Private Bastille and Aligre Market Walking Tour With the Highline

The Private Bastille and Aligre Market Walking Tour offers an intriguing glimpse into the vibrant Bastille district. Participants can indulge in gourmet food tastings while exploring iconic sites like the Place de la Bastille and the scenic Promenade Plantée, inspired by New York City’s High Line. With a small group size and a focus on historical insights combined with culinary delights, this highly-rated tour promises an enriching experience in a charming Parisian neighborhood. However, what makes this tour truly exceptional is the opportunity to discover the unique blend of history, architecture, and local culture that defines the Bastille and Aligre areas.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Shopping Tours In Paris.

Key Points

• The tour provides a private walking experience through the Bastille district and the Aligre market, exploring gourmet shops and iconic sites.
• Highlights include visiting the Place de la Bastille, the Port de l’Arsenal, and the Viaduc des Arts, which is inspired by New York’s High Line.
• Participants can enjoy three food tastings and one drink, as well as learn about the historical significance of the French Revolution and the Canal St-Martin.
• The tour is approximately 3 hours long and limited to a group size of 8, providing a personalized experience.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to cobblestone streets and stairs, but strollers are allowed, and service animals can be accommodated with advance notice.

Tour Overview

This private walking tour of the Bastille district and Aligre market in Paris takes approximately 3 hours and is limited to a group size of 8 people for a personalized experience.

Participants will explore gourmet shops and bustling food markets, visit iconic sites like the Place de la Bastille and the Promenade Plantée, and discover traditional Parisian markets, including the Marché d’Aligre.

Along the way, they’ll sample French fare with three food tastings and one drink included.

The tour provides historical context, exploring the Bastille’s role in the French Revolution and the significance of the Canal St-Martin.

With a 5.0 rating from 16 reviews, this immersive experience offers a chance to discover the charm of a trendy, historically rich Parisian neighborhood.

Highlights of the Tour

Participants typically explore gourmet shops and bustling food markets during the tour. They will visit iconic sites like Place de la Bastille, Port de l’Arsenal, and the Viaduc des Arts.

The highlight is strolling along the Promenade Plantée, an elevated walkway inspired by NYC’s High Line. Visitors will discover traditional food markets, including the vibrant Marché d’Aligre.

Throughout the tour, they’ll sample delicious French fare with three food tastings and one drink included. The tour also provides historical context, examining the Bastille’s role in the French Revolution and the significance of the Canal St-Martin during that time.

Participants will experience the charm of this trendy, architecturally rich neighborhood.

Historical Context

The tour provides historical context, examining the pivotal role the Bastille played in the French Revolution. Visitors learn about the significance of the nearby Canal St-Martin during that tumultuous period.

The neighborhood’s rich history is explored, from the events surrounding the Storming of the Bastille in 1789 to the architectural and cultural changes that have shaped the area over time.

Guests gain a deeper understanding of how this iconic Parisian district has evolved, transitioning from its revolutionary roots to become a hub of trendy bars, shops, and contemporary design.

The tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, seamlessly weaving historical narratives with the vibrant present-day atmosphere of the Bastille district.

Meeting and Departure Information

The tour meeting point is located near the Opéra Bastille, at Place de la Bastille in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, with a 10:00 am departure time. Guests will return near the Gare de Lyon train station in central Paris.

This walking tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and service animals are welcome.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour covers several kilometers on foot. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour includes a professional guide, as well as any applicable gratuities and food/drink tastings.

Accessibility

This walking tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed. The 3-hour route through the historic Bastille district involves navigating cobblestone streets and stairways, which may pose challenges for those with mobility limitations.

However, the tour does cater to visitors with service animals. To ensure an enjoyable and accessible experience, the tour company recommends the following:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
2. Bring any necessary mobility aids.
3. Inform the guide of any special needs prior to the tour.

While the Bastille and Aligre Market tour may not be fully accessible, the tour company strives to accommodate visitors to the best of their abilities and encourage all to explore this vibrant Parisian neighborhood.

Confirmation and Cancellation

Upon booking, visitors receive confirmation of their Bastille and Aligre Market tour reservation.

Customers can cancel their tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy ensures guests can easily adjust their plans if needed.

The tour is also accessible for those traveling with service animals. However, the walking tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should consider this when booking.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted on the Bastille and Aligre Market tour, allowing guests with disabilities to fully participate in the experience. This inclusive policy ensures that the tour is accessible to all who wish to explore the historic Bastille district and vibrant Aligre market.

Some key points about service animals on this tour:

1. Guests are required to notify the tour company in advance about the presence of a service animal.

2. Service animals must be well-behaved and under the control of their handler at all times.

3. The tour route and pace can accommodate service animals, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.

This accessibility feature reflects the tour operator’s commitment to making the Bastille and Aligre Market tour inclusive and welcoming for all.

Physical Fitness Requirement

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for participants to fully enjoy the Bastille and Aligre Market tour. The route involves extensive walking, with the guide leading the group through various neighborhoods and markets, requiring guests to maintain a steady pace.

Strolling through the historic Bastille district and bustling Aligre market calls for a good amount of stamina, as the tour covers approximately 3 miles over the course of 3 hours. While the pace is leisurely, guests with limited mobility or endurance may find the tour challenging.

Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for an active exploration of this vibrant Parisian neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in English?

The tour guide is fluent in English and will provide a personalized experience for the small group. With knowledgeable commentary, they’ll ensure participants can fully engage with and understand the tour’s highlights.

Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not explicitly mention discounts for students or seniors. However, many Paris walking tours may offer reduced rates for certain groups, so it’s best to inquire with the tour operator about any potential discounts that may apply.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate the group’s specific interests. While the core itinerary remains, the guide is flexible in highlighting areas of particular interest and adjusting the pace and focus of the tour.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire?

There is no specific dress code for this walking tour, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. Participants should dress for a casual, relaxed day exploring the Bastille and Aligre neighborhoods.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention scheduled restroom breaks. However, guides typically accommodate requests for restroom stops during walking tours, allowing participants to take breaks as needed throughout the experience.

Recap

The Private Bastille and Aligre Market Walking Tour offers a unique exploration of Parisian history and cuisine.

Participants can enjoy gourmet tastings while visiting iconic sites like the Bastille and the Promenade Plantée, inspired by New York City’s High Line.

With a small group size and an enriching experience, this highly-rated tour is a great way to discover the charming Bastille district.