french revolution paris tour

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Paris History Tour: The French Revolution

• Hôtel de Ville
• Place de la Concorde
• Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis

Place des Vosges

• Clarifies the tangled timeline of the 1789 Revolution and those that followed while highlighting the vestiges of 18th century revolutionary Paris
• Led by an expert historian

French Revolution Tour Paris

"our guide clarified the rapidly evolving timeline of the french revolution, even bringing along visuals of the many sites that are no longer standing. her expertise and passion for sharing her insights into this period of french history was palpable and much appreciated.", continued strife.

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

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French Revolution Walking Tour

Approximately 2 hours

From  €25

Step Into History with this French Revolution Walking Tour

Paris still showcases several remnants of the revolution, most in plain sight but more often than not they go unnoticed.  We’ll start this two-hour themed walk at what some refer to as the starting point of the revolution itself: the Hôtel des Invalides. This veterans hospital housed the weapons used to storm the Bastille prison later the same day, inaugurating the first July 14 that has been celebrated as France’s national holiday ever since 1789.

From the breathtaking views of the Esplanade, we’ll continue towards Place de la Concorde which was the site of the public guillotine throughout most of the revolution. From here, you’ll learn about the National Assembly, the storming of Versailles, famous figureheads of the revolution such as Robespierre and Danton, as well as the ideologies that fueled and surrounded the Reign of Terror following the beheading of the King & Queen.

The French Revolution is viewed as a turning point of the late 1700’s as it gave credence to the end of divine right in European monarchies.  Coming on the heels of the American Revolution, it also inherited fledgling ideas of representation that would be discussed at length and drawn up in the ‘Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen’, a document still consulted in France’s Fifth Republic.

Although this walk will take us through the timeline of the French Revolution through the Napoleonic era, our hope is that it instills a deeper understanding of the French political landscape and how it was shaped over the course of several hundred years.  You will leave having a richer appreciation for common themes in France, such as ‘Liberty, Equality, Fraternity’ or the symbol of the French republic, Marianne, who personifies freedom and democracy.

We will wrap up our tour near Ile de la Cité, the birthplace of Paris. Here you can find the Conciergerie, a prison for those awaiting trial during the revolution. Probably its most famous inmate, Queen Marie Antoinette, spent the last days of her life here. We invite you to continue your visit by spending some time inside where you can see what her cell would have resembled as well as a series of items preserved from the revolution.

Tour Details

What’s included.

• Two-Hour Guided Tour

Good to Know

• Please wear comfortable shoes on this tour.

• 1 Place de la Concorde
• 2 Assemblée Nationale
• 3 Les Invalides
• 4 La Conciergerie
• 5 Ile de la Cité
• 6 Le Louvre

Meeting Point

Your tour meets outside Restaurant Divellec at  18 Rue Fabert, 75007 Paris, France . The closet public transportation is the Invalides métro station (lines 8 and 13 or RER C) Please note the Invalides métro station is about a 3-5 minute walk to Restaurant Divellec. Look for your guide wearing a Fat Tire Tours t-shirt. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

General tour questions, where is the tour meeting point.

Your tour meets outside Restaurant Divellec at  18 Rue Fabert, 75007 Paris, France . The closet public transportation is the Invalides metro station (lines 8 and 13 or RER C) Please note the Invalides metro station is about a 3-5 minute walk to Restaurant Divellec. Look for your guide wearing a Fat Tire Tours t-shirt. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour departure.

How long before my tour should I arrive?

The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows after tour commencement or departure.

What is your cancellation policy?

We’re happy to offer free changes and 100% refund up to 24 hours before tour* Failure to cancel a reservation  at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure  may result in forfeited travel funds. Fare difference may apply.

*See restrictions here

Are reservations required?

Yes, reservations are required for all tours.

What is the number to call if I am lost and trying to find the meeting point?

If you are having difficulty finding the meeting location for your tour, please call us at +33 1.82.88.80.94 and our staff will be happy to help you find your way.

How many people will be in my group?

For our walking tours, we limit the group size to 16 guests per tour guide.

My group size is larger than the dropdown menu allows, how can I book?

