Unravel the incredible layers of the 2000 years of history that makes the Paris of the 21st century more complex and interesting than the tourists would ever suspect. Discover the hidden places and hot new spots in each district.
This new itinerary is the result of literally years of study and is designed for individual travellers who are well beyond being satisfied by the typical tourist traps. The idea originally came from a very experienced traveller who knew that after years of visiting Paris, he was simply scratching the surface.
He rightly assumed that the vast majority of interesting experiences are unavailable to people who don’t speak French. His challenge to me was: “I want to stop feeling like a tourist. I want to see the things you can’t find on your own. I want to properly understand Paris.”
Paris 1 to 8 is the response to this challenge. It is designed to provide the finest conquest of the city since Roman times. You can throw away the standard guide books and write your own!
THE ARRONDISSEMENTS
Since 1860, with the extension of Paris (including faubourgs outside the wall of the “Fermiers généraux”) by Napoleon III and Haussmann, there have been 20 arrondissements, spiraling like a snail from the western side of the Ile de la Cité.
Each arrondissement is divided into four “quartiers” (basically the north west, north east, south west and south east sections of each arrondissement).
Parisians tend to identify very strongly with their own quartier, with many seldom venturing far beyond their neighbourhood on a regular basis.
Come with us and discover the background and diversity of that make Paris a far more complex and interest city than tourists realise.
THE ITINERARY
Paris 1 to 8 is an introduction, providing an in-depth insight into the inner circle of Paris.
The itinerary can be divided into modules, allowing for a single day in any arrondissement. Half day highlights are also available and there is a huge variety of options available for short walking tours in any quartier or arrondissement.
For travellers who want to transcend the “typical tourist” label, simply becoming well acquainted with the quartier around their hotel or apartment is an invaluable introduction.
As a complete itinerary there is an introduction day to the history of Paris, followed by a full day spent in each arrondissement from 1 to 8. We’ll also do a “walk through” of the most interesting museums in each area.