Bastille District: Food Tasting, Promenade Plantée and Viaduc des Arts Walking Tour
Gain insight into the local food, culture, history and daily life of Paris' Bastille district on this 3-hour walking tour. Veer off the tourist trail with a knowledgeable guide to discover the elevated tree-lined walkway of the Promenade Plantée and the Viaduc des Arts — predecessor to The High Line in New York City. Pop into gourmet shops, wander around buzzing food markets and learn about the bold architecture and French Revolution history for which the Bastille area is famous. Your tour size limited to eight people to ensure a more personalized experience.
Your 3-hour Bastille walking tour starts near the Opéra Bastille in Paris' 11th arrondissement. After meeting your guide, start with an overview of the area, which is named for its centerpiece, Place de la Bastille — the site of the Storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. Today it's a busy, animated neighborhood with a fascinating story, known for its hip bars and clubs, trendy restaurants and authentic outdoor food and flea markets.
Follow your guide to the Port de l'Arsenal — the basin linking the Canal St-Martin to the famous Seine River — and hear of the role this ancient waterway played during the Revolution. Poke your head into gourmet shops on Rue d'Aligre and continue along ancient Rue de la Roquette, where you'll stop by an indoor food market and discover the delightful chocolate shop of famous chocolatier Alain Ducasse, called La Manufacture de Chocolat Alain Ducasse.
Continue to the bold archways of the Viaduc des Arts, an urban renewal of an old train line. Climb to the top of the viaduct to walk down the Promenade Plantée, a tree-lined walkway studded with shops and art galleries, which inspired the famous High Line in Manhattan. This enchanting stroll is sure to be the highlight of your tour. Stop at some eateries on the way to sample traditional French fare; three food tastings and one drink per person are included.
Finish your walking tour amidst the fresh produce, fine wines, fresh artisan breads and luscious cheeses of the Bastille’s traditional food markets, including the popular Marché d'Aligre. Marvel at the quality and range of the diverse regional products on display, and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant and inviting part of town.
After three hours exploring the Bastille area, your tour concludes near Gare de Lyon.