We would love to accommodate your group! Please contact our Groups team  to see what options we have.

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Self-guided walking tour of Paris: The French Revolution hotspots

• Post category: Paris & Île-de-France
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If there ever was a city made for a walking tour, it is Paris. With a relatively small center connected by wide boulevards, you can walk from Place de la Bastille in the east to the Eiffel Tower in the west, in less than two hours. And that is with plenty of stops along along the way for a bit of sightseeing.

And if you love history and are interested in doing a themed walking tour, Paris is ideal. Exploring the places where the French Revolution took place, you will quickly realize that many of the monuments of significance are well within walking distance of each other in the center of Paris.

The history is palpable as you explore the streets of Paris and its world-class art museums. Paris is made for wandering, with its wide boulevards that let you amble and have ample opportunities to take in the sights, sounds, and smells that make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And it is a great way to get a feel for the city.

Now I should mention, when I say the French Revolution, I mean the 1789 French Revolution, as there were a couple of revolutions afterwards. But this is the one everyone remembers, where Marie-Antoinette got guillotined.

So let’s get to the top places and monuments on the 1789 Revolution walking tour, shall we? Allons-y!

1. Place de la Bastille

Located: at Metro Bastille in the 11th arrondissement of Paris

In the east end of Paris, is the Place de la bastille where once stood the ancient fortress prison called Bastille Saint-Antoine dating back to the 14th century.

Around the time of the Revolution, the former royal fort that had been converted into a prison.  An imposing building made of stone, it was surrounded by guards armed to the hilt.

In July of 1789 there were only 7 prisoners there, among them the infamous French writer and philosopher Marquis de Sade, who had already been held there for over 10 years. (A good majority of his works were written in prison.)

On July 14, 1789 the revolutionaries stormed into the Bastille, freeing all the prisoners and beheading the prison’s governor and stuck his head on a spike. The revolution had begun.

Anyway, as the French peasants and revolutionaries were preparing to make their demands, they decided they needed weapons. While they were able to get muskets by taking over the Hotel des Invalides in Paris, they also needed gunpowder. As it happened, the Bastille had stockpiles of it.

There are no remnants of the fortress there today. The ancient fort soon turned into rubble, and for practical reasons, the prison was demolished. Today, the site of the Bastille is a large circular roundabout and gathering place called the Place de la Bastille .

2. Place des Vosges

Located: off of Rue Saint Antoine in the 3rd – 4th arrondissement .

Leaving Place de la Bastille, head west on Rue Saint Antoine for about 7 minutes and turn right onto Rue de Birague till you arrive at the magnificent Place des Vosges.

In order to understand the French Revolution, it is important to understand what the French were protesting against.

Originally known as Place Royale, Place des Vosges is one of the most beautiful spots in the Marais , and indeed, in Paris. It is where the rich and famous used to live, and in fact still do.

The last French queen to live was Anne of Austria in the 1600s, before Marie-Antoinette’s time. (She preferred Versailles and Fontainebleau .) However, this sumptuous building in the heart of Paris was emblematic of the divide between the rich and the poor.

Paris had not yet been revamped by Baron Haussman, so at the time, this area was surrounded by a medieval city , with buildings very close together and poor sanitation. At the time, there were no wide boulevards and Hausmannian architecture . Place des Vosges was a luxurious building where the nobility lived; the nobles who didn’t pay taxes like the commoners did .

Before the Revolution, even access to the gardens was forbidden to poorly dressed people except on one day of the year, August 25, the feast of Saint Louis .

You can imagine that this was one of the first places taken over by “the people” after the Revolution. During the 1789 Revolution, it was successively renamed several times:

• place des Fédérés – Federate square
• place du Parc-d’Artillerie – Artillery park square
• place de la Fabrication-des-Armes – Maker of weapons squre
• place de l’Indivisibilité – Indivisible square

In 1800, it was renamed “ Place des Vosges ” in honor of the Vosges regional department , which was the first to have paid tax under the French Revolution and, send volunteers to defend the “ patrie ” (country) in danger.

You can read more about the Place des Vosges here. If you like, you can take a guided walking tour through the area to hear about the Marais’s famous residents and how this area has changed over time.

