The Marais, which takes its name from its literal beginnings as a marsh, has already undergone two renaissances since its beginnings in the 12th century. The first occurred in the 16th century under King Louis XIII and the second - fortunately for us - continues today. While most of the rest of Paris was demolished under Napoleon, the Marais was able to preserve much of its and Medieval and Renaissance-style architecture.

Today, the Marais is able to give us a glimpse into 2 worlds; the Paris of old and the modern, chic Paris of today. Having long been the center of Jewish Parisian life, today the Marais is also home to some of the city's trendiest boutiques, stunningly preserved architecture, art galleries, and hip nightlife. Nowhere else in Paris can you see such a blending of old and new. Home to such diverse attractions as the Place des Vosges, the oldest, most beautiful square in all of Paris, the Hotel Carnavalet and Picasso Museum, the Marais simply cannot be missed during your visit to Paris.

Your Classic Marais Tour will give you a glimpse into all this, and more. Your takes you to same place the French Revolution was born, the Place de Bastille. It was here, at the historic Bastille prison built in 1370, that the infamous "Man in the Iron Mask" was sentenced to life in prison by Louis XIV. You'll also get to see other remnants of the French Revolution with a stop at the Colonne de Juillet, a memorial that honors the victims of that fateful July revolution. In contrast to that, your tour also includes a visit to the decidedly more modern Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou, the modern art structure that Parisians love to hate. Your visit to the enchanting Marais district winds down with a stop at the Yvon Lambert Gallery, home to some of the world's most cutting edge art, and a stroll down Rue des Rosiers, one of the most delightful and well preserved streets in all of the Marais.