Before Sunset: A Walking Tour Through Paris
About the Tour
History and romance intertwine beautifully along the banks of the Seine and in its picturesque streets. Inspired by Richard Linklater’s beloved film Before Sunset, this tour takes you on a cinematic stroll through Jesse and Celine’s Paris, retracing their passionate reunion after nine years apart.
Starting in front of the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore, you’ll discover the iconic settings from the protagonists’ conversations, as well as hidden spots that even seasoned Parisians might overlook. You’ll criss-cross over bridges including Pont Marie and Pont de la Tournelle to Île Saint-Louis, where I’ll share its little-known history and charming nooks.
As you make your way to St. Michael’s Bridge, where the tour ends, I’ll share intriguing stories and point out where several moments from the film unfolded. You’ll also see Tour de l’Horloge du Palais de la Cité, the city’s oldest clock, and Paroisse Saint Paul Saint Louis, where Jesse and Celine’s conversations turn deeper.
On this 60-minute walk, you’ll have a chance to:
- See the oldest tree in Paris while strolling through Square René Viviani, and discover what it symbolises about love
- Find Fontaine Charlemagne and Fontaine Eginhard, two beautiful fountains that are cherished by locals
- Take in Église Saint-Louis-en-l’Île, an overlooked church with fascinating artistic treasures
- Step back in time with a stroll down Rue Éginhard, a little-known medieval lane that was first established in 1367
- Explore Le Village Saint Paul, a vibrant mecca for antique lovers
Along the way, I’ll also recommend delicious stops for treats, cozy river barges that are perfect for drinks, and charming spots to pick up unique souvenirs.
Join me to relive one of cinema’s most captivating love stories, explore Paris through fresh eyes, and ponder what love, fate, and connection truly mean.
Tour Producer
Sixpence
Moving to Paris from Hong Kong in 2015, I left behind my life as an editor at a cultural magazine. Since then, I've spent the last decade exploring the city both as a local and as a perpetual tourist—wandering through quiet streets, discovering hidden corners, stumbling upon stories tucked away from plain sight.
As a journalist, I was trained to look at the world through a cultural lens—to see not just buildings or streets, but the layers beneath them, rich with history, meaning, and memories. Paris, to me, feels endlessly generous, always revealing something new just when I think I know it by heart.
I’ve spent the past ten years walking the city, blending into its rhythms and uncovering forgotten corners, overlooked details, and hidden stories. My tours are inspired by these discoveries, by the quiet poetry tucked behind familiar facades, the gentle whispers of lives lived and moments passed.
My hope is to show you a Paris beyond postcards and clichés—a city alive with quiet wonders, secret courtyards, hidden echoes of history, and beauty that waits patiently, just out of sight. Come with me; let’s see what this city has kept hidden just for us.
Preview Location
Location 1
Start: Shakespeare and Company
And here we are, standing in front of Shakespeare and Company, the same spot w... Read More
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
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Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
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Shakespeare and Company
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The Oldest Tree in Paris
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Île Saint-Louis
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Église Saint-Louis-en-l'Île
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Le Village Saint-Paul
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Conciergerie
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Tour de l'Horloge du Palais de la Cité
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Le Pure Café
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La Promenade Plantée
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start location37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris, France -
Total distance4km -
Final locationPort de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France -
Distance back to start location267.98m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins at the beloved Shakespeare and Company bookshop, 37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris. Its main entrance is easy to spot—there's usually a line of visitors waiting outside. Be sure to take a moment to explore this legendary literary landmark before starting your walk!
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Here are a few delightful places to stop along the way:
- Berthillon: The famous Parisian ice cream shop is perfectly placed for a sweet break on Île Saint-Louis.
- Peniches along the Seine: If you're in the mood for a drink, choose from any of the charming riverside barges you'll pass.
- Village Saint-Paul: Take your time browsing through this picturesque neighborhood—it's ideal for finding unique souvenirs to take home.
- Le Son de la Terre: A concert hall floating on the Seine, where jazz and poetry ripple through the evening air.
Best time of day
After lunch from around 14h to 16h. For the boatride, there is one every two hours at 12h, 14h, 16h, 18h and 20h, no need to buy tickets in advance, but best to be at the dock 15 mins before departure.
Precautions
Please pay attention when crossing roads, especially while listening to the tour. On sunny days, remember to bring sunblock and a bottle of water—though you're always welcome to pause and relax at a café whenever you like!
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