3. Conciergerie on Ile de la Cité

Located: 2 Bd du Palais, 75001

Cross Pont Notre dame (bridge) with its many carvings of kings and saints, and visit the Conciergerie on Ile de la Cité .

The prison at the Conciergerie is where Marie-Antoinette was held in prison, put on trial, and found guilty. After a two-day show trial, she was found guilty on all charges and condemned to death.

The tiny prison cells of the Conciegerie were a far cry from the royal palaces the Queen was used to. You can book a tour of the Conciegerie here.

4. Jardin des Tuileries

Located: 200 Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement

After visiting the Conciergerie, head back to the Right bank and go west till you reach the Jardin des Tuileries.

This was the site of a royal palace, the Palais des Tuileries , and it is in this palace that Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI and their children were brought to after being forced to leave Versailles .

French Queen Catherine de Medici started building the Palais des Tuileries two centuries earlier in 1564, a stone’s throw away from the Palais du Louvre . Later monarchs would go on to add wings and attach the Tuileries and the Louvre .

French Royals would usually stay at the Tuileries Palace , while their ministers and fideles would stay at the Louvre. This remained while Marie-Antoinette and her family were confined to the Tuileries, with their loyal friends staying at the Louvre.

Slowly, as the guillotine started to fall, many of their friends escaped France, while they still could, leaving the King and Queen isolated and imprisoned.

Even after the fall of the monarchy, the Tuileries Palace remained associated with the French monarchs, and in 1871 it was burnt down during the Paris Commune protests. The Louvre palace managed to survive the flames , but only just.

5. Eat some cake at Angelina’s

Located: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001

After all that walking, we might need some refreshments reflect on the historical events to come.

Take a break at Angelina’s by eating some cake and tea at the historic tearoom, Angelina’s, the epitome of “gourmet pleasures”.

It is just steps away from the Place de la Concorde, where Marie-Antoinette, her family, and many nobles of that time met their fate.

6. Place de la Concorde

Located: the center of Paris

After your refreshments, head over to Place de la Concorde, which is where Marie-Antoinette and King Louis XVI were guillotined. A large Egyptian obelsik and fountain marks the spot where they lost their lives.

Her last words are recorded as, “ Pardonnez-moi, monsieur. Je ne l’ai pas fait exprès ” or “Pardon me, sir, I did not do it on purpose”, after accidentally stepping on her executioner’s shoe.

After the queen’s head fell, it was shown to the crowd, who responded by crying: “ Vive la République! ”

In a symbolic and yet practical gesture, the bridge in front of the Place de la Concorde and the Assemblée Nationale on the other side of the Reine, was built using some of the stones from the castle at Bastille.

The Pont de la Concorde (bridge) is directly off of the Place de la Concorde, if you would like to have a look.

7. La Chapelle Expiatoire

Located at 29 Rue Pasquier, 75008

About 10 minute walk away in the 8th arrondissement is the Expiatory chapel. It was built on top of the cemetery where King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were buried after their execution in 1793.

Their bodies were later moved to Saint-Denis Basilica outside of Paris, where other royal family members are buried, but the Expiatory chapel was built on this spot in the 8th arrondissement to commemorate all the lives lost in the Revolution.

And that is the walking tour of Paris, French Revolution edition! If you enjoyed that article, you may like reading more about visiting Paris . A bientôt!

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Best French Revolution Tour: Paris through a history lens [2024]

Published 15 April 2023 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

The French Revolution (sort of) did away with the monarchy and ushered in the concept of republic.  We studied it all in school, but more to the point, everywhere we turn, we see reminders of the Revolution in street and subway names and in everyday life.

Many visitors to Paris are fascinated by the French Revolution, which lasted a decade from the storming of the Bastille to the rise of Napoleon. Paris is full of revolutionary reminders, such as the Conciergerie (where Marie-Antoinette spent her final weeks), the Concorde (where the guillotine was set up), and the Bastille.

The tours I describe below will guide you through the most fascinating segments of Parisian revolutionary history, a period during which much good and much evil happened.

