Organized tour of La Monnaie de Paris
Monnaie de Paris and Musée de la Légion d'Honneur: an immersion in the history, power and symbols of France In the heart…
The belly of Paris, Les Halles & an investigation at the Palais Royal
A historical and mysterious Paris for a fun walk
1 day
Fill up on discoveries
Transport
We organize your transport by coach, train or plane
Visite culturelle & découverte
Châteaux, grottes, parcs, jardins, villages, monuments historiques...
Price upon request
Groups
All-inclusive prices for small and large groups
With guide
You won't miss a single detail - they know their subject inside out.
French
English
Other languages on request
English
Other languages on request
This excursion to the heart of Paris offers a fascinating dive into one of the capital’s oldest and liveliest districts: Les Halles, once known as the “Belly of Paris”. From historical accounts to a playful adventure in the Palais-Royal, this day offers an original experience combining culture and entertainment.
Designed for groups, this tour combines heritage discovery with an immersive activity.
Les Halles: the “Belly of Paris” since the Middle Ages
In the heart of the 1st arrondissement, the Halles district was for centuries the main food market in Paris. This central location, where goods, merchants and residents flocked, gave rise to the famous expression “the belly of Paris”.
From the Middle Ages onwards, this district became :
- The capital’s economic and food hub
- An intense, noisy and lively place to live
- A space combining commerce, encounters and popular anecdotes
Les Halles has had a profound impact on the history and identity of Paris.
A district steeped in 8 centuries of history
The tour takes in the major stages in the development of Les Halles:
- Medieval markets and the Innocents cemetery
- Transformations under Louis XVI and Napoleon III
- Construction of the Baltard pavilions in the 19th century
These modern glass and metal pavilions, inaugurated in 1857, illustrate the desire to organize and clean up this gigantic urban market.
From the Bourse de Commerce to the Pinault Collection Museum
The tour begins at the Bourse de Commerce, once a strategic location for Parisian commerce. Built on the site of the former Hôtel de Soissons, it bears witness to the capital’s economic history through the centuries.
Today, this emblematic monument is enjoying a new lease of life as home to the Collection Pinault, an internationally renowned museum of contemporary art. Completely refurbished by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the building blends historical heritage with modern architecture.
Visitors can discover :
- Major contemporary art exhibitions
- Immersive scenography in a unique circular setting
- A dialogue between contemporary creation and historical heritage
It’s the perfect embodiment of the transformation of Paris, where historic buildings find a new cultural function.
Saint-Eustache church: a monument not to be missed
At the heart of Les Halles,Saint-Eustache church is a major landmark in the district.
It is distinguished by :
- A blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture
- Its historic role at the heart of the market
- Its presence in the daily life of Les Halles
It bears witness to the religious and social importance of this once overcrowded district.
Les Halles today: a neighborhood in transformation
After the market moved to Rungis in the 1960s, the neighborhood underwent a radical transformation.
Today it is :
- A major transport hub with Châtelet-Les Halles
- A modern shopping center with the Forum des Halles
- An urban space redeveloped around the Canopée
The site now welcomes millions of visitors every year and remains the beating heart of the capital.
Beaubourg: an architectural icon as fascinating as ever
Near Les Halles, the Centre Pompidou, also known as Beaubourg, is another landmark in the Parisian urban landscape.
Although the site is currently closed for renovation, it remains a must-see for its bold, revolutionary architecture. Inaugurated in 1977, it has profoundly marked the history of contemporary architecture.
Its distinctive features include :
- Visible structures (colored pipes, outdoor escalators)
- Its innovative approach to cultural space
- Its major role in disseminating modern and contemporary art
Even when closed, Beaubourg continues to fascinate visitors and remains a powerful symbol of cultural and avant-garde Paris.
The Palais-Royal: a place steeped in history and intrigue
The second part of the tour takes you to the Palais-Royal, a landmark of power, culture and Parisian life.
A former royal residence, it became a lively place in the 18th century, mixing :
- Stores and galleries
- Entertainment areas
- An intense social life
Even today, its gardens and galleries retain a unique atmosphere.
An immersive investigation in the heart of the Palais-Royal
The visit takes on an original dimension thanks to an immersive investigation.
Participants are invited to :
- Solving historical riddles
- Exploring the mysteries of the Palais-Royal
- Discover anecdotes and hidden secrets
This playful approach transforms the visit into a captivating, interactive experience.
An experience combining history, culture and play
Combining Les Halles and the Palais-Royal reveals two complementary facets of Paris:
- A popular and historic district
- An elegant venue steeped in intrigue
This course offers :
- Immerse yourself in the history of Paris
- A living discovery of our heritage
- A fun, participatory experience
An ideal excursion for groups
This outing is perfectly suited to groups, thanks to its dynamic, interactive format.
It proposes :
- An enriching guided tour
- A fun survey-type activity
- A user-friendly experience
It’s just as suitable for history buffs as it is for participants looking for an original activity.
Why this tour of the Ventre de Paris?
Choosing this excursion means discovering Paris in a different way, between popular history and an immersive experience.
It enables :
- Understand the history of Les Halles
- Discover an emblematic district
- An investigation at the Palais-Royal
- Share an original group activity
Between heritage and mystery, this tour offers a unique stroll through the heart of Paris.
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Questions fréquentes (FAQ)
Why are Les Halles called the "Belly of Paris"?
Les Halles is nicknamed the "Belly of Paris" because it was once the capital's main food market. For centuries, all products destined to feed Parisians passed through here, making this district the economic and vital heart of the city. This nickname was popularized by Émile Zola, and reflects the intense commercial, social and human activity that animated the area day and night.
What do you discover when you visit the Halles district?
A visit to Les Halles takes in over eight centuries of Parisian history, from medieval markets to today's modern district. You'll discover emblematic sites such as the Saint-Eustache church, the Bourse de Commerce with the Pinault collection, and the remains of the former Baltard pavilions. The tour also provides an insight into the district's evolution, its major economic role and its transformation into a modern urban center.
Why visit the Palais-Royal in Paris?
The Palais-Royal is a Paris landmark, known for its rich history and elegant architecture. Formerly a royal residence, it became a lively center of life in the 18th century, with its shopping galleries and gardens. Today, it attracts visitors for its unique atmosphere, Buren columns and cultural heritage. It's also an ideal place to discover another facet of historic Paris.
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