Private Bastille and Aligre Market Walking Tour With the Highline

Discover the captivating history and vibrant culture of Paris on this private walking tour. From the iconic Bastille to the bustling Aligre Market, you’ll uncover the city’s rich tapestry, exploring iconic landmarks and local haunts. But the real gem lies in the Promenade Plantée – an elevated park inspired by New York’s High Line, offering stunning city views and a peaceful respite. With a small group for a personalized experience, this tour promises an immersive exploration of Parisian life.

Key Points

• This private walking tour explores the historic Bastille district, including the iconic Place de la Bastille and the lively Aligre Market.
• The tour offers expert commentary on the French Revolution and provides insights into local Parisian culinary traditions.
• Visitors can stroll along the Viaduc des Arts, a modern recreation of an old railway viaduct, and the Promenade Plantée, a peaceful urban oasis.
• The tour begins at the Opéra Bastille and ends near the Gare de Lyon, with easy access to the metro.
• The group size is limited to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience.

Explore the Historical Bastille

As you begin the Explore the Historical Bastille, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich history of the Bastille district.

Standing at the iconic Place de la Bastille, you’ll learn about its significance as the site of the French Revolution. Your guide will regale you with tales of the fortress’s dramatic storming in 1789, a pivotal moment that sparked the revolution.

Spend time absorbing the atmosphere of this historic square, imagining the crowds that once gathered here. With your guide’s expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this seminal event that changed the course of French history.

Discover the Vibrant Aligre Market

From the historic Bastille, the tour continues to the vibrant Aligre Market, a beloved food haven in the heart of Paris.

Wander through the lively stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of fresh produce, cheeses, breads, and more. The guide shares insights into local shopping habits and culinary traditions as you sample regional specialties.

Explore the covered market hall, then venture outside to browse the outdoor market, chatting with vendors and soaking up the authentic neighborhood atmosphere.

This immersive experience offers a true taste of Parisian culture and daily life.

Stroll Along the Viaduc Des Arts

Departing the lively Aligre Market, the tour heads to the Viaduc des Arts, a modern recreation of an old railway viaduct.

For 30 minutes, the group strolls along this elevated pathway, taking in the charming shops and galleries that line the arches beneath.

The Viaduc’s contemporary design seamlessly blends with the historic architecture, creating a unique urban space.

Visitors can browse the artisan boutiques, stop for a coffee, and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood.

This peaceful walkway offers a pleasant contrast to the bustling market experience, allowing the tour to end on a tranquil note.

Experience the Promenade Plantée

Leaving the Viaduc des Arts, the tour group now ventures to the Promenade Plantée, an elevated walkway that draws inspiration from New York City’s acclaimed High Line.

Built atop an abandoned railway viaduct, this unique green space offers a serene stroll high above the bustling streets below. The guide points out the lush vegetation, from flowering trees to cascading vines, creating a peaceful urban oasis.

As the group ascends, they’re rewarded with captivating views of the Bastille neighborhood and the city skyline. This tranquil haven provides a welcome respite from the vibrant market experience.

Savor the Local Culinary Delights

Now, what culinary delights await the group as they explore the Aligre Market? The vibrant market stalls beckon with an array of fresh produce, artisanal breads, and local cheeses.

The guide leads the group through the bustling aisles, stopping to sample a flavorful ripe tomato, a crusty baguette, and a creamy brie.

The group takes in the lively atmosphere, mingling with the locals and absorbing the market’s rich history.

A refreshing glass of Bordeaux wine completes the culinary experience, offering a perfect pairing for the delectable bites savored throughout the tour.

Meeting and Departure Details

The tour begins near Opéra Bastille, at the iconic Place de la Bastille in central Paris.

The closest metro station is Bastille, which serves lines 1, 5, and 8. From there, it’s just a short walk to the meeting point.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off near Gare de Lyon, providing easy access to other parts of the city.

The tour group is limited to eight people, ensuring a personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide.

With gratuities included, you can simply relax and learn about the vibrant Bastille and Aligre Market neighborhoods.

Tour Reviews and Feedback

Reviews of the Bastille and Aligre Market walking tour have been overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 17 reviews. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth local insights and accommodate individual interests. The food tastings and drink are also highlights, offering a delicious introduction to Parisian cuisine. One tour guide, Solene, is particularly noted for her excellent service. The tour is highly recommended for both first-time and returning visitors to Paris, providing an engaging and informative exploration of this vibrant neighborhood.

Tour Reviews and Feedback
Average Rating	4.8
Based on	17 reviews
Positive Comments	Knowledgeable guides, enjoyable experiences, local insights, delicious tastings
Recommended Guide	Solene

Common Questions

Are Food Allergies Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly mention if food allergies are accommodated. However, the inclusion of food tastings suggests participants should inform the guide of any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to suit specific interests. The knowledgeable guides are happy to accommodate requests and provide in-depth information on areas of particular interest to the group.

How Physically Demanding Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?

The walking portion of the tour is moderately demanding, covering approximately 3 miles over 3 hours. However, the pace is leisurely, and there are periodic stops to rest and explore the sights. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled in Case of Unfavorable Weather?

The tour can be rescheduled in case of unfavorable weather. The provider is typically flexible and willing to accommodate changes to the schedule to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience, rain or shine.

Is Photography Allowed During the Market and Food Tasting Portions?

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the market and food tasting portions of the tour, though guests should be mindful of not disrupting the vendors or other participants. It’s a great opportunity to capture the vibrant atmosphere and memorable food experiences.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a unique and immersive experience of Parisian history, culture, and cuisine. From the iconic Bastille to the lively Aligre Market, and the tranquil Promenade Plantée, it’s a well-rounded exploration of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. With a small group and a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get a personalized and authentic taste of Parisian life.