These tours are short, under three hours. They're perfect if you want an escape from regular sightseeing, if you want to delve more deeply into French history, or if you have a few free hours during the Paris 2024 Olympics

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

IN A HURRY AND NO TIME TO READ EVERYTHING?

Top French Revolution tours in Paris:

🏆 For lovers of history: French Revolution Paris history tour with a historian

🏅 For visitors who want to know more: Sightseeing walk of revolutionary sites

Best French Revolution tours in Paris

• 1. US and French revolution with general Lafayette
• 2. The French Revolution Walking Tour Paris
• 3. Walking Tour Paris - The French Revolution

4. Bike the French Revolution in Paris

• 5. French Revolution Walking Tour for Teens

Suggested books about the French Revolution

The French Revolution changed France forever. Not only did it unseat the monarchy, but it swept away feudalism and weakened the stronghold of the Catholic church, leading to anarchy and a complete social breakdown.

On the positive side, it heralded new ideas of freedom, gave opportunity to commoners, abolished slavery and foresaw women's rights. All these changes were so profound they are still being felt in France today.

To save you some research time, here are my top 5 recommendations for a French Revolution tour. Paris will never look the same for you!

1. US and French Revolution with General Lafayette

Are you from the USA? If so, you'll be fascinated by the close links between Paris and Washington during the Revolution. They were friends, foes, and friends again, in a series of political two-steps that would affect the history of both nations.

This is one of the most loved Paris revolutionary tours and is called a "hidden" tour for a reason: it takes to sites that other tours do not normally include, including a private estate that contains a cemetery with several important graves – and a focus on General Lafayette, who played such an important role in both countries.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2-3 hours  ✔︎  Fascinating look at US involvement in the French Revolution ✔︎  Visit of a private cemetery ✔︎  Visit the site of a former guillotine ✔︎ Small group, maximum 10 people

🇫🇷  BOOK YOUR GENERAL LAFAYETTE REVOLUTIONARY TOUR HERE

While much of what you'll see will resonate if you're American, you'll be just as fascinated if, like me, you're a French history buff who wants to go beond the obvious.

For example, you'll learn all about the guillotine, initially designed to be humane but perverted to silence opponents of the Revolution during a period of history known as "La Terreur", the terror, which you'll uncover during your walk.

But I think I'll stop here or you'll have nothing left to learn from the tour!

"My tour guide, Milan, was truly exceptional in providing fascinating information and insight about the French and American revolutions. He avoided simplistic explanations and really gave a feel for how complicated circumstances were." － Michael B.

"Our guide was so knowledgeable about French history and showed us sights we wouldn’t have found on our own." － Stefanie C, USA

"O ur guide, was so knowledgeable about French history and showed us sights we wouldn’t have found on our own." － Barbara P.

"Best tour ever!" —Khloe G.

Read more reviews here

2. The French Revolution tour of Paris

This is a tour for those who want to delve deeply into the French Revolution's history. It's run by a historian who specializes in the Revolution – he even takes professional tour guides around to explain the revolution to them in detail.

This is the perfect tour if you want to go beyond the superficial and explore such historical details as the counterrevolution, the terror, the final flight of the royal family (and their capture)...

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours    ✔︎  Run by a specialist French Revolution historian  ✔︎  Private tour so you can bring along friends and family ✔︎  Documentation

🇫🇷  BOOK YOUR HISTORICAL TOUR HERE

The French Revolution isn't as straightforward as it might seem, so having a historian interpret its facts for you is incredibly useful.

The revolution was the culmination of a complex set of events which laid the foundations of France as we know her today. Understanding how the Ancient Regime (monarchy) gave way to popular rule will go a long way towards helping you understand the underlying culture of France.

"Romain is a real professional and we highly recommend him." － Mary M., USA

"He really knows his history!" － Kerry W., USA

"His vast knowledge of both historic and current events not only met our needs, but exceeded our expectations!" — Belisa M., USA

Click here for more reviews

3. Paris walking tour - the French Revolution

While both above tours is for history lovers, you don't have to be one to enjoy learning about the French revolution. This tour is for visitors to Paris who are interested in the revolution but don't need all the intricate historical detail.

