Self-Guided Podcast Tour Paris: The Crystal and the Cage

Paris, France
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Duration1h 40m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

Forget the postcard Paris of manicured gardens and polite boulevards. This redthread tour takes you into the beating heart of the 10th arrondissement, a district defined by a sharp, jagged line between extreme luxury and desperate confinement. We will walk the 'Rue de Paradis'—once the world capital of crystal and porcelain—and uncover its dark twin: the Saint-Lazare enclosure, a former leper colony turned notorious women's prison. Guided by a skeptic and a historian, you'll explore hidden Art Deco passages, stunning Art Nouveau canteens, and the ghostly footprints of a cage that held spies and saints alike. It’s a story of beauty born from grit, where the clinking of champagne glasses once echoed against the rattling of chains.

- A 1.9 km self-guided tour with 8 stops over 100 min
- Ideal for travelers interested in History and Social Fabric & Everyday Life
- Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

What's included

  • Verified facts woven into an engaging story
  • Interactive in-app guide for questions about the story and surroundings
  • Precise navigation between the stops
  • Immersive podcast-style audio featuring experts and locals

What to expect

  1. 10m
    A gritty, L-shaped covered arcade that defies the luxury image of Parisian passages.
  2. 10m
    An Art Nouveau masterpiece offering affordable dining in a stunning setting.
  3. 10m
    The former headquarters of the world-famous crystal maker, representing the district's luxury trade history.
  4. 10m
    A stunning tiled façade that served as a catalog for the ceramic factory's wares.
  5. 10m
    A public park built on the footprint of the notorious Saint-Lazare women's prison.
  6. Mediatheque Francoise Sagan
    10m
    The restored cloisters of the former prison/leprosarium, now a stunning public library.
  7. 10m
    A bustling covered market with Eiffel-style ironwork, showcasing local culinary life.
  8. 10m
    A majestic church offering a sweeping view over the district, symbolizing spiritual alleviation.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

From Paris's main station, take local public transport toward Le Passage du Prado. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the final few minutes to Le Passage du Prado, Paris, France. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

End point

From Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, walk to the nearest public transport stop and travel back to Paris's main station. The departure point is Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Paris, France. Check the current local connection on the day of travel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
€5.99 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
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