special treat—a river cruise along the Seine where you can experience and view Paris and it’s many magnificent buildings from a new vantage point. The cruise will last one hour and has also a live guide on board. *Please note: This tour includes a guided tour of the Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle from April 1, 2023. Tours before this date will visit the magnificent Sainte-Chapelle for self-guided visit. Sites Visited: Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior) Île de la Cité Sainte Chapelle River Seine Place Dauphine Latin Quarter Île Saint-Louis

The churches and cathedrals of Paris Old Town are prime examples of Parisian architecture and art. They are also a witness to the complex history of religion in France, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution and its aftermath. Discover the most important sacred monuments of the City of Lights with a 5-Star Expert Guide. The 2,5-hour tour includes sightseeing in Paris’s Old Town and a visit to 2 churches. The tour begins with a visit to Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, a stunning 12th-century Gothic church located directly across from the Louver Palace. Step inside to admire stained glass, stone sculptures, a Flemish altarpiece and a unique ""churchwarden's pew"". As you explore the church interiors, your Local Guide will entertain you with historical facts and myths about religion in France, including the historic relationship between the King of France and the Pope as well as the reasons for the later separation of the Catholic Church and the State. Take a walk down the picturesque Seine River to see the Saint-Jacques Tower, which is the only remaining part of a 16th-century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. Head to the Ile de la Cité island and see one of the city’s most prominent icons - the Notre Dame Cathedral. Although the cathedral has been closed since the 2019 fire, you can still admire some of the stunning details of its Gothic exterior. Another amazing church on this route will be Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Originally founded in 506, this historic abbey was the center of intellectual life before the French Revolution. Inside this colorful Gothic church you will find tombs of Rene Descartes, Merovingian kings and other notable figures. Choose the 3,5-hour option to visit one more sacred landmark of Paris, the Sainte-Chapelle (Holy Chapel). This extended tour includes skip-the-line tickets to a royal chapel within the medieval Palais de la Cité, a former residence of the Kings of France. Bypass the crowds and enter a small but richly decorated chapel, which is considered among the highest achievements of the Rayonnant period of Gothic architecture. Admire its stunning interiors and learn about the royal chapel’s important role in the political and cultural ambitions of King Louis IX and his successors.

If you want to learn about Paris’s rich history and medieval heritage but are worried about keeping your kids engaged—this is the tour for you. Explore medieval Paris with a private, kid-friendly guide on a fun treasure hunt.   Meet your guide outside the Cité metro station. They’ll be ready with activity booklets for your youngsters that will keep their interest throughout the tour. Acting as detectives, they’ll have to solve an investigation in the medieval neighborhood around Notre-Dame.   Starting at the Notre-Dame in all her Gothic glory, you and your kids will discover architectural details that will take you back in time to the Middle Ages. Your next stop will be the Palais de Justice (the Courthouse), where you'll listen to your guide’s stories about knights and kings who once lived in this former palace. Then, a few blocks away, discover Sainte Chapelle, a true Gothic jewel with 15 stained glass windows.   Hop across the River Seine to wander the natural island of Saint Louis. Spot gorgeous views, explore narrow streets, and get a feel for what a lively Parisian neighborhood is really like.   After your tour, you can’t leave Saint Louis without stopping at Berthillon, the famous Parisian ice cream shop—your kids will be glad you did!