If you would like to visit revolutionary highlights in Paris and catch an overview of the country's history, this is the perfect tour for you.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours    ✔︎  See the sights where the most historic revolutionary events took place ✔︎ Understand how the Revolution shaped the Paris we know today ✔︎  Near public transportation ✔︎  Wheelchair accessible

🇫🇷  BOOK YOUR FRENCH REVOLUTION WALKING TOUR HERE

You'll visit a number of revolutionary sites, from the Place de la Bastille, where the Bastille Prison once stood (its capture led to the French national holiday we celebrate today), to the Place de la Concorde, where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were beheaded.

While the two first tours are historical with sightseeing, consider this one a sightseeing tour with history.

"By going on a walking tour, we were able to see so many things we would have missed on a bus tour. Now I know Marie Antoinette never really said, Let them eat cake!". － Karen P.

"You can read about these historical events all you want – there's nothing like seeing them in person!" — Alida G.

Paris is increasingly becoming a cycle-friendly city, and biking tours are popular, serving up the city from a completely different perspective than you would get from a bus or on a walking tour of Paris.

Because you can go further on a bike than on foot, this tour is far-flung and will take you around to a number of sites you might not otherwise see.

This revolutionary biking tour includes  a knowledgeable tour guide who will explain the historical significance of what you see. 

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours    ✔︎  See Paris from a different perspective ✔︎  Includes bike rental ✔︎  Small group tour

🇫🇷  BOOK YOUR FRENCH REVOLUTION BIKE TOUR HERE

This tour will stop in all the usual venues – the Bastille, the Place de la Concorde, the former Tuileries – but also the Place Vendome, today a chic square but once the site of severed heads paraded on posts, and the Cour du Commerce St André, home of the first guillotine.

Along the way, you'll enjoy some of the city's newer cycling paths, and see many of the capital's major landmarks, all the while enjoying the freedom of being on two wheels and taking in the Parisian atmosphere.

"Cool way to see the city, would recommend to any visitor." － Brian J.

"Amazing time and history lesson." － Amanda W .

5. French Revolution walking tour for teens

If you're looking at family time and want to entertain your younger family members with a cultural visit that will entertain them and remain a fun memory once they leave Paris, this is the tour for you.

Because it is a private tour, the guide can build it around your children's ages and interests.

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours    ✔︎  Designed for families and personalized ✔︎  Teen-friendly historian guide ✔︎  Activity booklet for kids

🇫🇷  BOOK YOUR TEEN TOUR HERE

What makes this tour interesting for teens is that it's not a long recitation of facts − the storyteller guide brings history alive through the many characters of the French Revolution.

Follow in the footsteps of Robespierre, Marie-Antoinette, Thomas Jefferson and many others who played a role in the Revolution, all in a fun, interactive way that will be anything but boring.

If you're interested in French history and want to better understand those tumultuous years with a French Revolution tour, Paris will appear different to you after taking one of these tours. Many things – from street names to unusual habits or customs – will take on new meaning once you begin to understand some of their roots, not to mention that the revolution provides a perfect introduction to Paris.

• A New World Begins , by award-winning historian Jeremy Popkin
• The French Revolution , by Ian Davidson, with a fresh look
• Citizens , by Simon Schama, New York Times bestseller
• Twelve Who Ruled , by R. R. Palmer, who looks at the Reign of Terror

Bonjour! I’m Leyla, born in Paris, I now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France. My days are spent exploring my country. 

As a journalist and former diplomat, I spent years living abroad and now, it’s time to rediscover my own back yard.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!  Read more here .

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

Bonjour! I’m Leyla - I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. My days are spent exploring my country. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad as a journalist and diplomat - and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all!

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The French Revolution: A dynasty deposed

Liberty, equality and brotherhood, the three words which conjure up the image of Paris alight with the flame of Revolution whilst from behind the golden gates of Versailles Louis XVI looked out helpless to quell the rage of his people. This tour is an opportunity for you to explore the vast history of the French Revolution 1789-1795, following as the french people rose up to carve out the destiny, whose philosophies and aspirations would lay the shape for the modern Europe as well as America. By visiting some of its most iconic locations as your accredited guide brings to life one of the most impassioned periods of french history.  

