Napoleon III's Paris city tour | 2 hours

3 Reviews | Paris
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Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Haussmannian Paris
2 Adults x $314.95
$629.90
Approx Total
$629.90

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English, French
  • Private tour
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Food and drinks

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.

Meeting points

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

End point

Open in Google Maps

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

Itinerary

  • Place Vendome

    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.

    10 minutes

  • Palais Garnier

    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.

    20 minutes

  • Societe Generale

    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.

    20 minutes

  • Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

    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.

    20 minutes

  • Printemps

    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.

    10 minutes

  • N/A

    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.

    15 minutes

  • Chapelle Expiatoire

    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.

    10 minutes

  • Saint-Augustin Church

    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.

    10 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • 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

Free Cancellation

June 19100% refund
June 20No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    3
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 3 reviews with 5 stars

Thought provoking and beautiful walking tour

Published on Apr, 2024

This was our third tour with Boris on our recent trip to Paris. I learned of him and his small company through a favorite podcast (Earful Tower) where he has been a guest multiple times speaking on different subjects, including Haussmann. I think this tour was one of the highlights of our trip. He very skillfully weaves a narrative giving social, historical and artistic context, while visiting stunning iconic buildings. Definitely a must see/do experience.

Thought provoking and beautiful walking tour

Published on Apr, 2024

This was our third tour with Boris on our recent trip to Paris. I learned of him and his small company through a favorite podcast (Earful Tower) where he has been a guest multiple times speaking on different subjects, including Haussmann. I think this tour was one of the highlights of our trip. He very skillfully weaves a narrative giving social, historical and artistic context, while visiting stunning iconic buildings. Definitely a must see/do experience.

Thought provoking and beautiful walking tour

Published on Apr, 2024

This was our third tour with Boris on our recent trip to Paris. I learned of him and his small company through a favorite podcast (Earful Tower) where he has been a guest multiple times speaking on different subjects, including Haussmann. I think this tour was one of the highlights of our trip. He very skillfully weaves a narrative giving social, historical and artistic context, while visiting stunning iconic buildings. Definitely a must see/do experience.

Thought provoking and beautiful walking tour

Published on Apr, 2024

This was our third tour with Boris on our recent trip to Paris. I learned of him and his small company through a favorite podcast (Earful Tower) where he has been a guest multiple times speaking on different subjects, including Haussmann. I think this tour was one of the highlights of our trip. He very skillfully weaves a narrative giving social, historical and artistic context, while visiting stunning iconic buildings. Definitely a must see/do experience.

A charming and knowledgable host

Published on Dec, 2023

My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Haussmanian Paris. The guide, Amy, seemed to know everything about 19th century Paris, architecture, art, and every other question we asked her. Such a pleasure to be shown the city by someone so knowledgeable. Highly recommended!

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