Paris is well known for its international, world class museums. And certainly a week in the city could be filled exploring one museum after another art gallery, all the while experiencing some of the most extraordinary objects and artefacts from all over the world. The city is equally well known, however, for its fascinating past, histories and events that have often had wide-reaching influence. Many visitors come to Paris to see the sites associated with this history.
The ceiling of the lower chapel in Saint Chapelle, one of the Gothic gems of Paris.
Most of us know about the French Revolution of 1798. When we visit Paris then, many of use want to see the Bastille we have heard so much about. There are, however, many more points of interest associated with the French Revolution to see. And one way to see more of these sites, and so learn so much more about the French Revolution, or any other event in Paris’s past for that matter, is to take a guided tour. Or, if you prefer going at your own pace, find yourself an itinerary and follow a self guided tour for a period that interests you. Here are our top picks of the best history related guided tours on offer in Paris, as well as a few itineraries for specific archaeological and historical themed self-guided tours.
Whether you have a day or two or a week or more, from the incredible range of organised tours and activities on offer you will certainly find something that interests you. Whether a few hours on a bike in Paris or Versailles, a hop-on-hop-off bus, or a walking tour of the Marais District, have a look at this incredible list of things to do in Paris. Three of the most popular attractions feature heavily – with some truly wonderful experiences for you to sign up to: Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Versailles. Drill down into these lists and there are so many more experiences awaiting you. Local tour guides just know the city better, and so here are a few walking tours that stick out, for what they offer and their positive reviews:
If none of these take your fancy, get a private guide to customise your own walking tour of Paris, or sign up for a tour of the Louvre specifically for families with young children. Or do something different and go and find yourself a bargain in the St-Ouen Flea Market.
Disclaimer: these tours are provided by GetYourGuide partners, you will not pay extra for buying via this website, or GetYourGuide. Although I will receive a commission for introducing you, the commission comes out of the advertised fee it is not added on to the price of the tour. Thank you for purchasing via Archaeology Travel, your support enables the team to continue to produce helpful content for travellers like you.
There is a popular misconception that all there is left to see of the Roman period of Paris are the Thermes de Cluny and Arènes de Lutèce. While it is true there are not that many Roman ruins in Paris, there is more to see than those two great sites. For a start, there are the remains of the Roman port on the Seine in in the archaeological crypt under the parvis of the Notre Dame cathedral. For those with a particular interest in the Roman past, there are other ruins, but there are also a number of signs of Paris’s Roman past. Take this self-guided tour to see what is left of the Romans in Paris today, from the amphitheatre to the port, the aqueduct to the baths they provided water for … Read More >>