Paris Private Tours BOOK NOW

With our effortless booking system From 155€/pers for 6

Opening Days 7/7 (every day)

Meeting-Point Metro exit, Place du Tour Mauborg; 75007 (Metro line 8)

Duration 2.5Hrs

Guided by your personal guide

Walking Tour See the city at your pace

Type of tour Small group (Max 6 people)

Choose a 5 star Historical Visit of Paris.

At Hidden Gems we pride outselves on providing an entertaining and educational experience. All our guides have an unparalelled knowledge and passion for Paris and its history.

What is included in this tour:

• Enjoy a visit on the theme of the French Revolution with your Nationally accredited guide totally dedicated to you. (the guide does not drive)
• Photo opportunity stops at key locations. 
• Drop off at your hotel (If transport option chosen)

What to see during this tour

• Your private nationally qualified guide leading you through the theme of the French Revolution.   
• See the city’s more iconic locations: Invalides, Place de la Concorde, The Palais Royale and many more.  
• Travel through the city in style in one of our luxury vehicles with a professional chauffeur. (If you choose the transport option)

“Only the anger of the People will break the septre of the Kings” George Danton 1792

See Paris through the eyes of those 18th century Revolutionaries who turned the city and France upside down with the desire for freedom from the yoke of the monarchy. 

This tour has been specially designed to bring you up close and personal with the history of the French Revolution. Your expert guide, dedicated entirely to you, will bring the history to life, from the political turmoil engulfing the nation, to the violence of the people’s wrath as it swept over Paris, visiting the key sites which still inspire that struggle for freedom, as well as exploring the wider context of this Revolutionary dream as an 18th century worldwide phenomenon which would be felt in America.  

You will begin your visit at the Hotel des Invalides, which though once one of the symbols of royal power, would become a hated symbol of the king’s decadence. It was here that the violence of the 14th of July 1789 would begin, even before it broke over the Bastille whose destruction would become the defining image of this movement. 

From there your professionally accredited guide, specialised in French history, will take you through the city where you will learn about the motivations of both the Revolutionaries but also of their monarchical counterparts, whose conflicting visions of the country and gouvernance would rip the nation at its seams. Prepare to discover iconic locations including the National Assembly, the home of French democracy and the Place de la Concorde where over 1000 people, including the king and queen themselves met their ends, following in the footsteps of some of history’s greatest and most infamous figures: Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Lafayette. 

Whether you are passionate about the Revolution and looking to deepen your knowledge or looking to discover this period of history, we have crafted this specialised thematic experience to illuminate this period of history and explore how it laid the foundation of France today.  

Meeting point

Galerie Jean-Denis Walter

56 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris

When is the best time to visit?

This tour can potentially take place every day. 

What activities does this tour include?

This tour includes a 2h guided visit of Paris on the theme of the revolution  with your  professionally accredited guide. As this is a private services and completely customisable, should you have any particular locations you wish you visit please don’t hesitate to mention this to your guide at the beginning of your visit.

How to book this tour?

This tour will be a private visit, therefore numbers are not limited however. In high season (April-Sept), we advise you to book as soon as your have confirmed your dates for arriving in Paris, so that we can prepare the private guide. If it’s possible, please provide us with alternative dates and times.

How to book this tour as a gift?

Why not offer some fun and educational ?

• You can buy this tour for you and your family or buy it as a gift to your friends or relatives. To buy this tour as a gift, just click on the red button “buy as a gift” on the booking form and follow the instruction. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Paypal. Then, you will get a gift card and a Voucher number.  The lucky recieptiant will be able to apply this number and they will be able to choose the date of their Revolution Tour online. They have 1 year to make this private tour after buying the gift card. It is advised to apply the coupon code one month before the tour to make sure to have availability.

Does my tour include lunch?

This tour does not include the opportunity to stop for lunch . Your guide will give you recommendations on where to get refreshments. If you do have any specific requests please add a message in your tour notes.

Can you store my luggage during the tour?

• Normally not. If you would like to have this service, please Contact Us in advance. This service accrues an extra charge.

Can I take my wheelchair?

• For information on accessibility and wheelchair use, please refer to our FAQs or Contact Us directly.

