Jewish Marais tour with Synagogue visit and Lunch

Begin your historic walk at 11am in what Napoleon called the jewel of Paris, Place des Vosges. Step through the ancient arcade into the garden of Hotel de Sully, where you’ll learn more about the importance of hotels (mansions) in Paris. (Hint: the wealthy don't live in them anymore).

Continue exploring the winding streets of the Marais as your guide explains how little the neighborhood’s layout has changed since first being built. With plenty of light-hearted stops (such as catching a glimpse of a cross-dressing Napoleon statue by the Historical Library of Paris), you’ll weave through many tiny streets in this classically Old Paris neighborhood. Your guide will share history and anecdotes, guiding you on a pleasantly-paced walk through important historical sites including the facade of the famous rue Pavee synagogue (created by Hector Guimard, who also designed the iconic Art Nouveau metro entrances).

Head to the Fleishman Synagogue with your guide, where you'll be welcomed by a member of the synagogue and invited inside. Have a seat inside as your guide gives you the history highlight reel of the Jewish Community in France. It's 2,000 years of history, but in about 30 minutes, you'll hear the most important parts of our easy-to-understand style.

Turn onto the charmingly cobblestone rue des Rosiers, arguably the bustling center of this Jewish neighborhood. Soak in the atmosphere of the area, from Jewish paraphernalia shops to Jewish bakeries to Kosher restaurants...

Speaking of Kosher restaurants: enjoy a special lunch at L'As du Falafel (Lenny Kravitz favorite falafel) as your guide secures no-wait reservations at this no-reservations landmark restaurant. Your meal is at an individual expense so you may choose anything off the traditional Israeli menu, including the falafel that made them famous, or shawarma. 

After our 40-minute restaurant break, top off your meal with the last stroll to the Shoah Holocaust Museum and Memorial, where your guide will share the most moving stories of the Jewish experience during WWII before concluding the tour. Free entry to the Shoah Museum is available for those who wish to learn more on their own after the tour (a typical visit usually takes about 1 hour).