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Paris French Revolution Small Group Walking Tour: 1789 to Today

5Paris

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Overview

This is not a monument-spotting tour. It's the French Revolution told as a story, on the exact streets where it happened. Everyone knows Louis XVI lost his head. Far fewer know he was executed on a square you'll stand in yourself, or that the bridge beside it was built from the stones of the demolished Bastille, so Parisians would walk over the ruins of royal tyranny every day. Over two hours, your local guide walks you through the Revolution in order: the spark of 1789, the fall of the monarchy, the royal family's failed midnight escape, the Reign of Terror, and the birth of modern France. You'll even learn why we still call politics "left" and "right", invented a few steps from here. The famous landmarks, from Concorde to the Opéra Garnier, are the backdrop. The revolution is the story. You'll leave understanding Paris, not just having photographed it. In a group of 8 maximum, with a passionate local guide who makes history feel alive and often surprisingly funny.

  • Fun Walking Tour
  • A Local Tour Guide
  • Small Group (8 max) or Private
  • Tips to navigate the city after
  • Not included: Tips/Gratuities
  • Not included: Hotel Pick-up or Drop-Off

We'll meet you in the main square, in front of the statue. You can look up "Brasserie Le Bourbon" for directions.

We'll finish at the Operahouse

Meeting and Pickup

  1. Where French democracy sits today — and where the ideas of liberté, égalité, fraternité were born, ideas that would go on to inspire revolutions worldwide.

  2. Cross a bridge deliberately constructed from the stones of the demolished Bastille fortress. Learn what really happened on July 14, 1789 — and why it wasn't about freeing prisoners.

  3. Stand on the square where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were executed, along with over 1,000 others during the Terror — including Robespierre himself, devoured by the revolution he built.

  4. Where the converted horse stable was standing, where the First Republic was proclaimed, the king was condemned, and the political vocabulary the entire world still uses today was invented.

  5. From heads on pikes during the Terror to Napoleon's column cast from enemy cannons, to its toppling during the Paris Commune of 1871 — one square, three revolutions.

  6. How the upheavals of the 19th century, and Haussmann's radical rebuilding, produced the Paris you see today.

Wheelchair accessible Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Suitable for all physical fitness levels This tour is wheelchair accessible only with the private option This tour will take place rain or shine This tour may be canceled if the minimum of 2 people in the group is not met The itinerary can be subject to changes due to the 2024 Olympics.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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From US$62.99