If you do use a wheelchair or any other type of mobility aid, please inform us in your tour notes and we can make preparations.

Please Note:

If you book this tour with transport in Paris , we expect to meet you at your hotel in the city proper. If we would like us to meet you outside paris please contact us before booking to get the rate. (airport, or anywhere outside the peripherique).

Meet your guides

Elisa is an Italian licensed tour guide , always smiling and full of energy. She moved to Paris more than twenty years ago and as soon as she discovered the city, she literally felt in love with it : today she considers herself half Italian and half parisian.

After graduating in Communication in Italy, she joined the famous French luxury brand, Hermès, where she was Customer Service manager.

Always passionate about art and history, she decided to start afresh a few years ago and become a licensed tour guide, graduating from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts). Visiting Versailles with Elisa, is traveling back in time and living an unique experience that you will never forget!

More about our guides

Marc-Antoine is a French licensed tour guide and a true Parisian . Since he was a kid he has always enjoyed cycling up and down the city to discover hidden streets and architectural gems. After graduating in English, he joined the Associated Press bureau in Paris to become a journalist. He later worked as an editorial expert in PR companies.

Marc-Antoine

Yaelle was born and grew up in Paris. She is a 100% Parisian who loves her home city; its history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. She is a passionate and enthusiastic guide, who has a delightful desire to share her passion with customers from all around the world. Very personable and knowledgable, Yaelle will make you discover the bright side of Versailles in a local, funny and lively way. She will make your trip to Versailles and Paris a memorable expérience. And always with her smile , and her sense of humor !

Lorenzo was born in Paris. He spent his childhood in Italy and returned to Paris in his early adolescence. He then studied French history and literature in the Sorbonne University and theater in private schools, where he discovered a passion for storytelling.

So he went back to historical studies and became a certified tour guide, dedicating himself to telling ancient and recent history of Paris using the techniques of storytelling. He is a keen history teller, joining together culture, history and art, he will take you for a trip back in time at the court of Versailles.

Our luxury transportation service

Book one of our private experience to Versailles and get a safe & intimate guided tour with your partner/family.

Benefit from one of our gentleman drivers and his comfortable executive cars.

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• Destinations
• Tours in Paris

French Revolution in Paris

Overview of the tour in Paris

Hello! This tour is about the history of Paris with the french revolution starting in 1789. The meeting point is at the statue of Georges Danton, a famous revolutionary at Odéon metro station. I will explain to you the History of Parisian architecture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The Cours du Commerce Saint-André, the oldest passage in Paris, 12th century. The workshop on the guillotine. Le Procope, the famous meeting place of Robespierre and Marat. The statue of Saint Andrew, an original sign shop of the middle-aged. The workshop of Picasso, with Guernica. Where Louis XIII became the king of France. The fountain Saint-Michel. The story of Saint-Martin, the sculpture on the church Saint-Séverin, the gothic style with the gargoyles. The narrowest street in Paris the Latin Quarter opened in the 14th century. A masterpiece of street art by Salvador Dali. The oldest tree in Paris. The best view of Notre Dame de Paris is our cathedral which we say Gothic style and a short history of this iconic monument from the 12th century to now.

This activity includes:

• France Reborn
• Fontaine Saint-Michel

Meeting point

Métro station Odéon, beside the statue Georges Danton (not the theater!). the statue Georges Danton

The meeting point is at the metro station Odéon, beside the statue Georges Danton (not the theater Odéon!).

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

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French Revolution Experience

Relive the highlights of the revolution

Quick Details

Hour Glass Duration: 3 hours

Checkmark Inclusions: Coffee or hot chocolate

Bookmark Language: English

Map Marker Meeting Point:   Outside Metro Varenne (Line 13)

French Revolution Walking Tour in Paris

Become immersed in the French Revolution, from why it took place to the economic, political, and social reasons behind it. We discover the highlights of the Revolution, like where the weapons that were used to storm the Bastille were taken.

We also see the place where all the executions during the Terror took place (Place of Concorde with the guillotine). Then we walk on Tuileries garden to see where Louis XVI was imprisoned and where Marie-Antoinette and his heir were held in jail (The Conciergerie).

