The Parisii, the Gallic tribe who gave Paris its name, minted their own gold coins featuring a stylized head of Apollo on one side and a horse with a net above its head on the other.
Two thousand years · General
General History of Paris
2,000 years of Parisian history in one walk
Did you know
In 52 BC, the Gauls destroyed both bridges connecting the Île de la Cité to prevent the Roman general Labienus from reaching their fortress — but his brilliant overnight river crossing outmaneuvered them.
The Roman baths of Cluny, still standing over 13 meters tall near our first stop, were the largest public baths in Roman Lutetia and are among the best-preserved Roman ruins in France.
During the Viking siege of 885-886, the monk Abbon described a fleet of 700 ships covering the Seine — an armada so vast it terrified the 5,000 civilians sheltering on the Île de la Cité.
On the night of June 20, 1791, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette disguised themselves and fled the Tuileries Palace in a large green coach called the berline. They were recognized by a postmaster in the small town of Sainte-Menehould — a blunder that led to their arrest in Varennes and ultimately sealed the fate of the French monarchy.
Three eras, one walk
The Romans · The Middle Ages · The Revolution
Act I · 52 BC — 5th century
Roman Paris
Discover the origins of Paris as Lutetia, a Gallic settlement conquered by Rome. From the fierce battle of 52 BC to 300 years of Pax Romana, explore how the Romans shaped the city with baths, forums, and theaters.
Act II · 9th — 13th century
Medieval Paris
Experience the dramatic Viking siege of 885-886, when 700 ships carrying 10,000 warriors laid siege to the Île de la Cité. Follow the eyewitness account of the monk Abbon and the heroic defense led by Count Eudes.
Act III · 1789 — 1791
The French Revolution
Relive the night of June 20, 1791, when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attempted their daring escape from Paris — a comedy of errors with dramatic consequences that sealed the fate of the French monarchy.
On the ground
Our 3 Historic Stops
Walked in sequence — each stop sets up the next.
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Roman Paris
Thermes de Cluny — Roman Lutetia
Begin at the imposing Roman baths, still standing after nearly 2,000 years. Here we set the scene: the arrival of the Parisii tribe, their gold coinage, and the dramatic battle of 52 BC where the Roman general Labienus outwitted the Gallic warrior Camulogène with a daring overnight river crossing. Discover how Rome transformed the settlement into a thriving city with forums, theaters, and the road you walked to get here.
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Medieval Paris
Île de la Cité — The Viking Siege
Standing on the very island where Parisians sheltered during the siege of 885-886, relive the dramatic events through the eyes of the monk Abbon. With only 200 soldiers against 10,000 Vikings, Count Eudes mounted a legendary defense. Experience the heroism, the starvation, and the political betrayal that ended a dynasty and crowned a new king.
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The French Revolution
Tuileries Garden — The Flight to Varennes
On the site of the vanished Tuileries Palace, discover the night of June 20, 1791 — when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attempted their escape from Revolutionary Paris. A story worthy of a thriller: disguises, near-misses with Lafayette's patrol, a wrong turn in the dark, and a chase through the night that ended in a small-town grocery store.
The walk
See where we walk.
Three stops, an afternoon, two thousand years — all on foot.
General History
2.5 km · 3 stops · 1 h 30
On the ground
From the tour.
Book this walk
General History of Paris
- From
- 45 €/ person
- Duration
- 1 h 30
- Group
- Max 10
- Languages
- English · French
Or book directly
Pick a date, a party size, pay in one step. Bookings confirm within 24 hours.
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More walks
Discover the other tours.
Questions
Things you might wonder.
How long is the WWII walking tour in Paris?
Each tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers about 2.5 km with 4 historic stops. The pace is comfortable for all fitness levels.
Are the Paris WWII tours available in French and English?
Yes, all tours are available in both English and French. Choose your preferred language when booking.
What is the difference between the Left Bank and Right Bank tours?
Both tours cover three themes: the Fall of Paris, the Resistance, and the Liberation. The Left Bank tour visits Boulevard Saint-Michel, Luxembourg Gardens, Sorbonne, and Notre-Dame. The Right Bank tour covers Pont Alexandre III, Place de la Concorde, and Place Vendôme. Each tour tells unique stories tied to its locations.
Can I book a private WWII tour of Paris?
Yes, we offer both regular group tours (up to 10 people) and private tours for your group only. Private tours offer more flexibility with dates and times.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and older teenagers interested in history. The content covers wartime events and is presented in an educational, respectful manner.
Where do the tours start and end?
Meeting points are communicated 24 hours before the tour. The Left Bank tour starts near Boulevard Saint-Michel and ends near Notre-Dame. The Right Bank tour starts at Pont Alexandre III and ends at Place Vendôme. The General History tour starts at the Thermes de Cluny and ends at the Tuileries Garden.
What period of history does the General History tour cover?
The General History of Paris tour spans 2,000 years — from the Gallic settlement and Roman conquest of Lutetia (52 BC), through the Viking siege of 885-886, to the French Revolution and the royal escape attempt of 1791. It's 1.5 hours with 3 stops.
How is the General History tour different from your WWII tours?
While our WWII tours focus on 1940-1944 (the Fall, Resistance, and Liberation of Paris), the General History tour spans 2,000 years of Parisian history through three dramatic stories that shaped the city: Roman conquest, Viking siege, and the French Revolution.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or reschedule your tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable. Contact us via WhatsApp or email to make changes.
What should I wear or bring on the tour?
Wear comfortable walking shoes — we cover about 2.5 km on foot. Bring water, sunscreen in summer, or an umbrella if rain is forecast. No special equipment is needed. The tour is entirely outdoors.
Is the tour accessible for people with reduced mobility?
The tours follow paved, flat streets and sidewalks in central Paris. However, some sections may have cobblestones or curbs. If you have specific mobility needs, contact us in advance and we'll adapt the route where possible.
What happens if it rains on the day of my tour?
Tours run rain or shine — Paris history doesn't stop for the weather! In case of severe weather (storms, extreme heat warnings), we'll contact you to reschedule at no extra cost.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure online booking. Cash payment is also possible on-site if arranged in advance.
How many people are in a group tour?
Group tours have a maximum of 10 participants to ensure a personal, engaging experience. Most groups are between 4 and 8 people. Private tours are also available for your group exclusively.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 3–5 days ahead, especially during peak season (April–October). Last-minute bookings are sometimes available — check our calendar or send us a WhatsApp message.