7 Best Historic Tours in Paris

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Paris is a city that breathes history at every turn. From the days of the monarchy to the French Revolution, through the dark years of Nazi occupation and the rise of haute couture, the French capital has witnessed some of the most momentous events in European history. And although walking through its streets is in itself a journey back in time, there is nothing like doing so accompanied by an expert guide who will help you unravel the secrets hidden behind every façade, every square and every monument. Here is a selection of the best historical tours of Paris to discover the city from a new perspective.

If you want to understand the soul of Paris, this tour is the ideal starting point. Visit the key places in the city's history, from the majestic Île de la Cité, where the capital was born, to the elegant Place Vendôme, passing by the imposing Conciergerie, which served as a prison during the French Revolution. You'll learn about the construction of Notre Dame, the golden days of Louis XIV's reign and the events that led to the fall of the monarchy. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs around £25-£40, depending on the size of the group.

Paris is not only rich in political and architectural history, but also the birthplace of fashion. On this tour, you will discover how the city became the world capital of style, from the pioneering designers of the 19th century to today's leading luxury brands. You'll stroll down the iconic Avenue Montaigne, home to fashion houses such as Dior and Chanel, and learn about the evolution of haute couture from its beginnings to today's catwalks. You'll also visit historic sites such as Coco Chanel's former workshop and the Palais Royal, where the concept of luxury boutiques began. The tour lasts 2 hours and costs around £35-£50.

If you're interested in more recent history, this tour will immerse you in Paris during World War II, exploring the years of Nazi occupation and the key role played by the French Resistance. From the Gestapo headquarters on Avenue Foch to the story of the liberation at Place de la Concorde, each stop reveals a fundamental chapter of this period. You will also visit the Museum of the Liberation of Paris, which houses documents and objects from the period. This tour lasts 2.5-3 hours and costs around £30-£40.

They say that the best way to get to know a country is through its food, and this tour proves it. It combines the history of Paris with its most iconic cuisine, taking you to old markets, century-old bakeries and traditional bistros. You'll taste French cheeses, wines, freshly baked croissants and typical dishes while discovering the evolution of Parisian cuisine from the Middle Ages to the present day. It's a perfect experience for foodies and history buffs alike. It usually lasts 3-4 hours and costs between £50 and £70, depending on the number of tastings included.

Before the grandeur of Haussmann's boulevards, Paris was a city of narrow streets, Gothic churches and mysterious corners. This tour takes you on a journey of discovery through medieval Paris, exploring places such as Rue Saint-Jacques, one of the oldest streets in the city, the Church of Saint-Séverin, with its impressive stained glass windows, and the aforementioned Conciergerie, which was once the residence of medieval kings. This is the perfect tour for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and delve into the oldest essence of the city. The tour lasts 2 hours and costs around £25-£40.

Paris has been a refuge for some of the most important writers in history, from Hemingway and Fitzgerald to Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. On this tour, you'll visit the cafés where some of the best novels of the 20th century were born, such as the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, as well as iconic bookshops such as Shakespeare & Company. You'll learn about the existentialist movement, the lost generation and Parisian literary bohemia. This tour lasts 2 hours and costs approximately £30-£40.

If you're looking for a darker experience, this tour takes you to explore underground Paris, descending into the eerie Catacombs of Paris, where the remains of more than six million people lie. You'll also learn about the secret passageways used by revolutionaries and the clandestine societies that operated beneath the city. This tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs approximately £45-£60, including admission to the catacombs.

Taking a historical tour of Paris is much more than just visiting monuments: it's reliving the moments that have shaped the city and understanding why it remains a global cultural icon. From medieval times to the era of haute couture, every corner of Paris has a story to tell. Are you ready to discover the city in a different way?