What's in our tour?
The “Jewish Paris Tour” is both an exciting stroll around one of Paris’ most history-filled districts, the Marais, and a chance to gain insights into the fascinating history and current status of Jews in France – a sometimes devastating, often inspiring, relationship.
We meet outside Notre Dame cathedral on the plaza, once the venue of persecutions against Jews.
We make our way towards the Marais, and first towards the Shoah Memorial – the memorial to the 72,000 Jews who died to the hands of the Germans during the occupation of France during World War II.
We then meander through the picturesque medieval streets of Marais, where Jews have lived on and off for 800 years. The shops, the names of the streets, the many synagogues and yeshivas, all retell the many facets of Jewish history in France.
The facts are gripping – from persecution to full liberation, the so-called ‘emancipation’ during the French revolution, then the contrasted hours of the 19th century that saw massive anti-semitism and the Dreyfus affair, but also the successes of many Jewish families in France in many fields from business to the arts, and the rise of support for a Jewish national homeland.
This Paris Jewish tour is also a way to discover Paris – we see old buildings, picturesque stores and secluded private gardens, we walk by appetizing food stores, we discuss the pros and cons of “Paris’ best falafel store”, we gossip about the neighborhood’s residents.
We also discuss the 500,000-strong Jewish community today – debunking many stereotypes and pre-conceived ideas. The guide exposes the many Jewish cultural institutions that can be explored across Paris later on your trip.
The finale is on place des Vosges – possibly Paris’ most elegant architectural ensemble, as well as a landmark of Jewish Paris.
Highlights
- Jewish Paris of 800 years ago
- synagogues, delicatessens and other facets of contemporary Jewish Paris
- the best Jewish sweets in town – but which store deserves that title!?
- countless photo opps of places and people
- native guide gives you insider’s tips on things to do at night – bars, restaurants, events etc.
- Private tour, with your own guide – not only do you get a lot of face-time with your guide, but the tour can be shaped to whatever you want – more religion, less religion, more shopping, or more history, or more contemporary facets, it’s your choice
Where and when?
Our Paris Jewish Tour start at the time of your choice, every day rain or shine and last a leisurely 3 hours.
We meet outside Notre Dame Cathedral, by the huge horse statue. Closest metro stop is Cité (line 4).
Closed on Dec. 24 & 25 only.
The walking tour ends near Metro Les Halles, in central Paris, close to the Pompidou Center.
Why take this tour?
To debunk some wrong ideas, to learn, and to explore one of the most history-filled districts of Paris, all along while having fun.
Price
Jewish Paris is a 3-hour private tour.
Here are our rates for the Jewish Paris private tour:
| for 1 or 2 persons | US$269/party |
| for additional adult | US$25/person |
| for additional teenager | US$12/person |
Other information
This Paris Jewish Tour is wheelchair accessible
