Begin your journey in the heart of Paris’s intellectual quarter at the historic Sorbonne. Founded in the 13th century, the Sorbonne became a symbol of medieval scholarship and theological debate, giving the Latin Quarter its name. Admire the Baroque façade of the chapel from the outside, designed under Cardinal Richelieu, and learn about the university’s enduring influence on Parisian life and culture. This iconic landmark sets the stage for a walk through centuries of history.

Step briefly into the peaceful courtyard of the Collège de France, established in 1530 by King Francis I. Created to teach revolutionary subjects like Hebrew, astronomy, and anatomy—often forbidden at the Sorbonne—it became a hub for free thinkers and intellectual progress. Your guide will share how this Renaissance institution shaped Paris’s reputation as a city of ideas.

Enter one of Paris’s most beautiful yet lesser-known churches. This Renaissance gem houses the shrine of Saint Geneviève, Paris’s patron saint, credited with saving the city from Attila the Hun (c. 406–453 AD), who was one of the most feared rulers in history — the leader of the Huns, a nomadic warrior people from Central Asia who invaded and terrorized parts of the Roman Empire in the 5th century. Marvel at Paris’s only surviving Renaissance rood screen, admire its intricate stained-glass windows, and see the tombs of literary and scientific icons like Pascal and Racine. The guide will bring the church’s stories to life during this extended interior visit.

Step back nearly 2,000 years as you descend into this hidden Roman amphitheater—one of the oldest monuments in Paris. Once a bustling arena for gladiator combats and public gatherings, the Arènes de Lutèce evokes the ancient city of Lutetia, long buried beneath the streets of modern Paris. Your guide will share stories of Roman life and explain how this site was rediscovered in the 19th century.

Enjoy a stroll through Paris’s most elegant garden, commissioned by Queen Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century and inspired by the Boboli Gardens of Florence. Admire the beautifully landscaped lawns, fountains, and statues, while your guide explains how the Luxembourg Palace transitioned from royal residence to the seat of the French Senate. This peaceful setting provides a perfect moment to reflect on Paris’s transformation from monarchy to republic.

Your tour concludes at the majestic Panthéon, an 18th-century masterpiece built as a church and later transformed into a mausoleum for France’s greatest figures. Before entering, your guide will share the story of how this neoclassical monument became a symbol of national pride during the French Revolution. Inside, visitors can marvel at Foucault’s pendulum, a breathtaking scientific experiment first installed here in 1851 to prove the Earth’s rotation — a simple yet profound device that still mesmerizes viewers today. With your reserved ticket, you’ll then explore the interior at your own pace, visiting the tombs of luminaries like Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, Josephine Baker and Victor Hugo.