From the Left to the Right bank, over the centuries, an anthology of Mansions, Churches and Places
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Balcony of the Ecquevilly Mansion (1786)
Archs by the former “Place Royale” ( 17th C.)
Marie’s Bridge (17th C.)
Mansion of the Abbots of Fécamp (16th C.)
You can be sure you will learn what most Parisians totally ignore when they hurry by these places daily.
Then let’s then walk along the longest, 800 year-old, remains of the Philip Augustus Wall. Why was it built? Were there any dangers from outside? Never mind, our walk takes us peacefully via a charming, picturesque village in the heart of the city.
The former “Place Royale” is attained by passing through two magnificent “Hôtel” - i.e. a private mansion - yards dating from the 17th century.
The Tour ends in the backyard of another “Hotêl”, now a tiny garden offering a close view of the superb wild boars’ heads supporting the balcony.
Passing by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, we cross the river and learn about the Pont Marie (the oldest bridge in Paris after the Pont Neuf). On the right bank, climbing the gentle stairs of a pedestrian street, we admire the apse of a 3rd church and discover half-timbered houses dating from the 15th century.
Next stop is an elm tree, (but why is it one of the very last surviving in Paris and possibly in France?) in the shade of which we will not close any financial deals unlike former Parisians.
Beginning in the student quarter with a private mansion built in the16th century that once housed a famous poisoner. The visit continues around two churches, one showing the remains of a mass grave where a strange medical “première” took place in 1474, the other is one of the smallest and oldest religious sites in Paris nearby the (again) oldest tree in the city.
TOUR 2
All tours are organized in the historical heart of the city and comprise an overview of how Paris evolved: a quick summary takes you from pre-historic times to the 13th century. Tours do not cover the famous tourist monuments such as The Louvre or Notre-Dame but they focus on charming, off-beat places, from the 13th to the 20th century, covering their history and accompanying anecdotes, be they funny or tragic.
Tours are entirely on foot, and last from 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of interest and questions asked. Rain is never a cause for cancellation (although we prefer sunshine to umbrellas!)
The TOURS