Paris: Le Marais Walking Tour of the Jewish Quarter & Medieval Streets
We trace the story of Le Marais from its medieval walls to grand aristocratic hôtels particuliers, through the vibrant Jewish Quarter and today’s chic boutiques and galleries. Highlights include the Hôtel de Sens, Hôtel de Sully, Place des Vosges, the Musée Carnavalet, and Rue des Rosiers in the historic Pletzl — woven into the charm and elegance that make the district uniquely Parisian.
Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Exit of metro Saint Paul Nearest public transport: Rue de Rivoli metro station; Pont Marie (Île Saint-Louis) metro station
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Paris guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Tucked away behind the famous Notre Dame is a small gem of a neighbourhood where amongst mediaeval architecture, nowhere to be found in the rest of Paris, you can discover the trendiest boutiques and galleries, chic spots for brunch and the best night bars. The area is a home to two distinctive communities: Jewish and LGBT+ and a favourite meeting place for Parisians. Join us to discover Le Marais, a local treasure with tons of stories to tell and flavours to discover.
Its story begins in the 13th century when it was primarily marshland (hence the name “Marais,” meaning “marsh” in French) before being transformed into a district favoured by the nobility in the 16th and 17th centuries. This era saw the construction of opulent mansions and private hotels, such as the Hôtel de Sens and Hôtel de Sully, which exemplify the architectural elegance of the period. Le Marais was spared from Haussmann’s urban renewal, preserving remnants of its illustrious past, mediaeval and renaissance. Over the centuries, Le Marais has been a melting pot of cultural influences, notably becoming a prominent Jewish community hub in the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite facing challenges such as neglect and proposed demolition in the 20th century, preservation efforts have since protected and revitalised the area. Today, Le Marais stands as a cherished emblem of Parisian history, art, and diversity, attracting visitors and locals alike to its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene.
Join our tour to marvel at the architectural masterpieces and explore this unique Parisian neighbourhood. Let us guide you through Le Marais, offering local insider tips on the best eateries, patisseries, museums, and galleries and immerse yourself in the unique vibe of this iconic Parisian neighbourhood.
Highlights
- 1
Musée Carnavalet
The Museum of the History of Paris, deeply intertwined with the district's rich heritage.
- 2
The Pletzl
The historic Jewish quarter, a vibrant cultural hub for Paris's Jewish community since the 13th century.
- 3
Rue des Rosiers
The heart of the Jewish quarter, renowned for traditional delicacies and the city's best falafel.
- 4
Hôtel de Sens
An opulent mansion exemplifying the architectural elegance of Le Marais's aristocratic past.
- 5
Wall of Philippe Auguste
The oldest city wall of Paris, a remnant of the city’s 12th-century medieval fortifications.
- 6
Hôtel de Sully
A magnificent private mansion offering a glimpse into the district’s opulent 17th-century history.
7Place des Vosges
An iconic royal square, a favourite Parisian meeting place and once home to Victor Hugo.
Map
Exit of metro Saint Paul Nearest public transport: Rue de Rivoli metro station; Pont Marie (Île Saint-Louis) metro station
Our customers said about us
Paris
5.0Marais tour with Jay
Very informative and interesting tour with Jay. A lovely way to spend 2 hours in Paris. Highly recommended.
Paris
5.0Excellent
Toto our guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable. Able to answer all questions with patience and a great sense of humor. We enjoyed it impressed
Paris
5.0Really interesting tour by Alastair
I first visited Paris in 1984 and have been back many times since, including spending a year there as an au pair. I saw and learnt so many new things on this 2 hour tour though. Alastair gave us a great overview of the long history of Paris (especially the Jewish quarter) but also the more modern history and culture. Highly recommended!
Paris
5.0Fantastic insight into Paris’ Le Marais district
Thomas (ToTo) was a very knowledgeable, experienced and fun tour guide. We learned and enjoyed Le Marais with him.
Paris
5.0Al
Nor your regular tour guide
The guide (Toto) is intelligent and very well informed: he has repeatedly demonstrated a rare depth of research and love for the regions history and traditions Highly recommended.
Paris
5.0Yossi Aviram
Very Nice
Paris
5.0Elena
Amazing Le Marais tour!!
Our guide Gurvan was very good with great knowledge about Marais and its hidden gems !100% recommended!!
Paris
5.0Liz
High-quality walking tour
Our guide Toto was very knowledgeable, passionate and talented at what he does. A quality tour about a fascinating part of Paris, by a quality guide who is a valuable asset for Walkative. Highly recommended.
Paris
5.0Pablo
Amazing tour
Gurvan was an excellent guide. He had a lot of knowledge about la Marais. He was also entertaining and fun. Knew an answer to every question and showed a lot of hidden gems and told us interesting facts. Just a great tour with an awesome tour guide.
Paris
5.0Alan
Toto was par excellence
Toto was knowledgeable, bright and made Le Marais come to life. He infused his own passion of the area. We were in the district many years ago and - WOW - has it changed. I think it is my favorite part of Paris. Charming, intimate, upscale.
