Paris Latin Quarter & Left Bank - History Walk (Small Group Tour)
Active
2h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the treasures of the Left Bank of Paris, the city's Latin Quarter & St Germain-des-Prés. This private tour will take you to visit some of the loveliest treasures of the Left Bank.
- The city's oldest church, as well as a later church from the baroque period.
- Roman ruins - the few remaining vestiges of the Romans in Paris including thermal baths & the remains of an arena
- See where the Revolutionaries gathered & plotted their insurrections in 1789.
Commentary provided by a trained historian that will provide insights into the historical & archaeological context of this unique area of Paris.
Please note that school & corporate groups are welcome - I can host up to 40 people on this tour. Group rates are available on demand.
Available options
Latin Quarter Tour
Discover the city's Latin Quarter & St Germain-des-Près. Visit Renaissance mansions, baroque churches & roman ruins. Discover the hidden treasures of the Left Bank.
What's included
Local guide
A tablet is used by the guide to provide photo & video documentation
Private tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We start the tour in this lovingly restored church which just happens to be the city's oldest (parts date from 990AD). After a complete tour of the church itself, we will visit the neighbourhood, seeing one of the city's most charming squares & visiting a local food market.
2
We will visit one of the city's oldest passages, where many of the early Revolutionaries lived - Danton, Marat, Robespierre. We will see the city's oldest café, now a restaurant, where Franklin & Jefferson rubbed shoulders with the French Revolutionaries as well as philosophers such as Voltaire. Napoleon reputedly left his hat when he couldn't pay his bar tab!
3
We will visit the remains of the Roman Baths at Cluny - using video & visual material I explain the history & construction of the baths - showing 3D models.
4
Stop 4
The next stop is at the Luxembourg Gardens, one of the loveliest l parks in the city. It holds 110 statues (including a working model of the Statue of Liberty) & many leisure attractions. The park also holds the Luxembourg Palace (built 1612) now home to the French Senate & the Medici Fountain (built 1630).
5
Stop 5
We will see the Pantheon, a mausoleum to the nation's great. It holds the tombs of philosophers such as Voltaire, Diderot & Rousseau, authors such as Hugo, Dumas & St. Exupéry, as well as scientists such as Pierre & Marie Curie. And we will learn the fascinating story of Foucault's pendulum.
6
Stop 6
We will visit one of the city's loveliest baroque churches with the nation's largest rood screen - a carved 30ft wide stone screen. The church holds other baroque treasures which we will see in detail.
7
We end the tour at the Arenes de Lutece, another roman vestige. I explain the fascinating history & construction of the site using video & other visual support.
What's not included
Entrance fees to museums & monuments are not included
Food and drinks are not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Operated by a bi-lingual guide
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately - bring umbrellas for rain, wear warm clothing in winter, bring bottled water & wear solid walking shoes
All customers must sign a liability waiver before starting the tour
Please note that I am entirely vaccinated
Meeting point
The meeting point is at the entrance to the Church St Germain-des-Près
About Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
€17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Museum
3-4 hours
€17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)
Montmartre
Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Cultural
Half-day
Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.
Historical
Full day
€18-€28 (depending on the pass)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Croissant
A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.
Breakfast
Contains gluten and dairy
Baguette
A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains gluten
Steak Frites
A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat
Crêpes
Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.
Snack/Dessert
Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hot air balloon rides
Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest
Kayaking on the Seine
Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden
Boat tours on the Seine
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a cabaret show
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
- Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center
By train
Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon
By bus
Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot
Getting around
Public transport
The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, G7
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Le Marais
Montmartre
Latin Quarter
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Champs-Élysées
Day trips
Versailles
17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.
Giverny
75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day
Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.
Château de Fontainebleau
55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.
Festivals
Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual)
Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual)
Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
- Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
- Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
- Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
- Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
