Gourmet and kid-friendly walk in the Marais

Paris's Marais district is where old-world charm meets contemporary cool, creating a neighborhood with its own distinctive character. On this walking tour, you'll journey through the historic streets that were once swampland before becoming home to nobility, artists, and diverse communities. As you stroll past grand mansions, hidden gardens, and bustling cafés, you'll discover how this area transformed from medieval marsh to one of Paris's most coveted neighborhoods.

The tour starts at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, the historic square that was once the site of public executions during the French Revolution. You'll walk along streets named after the Knights Templar who first drained the swampland, and explore the elegant architecture of the 17th-century mansions that line the narrow medieval streets. As you meander through the district, you'll have opportunities to taste French pastries at several renowned bakeries, each offering unique specialties from cupcakes to traditional praline brioche.

You'll discover the Picasso Museum housed in the magnificent Hôtel Salé, peek into hidden courtyards, and learn about famous residents like Victor Hugo who lived in the perfectly symmetrical Place des Vosges. Your journey continues through the vibrant Jewish quarter, where you'll hear poignant stories about the area's troubled history during World War II and see how it's evolved into a bustling hub for food and culture. The tour ends at a hidden garden between Rue des Rosiers #8 and #10, a peaceful oasis in this lively neighborhood.

On this 150-minute tour, you'll have a chance to:

• Explore the perfectly proportioned Place des Vosges with its striking red brick pavilions and elegant arcades
• Stop at historic Parisian bakeries including Berko, Pralus (known for its pink praline brioche), and Huré with its classic French pastries
• Visit the Picasso Museum, home to the world's largest collection of the artist's work
• Learn about the medieval Knights Templar who transformed this area from swampland to a desirable neighborhood
• Discover Paris's oldest financial institution where French nobility discreetly pawned their valuables
• See Victor Hugo's former residence where he wrote some of his most famous works
• Sample authentic falafels in the vibrant Jewish quarter at L'As du Falafel, a favorite of celebrities like Lenny Kravitz
• Enjoy peaceful moments in several hidden gardens throughout the neighborhood

Whether you're looking to indulge in Parisian treats, discover hidden architectural gems, or simply absorb the atmosphere of this historical district, this tour offers something for visitors of all ages.

You can also check out these printable resources (colouring pages, Victor Hugo's poem) for your kids here