Napoleon III's Paris city tour

5.0 (4 reviews) Paris, France
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, French
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

The tour that deals with the drastic and radical reconstruction that completely changed the city of Paris, by destroying over 70% of it. The most impressive, ambitious, comprehensive yet also destructive and culturally catastrophic urban planning move, possibly of all time - the Haussmannian reconstruction - is the main topic of this tour. We present the pivotal change in the history of the city, where a medieval town, with aspects of renaissance and classical architecture scattered about, became a modern, industrialized capital of the world - in the time span of only 17 years. This is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting tours we offer, as it delves into the very birth of modernity: industrial life, consumerist culture, modern politics, urban living. This tour, like no other, shows us the birth of the world we today live in, and how it came to be in the most important (also, the most beautiful) city in the world, Paris.

What's included

  • Private tour
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Food and drinks

What to expect

  1. Place Vendome
    10m
    The architectural and aesthetic model that was used for the reconstruction of Paris done in the second half of the 19th century. The reconstruction in question is the main topic of the tour. This beautiful square from the very end of the 17th century is one of the five royal squares of Paris, and is a marvel to behold in its own right.
  2. Palais Garnier
    20m
    The world famous Opéra Garnier, also known as the Palace Garnier, is the focal point of the late 19th century reconstruction of Paris, the main topic of the tour. It is the new center of the new Paris, meant to substitute the old one, cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. Please note - we are not entering the Opera house, as this is a separate tour altogether. We only address it from the outside.
  3. Societe Generale
    20m
    The most beautiful bank in the entire world, bar none - and a true cathedral of wealth. Marvel at the transformation a mundane task (going to the bank) into a truly spiritual experience.
  4. Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
    20m
    After the most beautiful bank in the world, the most beautiful department store. Shopping is elevated to a spiritual, religious experience in this cathedral of opulence and consumerism.
  5. Printemps
    10m
    One of the two (only possible) competitors for the title of the world's most beautiful department store. A true marvel of decadence and luxury.
  6. 15m
    A detailed account of the boulevard Haussmann as the prime example of a boulevard, the most prominent type of street in the vision of new, industrialized, bourgeois Paris.
  7. Chapelle Expiatoire
    10m
    An account of the political division that still shook France in the second half of the 19th century, and the attempts to reconcile the differences between ever waring parties of the monarchic aristocrats and the republican bourgeois.
  8. Saint-Augustin Church
    10m
    The building that symbolizes the Church and the industrial forces forging a pact; the first church in Paris to be made with extensive use of steel, and a conclusion of the tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The guide will be standing in front of the entrance to the Ritz hotel, carrying a red canvas tote bag.

End point

The tour will end at the junction of boulevard Malesherbes and boulevard Hausmann.

Pickup details

Private transport is possible - we offer a hotel (or apartment, airbnb, etc.) pick up with a Mercedes V class vehicle. If you would like us to include pick up, it is imperative you communicate it via phone number you find on your reservation slip. Texts are welcome, so are WhatsApp messages.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (4)
From
€400.00 per group
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