Aristocratic and Literary Tour in Marais
This tour immerses you in the literary and aristocratic past of the historic Marais district. Follow in the footsteps of the district’s illustrious characters such as Madame de Sévigné and Romantics like Victor Hugo and Théophile Gautier ...
For hundreds of years, the Marais was the preferred residence of the nobility. In the 17th century, the nobility built magnificent mansions around the Place Royale (now the Place des Vosges), some of which still exist.
This was also the birthplace of Madame de Sévigné, a leading figure of her time whose literary work opens a window on aristocratic and courtly life in the 17th century. She was a close friend of literary pioneer Madame de La Fayette. Victor Hugo later lived just a few steps away, as did Colette.
We’ll start with a coffee or tea at the Place des Vosges and then set off on foot to explore the surrounding area and its fascinating history. Readings by authors who lived in the district will round off this extraordinary experience.
Options
Aristocratic and Literary Tour in Marais
What's included in Aristocratic and Literary Tour in Marais
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Place des Vosges
Our tour begins on Place des Vosges, the onetime Place Royale. Most famously, Victor Hugo lived on this square, but so did other writers such as Théophile Gautier and Madame de Sévigné. You will learn about both over the course of our tour.
Jardin de l'Hotel de Sully
The Hôtel de Sully is one of the many architectural jewels of the Marais. Built in the first half of the 17th century, it nonetheless displays many features of the Renaissance. We will visit the charming gardens and admire its architectural details from the outside.
Place Ste. Catherine
One of the few squares with Louis XVI-style architecture, the site reveals the evolution and development of the neighbourhood .
Inclusions
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This walking tour lasts approximately 2 1/2 hours. An estimated time is given for stops along the way, but the 2 1/2 hours also includes walking time between sites as well as other sites not listed.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- We will meet at Café Hugo for a coffee and a brief introduction before beginning our walk.
End Points
- Once we have finished in front of the Church of Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, you can easily catch a taxi or the metro (Saint-Paul).