After, we will discover the oldest cafe in Paris, where many philosophers… (Diderot, Voltaire, Montesquieu or Benjamin Franklin) of the Age of Enlightenment mingled and imagined a new world. In the end, we experience Paris through augmented reality while drinking a delicious beverage.

Places To See

• Invalides French Parliament (Assemblée Nationale)
• Bridge of Concorde – Place of Concorde (where was the guillotine)
• Tuileries garden
• Latin Quarter

About Your Host

After traveling for nine months around the world and having travelers at home with Airbnb, I want to share my passion for the French Revolution and Paris with guests on this tour.

Together we walk around the beautiful places of Paris where major events of the Revolution took place. At the end of the tour, we will have a drink together in the oldest café of Paris where famous philosophers met during the Age of Enlightenment.

• People aged 11 and above can take part in the tour
• You can bring comfortable shoes, we will walk 2.5 miles – 4 kilometers (it will be a flat and very nice walk)

Related Experience

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• Hour Glass 3.5 Hours

World War II Experience

Join us to see and experience what Paris was like during World War II. Become immersed in what the City of Lights was like during the occupation by the Nazis.

Paris French Revolution Marie Antoinette Les Misérables Tour

• French Revolution History, Marie Antoinette and Les Misérables Walking Tour of Paris
• 5-Star Licensed Guide with live commentary in 1 chosen language
• Places where the events of French Revolution took place
• Historical facts, cultural anecdotes and legends about Paris
• Small group of 1-25 people
• Tickets to Conciergerie
• Café Français, 1-3 Pl. de la Bastille, 75004 Paris, France Meet your guide "in front of Café Français, 1-3 Pl. de la Bastille, 75004 Paris, France (48.853206978132114, 2.3681953515958427). Please wait in front of the entrance and do not go inside, as the staff is not informed about the tour.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• You should arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early, as latecomers won't be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
• The guide will provide commentary in 1 language. Select your preferred language when booking.
• We will have a maximum of 25 participants.
• This tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.
• There is no luggage storage so please do not bring extra clothing, umbrellas, large bags, scooters, etc. Pets are not allowed.
• Tickets to the Conciergerie and other attractions are not included
• We're not afraid of the sun and rain, so the tour will take place as planned, regardless of weather, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately.
• It is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Place de la Bastille

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Café Français 1-3 Pl. de la Bastille, 75004 Paris, France Meet your guide "in front of Café Français, 1-3 Pl. de la Bastille, 75004 Paris, France (48.853206978132114, 2.3681953515958427). Please wait in front of the entrance and do not go inside, as the staff is not informed about the tour. See address & details
• 1 Café Français Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 2 Place de la Bastille Stop: 50 minutes See details
• 3 Le Marais Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 4 Hotel de Ville Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• M92q 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must-see in paris. It's a must-see of paris. Beautiful church, and it free. The view from the church front of the city was amazing, especially at night. The market around the church is big, you can find a lot of different shops. Read more Written April 3, 2024

More to explore in Paris

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Paris French Revolution Marie Antoinette Les Misérables Tour provided by Rosotravel - Paris City Tour

French Revolution tour

• Make art and history fun and accessible for your child
• Have a memorable experience for the whole family
• Get to see not only the most iconic sites, but also secret passages
• Won't miss the hidden details that make all the diffrence

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Le Marais in the French Revolution: Private Paris Walking tour Private Tour

Things to know, categories:, private tour:, transport mode:, what's included:, what's not included:, what makes this tour special.

• Enjoy an introduction to pre-revolution France in  Le Marais ;
• Visit the remains of the  famous   Bastille   prison , along with other physical traces of the revolution in the area; 
• Stroll down  rue Saint-Antoine , where you will see and hear the history of the first exclusively female political club;
• Take a pause inside beautiful  Place des Vosges , where Victor Hugo lived - famous author of Les Miserables and the Hunchback of Notre Dame;
• Learn about the Jewish community who settled here;
• Step into the largest church  in Le Marais , which still has graffiti on its walls from the Commune of 1871;
• Discover a section of a wall remaining from the  prison de La Force .

What you'll see

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