Historical Guided Tour within hôtels particuliers of the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis in Paris

Did you know that Paris contains several islands? The City of Lights, criss-crossed by the river Seine, is home to a number of islands offering a wide range of activities, historic monuments and mysteries.

Ile Saint-Louis, nestling in the heart of the Seine, offers a haven of charm and tranquillity in the heart of the tumultuous Parisian metropolis. Linked to the Ile de la Cité by the Pont Saint-Louis in the beginning of the 17th century, this picturesque little island captivates visitors with its unspoilt atmosphere and period architecture. The cobbled streets, the facades of the 17th-century elegant boutiques and town houses all contribute to creating a timeless atmosphere. Magistrates and financiers were the first owners of these private mansions, followed by actors, men of letters and artists.

With your guide, from L’Echappée Belle, you will linger in front of several town houses and take a stroll along the quays. Your guide will evoke memories of the famous and not-so-famous people who have occupied this area. Among them, Baudelaire, Chopin, Helena Rubinstein...

During this visit, we'll cross the Seine at the Pont Saint-Louis to enter the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will tell you all about Notre Dame Cathedral, its construction in the Middle Ages, its history, the terrible fire of April 2019 and its ongoing rebirth.

Nearby, you'll discover the last medieval quarter of Paris. Here, you will discover key monuments on the Ile de la Cité, like the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, adorned with the Clock Tower. Specialising in exploring Paris's famous treasures, your guide will explain the history and architecture of these buildings, with a wealth of marvellous and surprising anecdotes.
Via the Place Dauphine, built in the 17th century, you will reach the Pont Neuf, the first modern bridge in Paris. Adorned with the statue of King Henri IV, it has a few secrets up its sleeve!

Explore the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité on this immersive tour that will plunge you into the heart of Paris's history and the daily lives of islanders in their private mansions, taking you on a journey from the medieval city to contemporary Paris, and even back to the ancient period.

Your guide is from L'Echappée Belle, a company of guide-lecturers set up nearly thirty years ago. They offer a wide range of tours and walks in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. Their guides have a solid background in art history and know Paris inside out. Their tours are lively, full of anecdotes, and they make sure that every participant has a great time.

If you want to know more about Paris and Grand Paris heritage, take a look at our other visits about this subject on Explore Paris!