More about: Top 5 Tours of Le Marais in Paris
Le Marais is a neighbourhood where some of the best things to do in Paris are concentrated, with important museums, many art galleries and cultural activities.
Gastronomy also plays an important role in this beautiful French neighbourhood. You can also shop in its stores and, at night, explore the huge range of gay clubs and bars where fun, diversity and tolerance are the norm. I invite you to discover the best tours of Le Marais and the must-see places if you are in the area.
1. Historical walking tour of Le Marais
Explore one of the most charismatic and authentic neighbourhoods in Paris with this guided tour of Le Marais, a 1.5-hour walking tour through a district steeped in history, art and culture. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will stroll through its cobbled streets and discover iconic spots such as Victor Hugo's residence and the elegant Place des Vosges, one of the oldest and most beautiful squares in the city.
During the tour, you will also visit the heart of the Jewish quarter, where an important part of Parisian cultural heritage is preserved. The tour offers an intimate glimpse into everyday life in Le Marais, combining historical anecdotes with observations of its vibrant contemporary scene. It is an ideal way to connect with the most local side of Paris without straying far from the centre.
Details of interest about this option
- Price: from £35 per person.
- Duration: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Means of transport: this is a walking tour.
2. Gastronomic tour of Le Marais with a local guide: private and personalised
After you book this excursion, you will be contacted to answer a few questions in order to find out your personal tastes and interests and, based on that, assign you the most compatible guide with whom you will organise the itinerary. It is a private tour, just for you and your group, and can be customised according to your gastronomic preferences.
You will visit the art gallery district, as well as the residential area with its spectacular mansions. You will discover bakeries and patisseries and delight in their products.
You will also visit the market, where you can see and try whatever you like. Just tell your guide so that they can organise the best itinerary for you. During the 3-hour tour, you will sample between 6 and 8 foods and two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), which are included in the price. If you like to eat and try new things, I recommend these other food tours in Paris; your palate and stomach will be delighted.
Details of interest for this option
- Price: from approximately £170 per person.
- Duration: around 3 hours.
- Means of transport: this is a walking tour, but if you need to get around, your guide will tell you the best way to do so by public transport or taxi (tickets are not included in the tour price).
- Advantages of this option: it is a customisable and private tour.
- Disadvantages of this option: it is not available in Spanish.
3. Private walking tour of Le Marais with a local, explore its old-world charm
On this100% private and customisable tour, you will explore Le Marais at your own pace, focusing on what interests you and your group the most. When you book this experience, you will be contacted within 24 hours to ask you some questions about your tastes, preferences and expectations. The answers will be used to assign you the guide who is most compatible with you and to start working on the itinerary together.
You can choose which places to visit and how much time to spend at each place. One of the city's most important museums, the Centre Pompidou, is located in Le Marais and is an excellent option to include in the itinerary; although it is currently undergoing renovations, it is worth taking a look at its design.
Details of interest for this option
- Price: from approximately £124 per person.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Means of transport: this is a walking tour, but if you need to get around, your guide will advise you on the best way to do so (tickets are not included in the price).
- Advantages of this option: it is customisable, private and in Spanish.
4. Tour of Paris's pastries and chocolates
On this tour, you will combine the culture and history of Le Marais with the best of Parisian chocolate and desserts. You can choose between two Parisian neighbourhoods: Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Le Marais.
In Le Marais, in addition to discovering the area's rich history dating back to medieval times, you will visit an exclusive selection of patisseries, bakeries and chocolate shops, specially chosen by your local guide who is an expert in gastronomy.
You will sample delicious chocolates, breads and pastries, with tastings included in the price. If, in addition to eating well, you enjoy cooking, don't miss out on the best cooking classes in Paris, where you will learn how to prepare delicious desserts and breads.
Details of interest for this option
- Price: from £114 per person.
- Duration: approximately 3 hours.
- Transport: this is a walking tour with a maximum of 8 participants.
- Advantages of this option: it is in Spanish.
5. Unknown Paris: One-day bicycle tour
This tour is ideal for those who enjoy sports. You will visit Le Marais and other areas such as the Bastille, the banks of the Seine, the Latin Quarter and the secret passageways.
Your local guide will take you to visit the lesser-known places in Paris that only the locals know about. The relaxed pace of the tour makes this a good experience even for those who are not particularly fit.
During the tour, you will stop at the most interesting places with time to take photos. The price of the tour includes bike and helmet rental, but does not include drinks, so you should bring something to drink. If you enjoy cycling, don't miss the opportunity to take one of the other bike tours of Paris.
Details of interest for this option
- Price: from £47 per person.
- Duration: approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Means of transport: bicycle.
- Advantages of this option: you also get to see other areas besides Le Marais.
- Disadvantages of this option: not available in Spanish.
How do I book a tour of Le Marais?
The best way to book a tour of Le Marais or any of the best tours and excursions in Paris is online, through platforms specialising in the sale of tourist packages. There are many options available for excursions and different experiences such as cooking classes, night tours, shows, sporting events, etc.
If you book online, you have the advantage of being able to plan your trip better because you will already know what activities you will have each day of your itinerary. If, on the other hand, you wait to book your tours until you arrive in Paris, you will probably have to alter your plans due to the availability of tour dates.
What are the must-see attractions in Le Marais?
Le Marais is a neighbourhood that has it all: history, culture, gastronomy, shops and nightlife. There are some visits you simply cannot miss. Here are some of them:
The Carnavalet Museum
The Carnavalet Museum is dedicated to the history of the city of Paris from its birth to the present day. Several special temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year.
- Where is it: 23 rue de Sévigné - 75003 Paris
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00.
- Admission price: from €40 per person.
The house of Victor Hugo
This impressive mansion, now a museum, was the home of the famous author of Les Misérables. It was here that he wrote most of his work. The museum also organises temporary exhibitions and workshops for young people. At the
Victor Hugo House Museum, you can explore the main stages of the writer's life through the permanent collection on the second floor.
- Where it is: Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée - 6 place des Vosges - 75004 Paris
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Advance booking is required on +33 (0) 1 42 72 69 46, Monday to Friday, from noon to 1:30pm and from 4pm to 5:30pm, or by email at francoise.lagneaux@paris.fr
- Admission price: from approximately £35 per person.
The Place des Vosges
This is one of the oldest squares in the city and is also considered one of the most beautiful. The shops, bars, cafés and restaurants around the square are open on Sundays, making this an attraction to enjoy any day of the week.
- Where it is: Place des Vosges - 75004 Paris.
- Opening hours: open every day of the week, 24 hours a day.
- Admission price: free for all visitors.
The Picasso National Museum-Paris
The National Picasso Museum-Paris houses the largest collection of Picasso's works in the world, including more than 5,000 works and 200,000 archival objects. Paintings, sculptures and drawings by Pablo Picasso are represented. This museum is undoubtedly a must-see for art lovers.
- Location: 5 rue de Thorigny - 75003 Paris.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 11:30am – 6pm, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30am – 6pm.
- Admission price: from approximately £12.50 per person.
Advantages of taking a guided tour of Le Marais
The Le Marais neighbourhood is one of the most iconic in Paris. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the essence of the city. There is so much to discover in this area, from well-known attractions to hidden gems that only a local can show you.
From art galleries to the best shops, the guides know the best places and can show you around. Le Merais is an area steeped in history, and to learn about the stories that aren't in the books, there's nothing better than hiring someone who knows the place and its secrets. For all these reasons, it's a good idea to take a guided tour of the neighbourhood. Once you've seen the most important sights, you can explore further on your own.