Paris French Revolution History Tour

Learn about 18th century revolutionary Paris and it's historical importance with a history expert

$437 and up

Private

N/A

Small group

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Paris

Photos & Highlights

Clarifies the tangled timeline of the 1789 Revolution and those that followed while highlighting the vestiges of 18th century revolutionary Paris
Led by an expert historian
Place de la Concorde, Bastille, Hôtel de Ville, Place des Vosges , Marais, and Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis

Tour Description

On the afternoon of July 14, 1789, a rebelling rabble laid siege to France's most-hated fortress: the Bastille. Freeing the few remaining political prisoners, the mob began, stone-by-stone, dismantling the building that had come to symbolize the injustice of the old regime. This was the Revolution of 1789. On this 3-hour French Revolution Tour in Paris, we will discover the influences that contributed to this rebellion, forever transforming the country. Led by an expert historian, we will study its different stages, and how it served as a precursor to the revolutions that followed in the 19th century, the effects of which reverberate to this day.

French Revolution Tour Paris

Our walking tour begins at the former site of the hated prison. Initially built as a defense against the English during the Hundred Years' War, the Bastille eventually became a detention center for aristocratic prisoners. Though the actual number of detainees was quite low in 1789, overthrowing the tyranny of the Bastille became the symbol of the Republican movement. Now a traffic roundabout adorned with the July Column—a monument to the later Revolution of 1830—Place de la Bastille bears little resemblance to the former prison complex of the 18th century. Even so, it has a story to tell. Together, we will trace the former outlines of the Bastille, thus setting the tone for our walk.

"Our guide clarified the rapidly evolving timeline of the French Revolution, even bringing along visuals of the many sites that are no longer standing. Her expertise and passion for sharing her insights into this period of French history was palpable and much appreciated."

Place des Vosges

As we move on from Place de la Bastille, we will encounter the neighborhood that once surrounded the fortress. Our guide will paint a picture of daily life in the crowded quartier, and the sharp division between the aristocrats and the lower classes. Entering the Place des Vosges, one of Paris' most treasured green spaces, we'll snag a bench under the trees to get to the heart of the conflict. It was here that Victor Hugo penned his famous work Les Miserables, and we may discuss this powerful piece of historical fiction, as well as the complex political factors that characterized France's first revolutionary period. With our newfound knowledge in mind, we’ll then pass through the Marais neighborhood to study the mansions that represented the wealth of the hated French nobility, putting the class tensions into context (a topic we delve into more on our Marais Walking Tour).

Continued Strife

We will continue on to the Hôtel de Ville, Paris' city hall. As a symbol of the government, its central square became a key location in each subsequent revolution. It was even set alight by revolutionaries during the Commune of 1871. When rebuilt, its controversial balcony was not included (which, yes, will factor into our discussion). We will certainly analyze the role this building played in political movements of the 19th century, which provides a good opportunity to introduce the continuing unrest which ignited the post-1789 revolutions.

At this point, we will return to our focus on the 1789 revolution, boarding the métro to travel a few stops to the Palais Royal. Here, on the site where the mob that sparked the first revolution formed on the night of July 13th, we may discuss the role played by Philippe Égalité, a royal who supported the revolution (though he was executed all the same). Following our stroll through the garden, we’ll continue on through the Jardin des Tuileries—also one of the stops on our Gardens of Paris Tour. These royal gardens became public after the revolution of 1789, but here we will talk about the gardens as a symbol of the dissolution of royal power by introducing the former Tuileries Palace, which was burnt down in 1871.

Take Aways

As we come to the perimeter of the Tuileries, we will look out at the expanse of the Place de la Concorde, which served as the site of the feared guillotine during the Reign of Terror. Here, our walk will end with a discussion of the impact of these historical events on politics, society, and culture in France today. By the end of our walk, we will emerge with a clearer understanding of how the Revolution of 1789 indelibly transformed French society, and how its key events and locations contributed to later conflicts.

Customize this Tour

Whether you already have something in mind or would like to craft something entirely new, our dedicated planning specialists are on hand to help you develop a tour that will be just right for you. Context planners, all travelers in their own right and experts in their dedicated territory, will partner with you to create an itinerary suited exactly to your needs and schedule.

Fill out our CUSTOM FRENCH REVOLUTION FORM or email us at custom@contexttravel.com to get started.

FAQ

What is a private tour?

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

What is a small group tour?

Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. Most of our small group tours require at least three (3) participants to run, although there is some variation from walk to walk. However, there is some variation from walk to walk. As you sign up for a tentative walk we display the minimum number required in order to confirm.

Is this tour walking intensive and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover extensive territory on this tour, some of it by public transport. Please contact us if you have mobility concerns; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you.

Do we visit the Carnavalet museum with this itinerary?
We will not be visiting the museum on our tour, but do encourage you to visit on your own after the tour. The discussions we have on our tour will provide context for understanding the Carnavalet's revolution rooms. NOTE: The Carnavalet is closed until the end of 2019 for renovations.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Marie

The daughter of a sculptor, Marie has been surrounded by art ever since she was born. A native Parisienne, she holds an undergraduate degree in history and art history, with a specialty in iconography and French and Flemish paintings from the 16th to the 18th centuries. She also holds a Master's degree in museology from the Ecole du Louvre and one in Art History from the Sorbonne. She currently works for the French National Art History Institute on special cultural events. Since she loves literature, ballet, theatre, opera, jazz clubs, and classical concerts—she has been playing the piano since she was 9—Paris and its artistic life are a perfect fit.

Iveta

Iveta Slavkova is Assistant Professor at the American University of Paris (AUP). She was born in Sofia, Bulgaria to a family of French francophiles, and always dreamed of living in Paris where she came to study Art History in 1999. In 2006 she defended a PhD at the Sorbonne on the European avant-garde around World War I. Her first monograph "Réparer l'homme. La Crise de l'humanisme et l'Homme nouveau des avant-gardes" (Restoring Humanity. The Humanism Crisis and the New Man of the Avant-Garde) was published in 2020 (https://www.lespressesdureel.com/ouvrage.php?id=2218). Iveta has edited one volume and published a number of academic articles on topics related to art, politics and power, namely in the context of World War I and World War II (https://www.aup.edu/profile/islavkova). A passionate museum goer and city stroller, she likes discussing and interpreting well know facts and making discover the secrets charms of bigger and smaller Parisian museums and neighborhoods where she has guided many students and visitors.

Laura

Hailing from the birthplace of American Liberty, Lexington Massachusetts, Laura crossed the Atlantic after graduating from Boston College with a B.A. in History and French to continue her studies in French history (with a specialization in the politics of the French Revolution) as part of New York University's M.A. program in French Language and Civilization. Her passions include history, literature, ballet, food, and of course, all things French. She loves sharing her experiences and all of the wonders that France has to offer with any visitors to the city of light.

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167 Reviews – (4.61)

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We were so happy with every step of this experience - from the first contact and quick response, to the booking, to accommodating our change of date and then of course the tour itself which was wonderful in every way. Iveta was totally fantastic - so smart and engaging and made the whole experience extremely special. Thank you!

Steve

Dec. 31, 2019

Tailored the tour to our group (age) level. Funny. Made personal connections. Made it a conversation rather than a recitation.

Robert

Dec. 27, 2019

Probably one of our favorite guides and favorite tours. Really tailored the tour to our interests - I myself am not a huge history buff, but my husband is - so he was able to bridge my gaps while giving my husband new information! Wonderful tour and wonderful guide!

Molly

Dec. 23, 2019

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