Starting Point: Begin in front of the oldest church in Paris, founded in the 6th century by the Merovingian king Childebert I. Highlights: Admire the Romanesque bell tower, the remains of the abbey, and soak in the historic atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Head to Saint-Sulpice Square, home to one of Paris’s largest churches, second only to Notre-Dame. Highlights: Frescoes by Eugène Delacroix. The astronomical gnomon, used to calculate the equinox. The 19th-century Fountain of the Four Bishops.

Stroll through Place de Furstemberg, one of Paris’s most picturesque squares. Highlights: The former studio of painter Eugène Delacroix, now a museum. The cobblestones and lampposts that give the square its romantic charm.

Walk along the Cour du Commerce-Saint-André, an 18th-century cobblestone alley.

Pass by the grand Hôtel des Invalides, home to Napoleon’s tomb and a military museum. The guide will briefly discuss its historical importance.

Stop by the Luxembourg Gardens, created in the 17th century by Marie de’ Medici. Highlights: The French-style gardens, statues, and the serene atmosphere of the park.

The Sorbonne: Founded in 1257, it educated great minds like Descartes, Pascal, and Victor Hugo.

A neoclassical monument honoring France’s greatest figures, from Voltaire and Rousseau to Marie Curie and Simone Veil.

Visit the Arènes de Lutèce, a 1st-century Roman amphitheater. Highlights: The remains of the Gallo-Roman arena, once hosting gladiator battles and spectacles. The peaceful garden surrounding the arena, perfect for a short break.

Explore the Musée de Cluny, a medieval treasure housed in a 15th-century mansion. Highlights: The Lady and the Unicorn, a series of famous tapestries. Gallo-Roman baths, remnants of ancient Paris. Collections of medieval art, including sculptures, stained glass, and manuscripts.

Continue to Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, a gem of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Remnants of the Philippe Auguste Wall, built between 1190 and 1215.

Wander down Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’s oldest streets. Highlights: The lively market and quaint shops. The vibrant atmosphere of this ancient street, dating back to antiquity.

A Gothic masterpiece

Renowned for its stunning stained glass windows.

A former royal palace turned prison during the French Revolution, where Marie Antoinette was held.

Cross the Pont Saint-Louis to Île Saint-Louis, a peaceful haven in the heart of Paris. 17th-century mansions. Charming boutiques and artisanal ice cream shops (like Berthillon). Stunning views of the Seine and its quays.

Conclude your tour at two iconic landmarks. Pont Neuf: The oldest bridge in Paris, built under Henry IV. Place Saint-Michel: Famous for its fountain and lively atmosphere.