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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Private tour
Professional art historian guide
Food and drinks
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The guide will be standing in front of the entrance to the Ritz hotel, carrying a red canvas tote bag.
End point
The tour will end at the junction of boulevard Malesherbes and boulevard Hausmann.
Good to know
Please let us know of the desired starting time and share an e-mail and and/or a phone number where you can be reached.
What to expect
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Place Vendome
10 min
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.
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Palais Garnier
20 min
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.
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Societe Generale
20 min
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.
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Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
20 min
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.
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Printemps
10 min
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.
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15 min
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.
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Chapelle Expiatoire
10 min
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.
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Saint-Augustin Church
10 min
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Paris).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Napoleon III's Paris city tour
Can I cancel Napoleon III's Paris city tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
The guide will be standing in front of the entrance to the Ritz hotel, carrying a red canvas tote bag.
What's included?
- Private tour
- Professional art historian guide
What's not included?
- Food and drinks
Which places does it visit?
It visits Place Vendome, Palais Garnier, Societe Generale, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, Printemps, Chapelle Expiatoire, Saint-Augustin Church.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, French.
What fitness level is needed?
It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Paris in person
