The French Revolution Walk

Highlights / General details

Relive the troubled times leading up to the storming of the Bastille prison, the capture of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Reign of Terror and the bloody results of the guillotine.

Bastille Prison: The French Revolution officially began on July 14, 1789 as the citizens stormed the Bastille prison. The prison no longer exists and one of the Paris opera houses is found here along with a column honoring the 1831 Paris Commune. Our tour does not visit the location of the former prison, but we will discuss the event.

Les Invalides: The French army used this building as an ammunition depot in the city. Revolutionairies scaled the moat and stole over 30,000 weapons that were used in the attack on the Bastille prison.

The Conciergerie: This former prison sits on the Ile de la Cité and over 2,500 prisoners were sent to the guillotine from here. The most famous prisoners included Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVII. Later, Marie Antoinette's cell was converted into a chapel.

King Louis XVI: King Louis XVI ruled from 1774 until 1793. His grandfather, King Louis XV, outlived his own son so the throne skipped a generation and Louis XVI became king at the age of 19.

Marie Antoinette: Marie Antoinette was from Austria and married King Louis XVI at the age of 14. They were already second cousins, once removed. Their son, King Louis XVII, died at the age of 10 during the French Revolution.

Beheading of King Louis XVI: King Louis XVI was beheaded in the current-day Place de la Concorde on January 21, 1793. He had been stripped of all titles and was guillotined in front of a large crown as simply citizen Louis Capet. The executioner testified that he had bravely met his fate.

Also see the Tuileries Gardens, the Place de la Concorde, the Assemblée Nationale and discuss the Reign of Terror.

Inclusion

Guided Tour.

Exclusion

Gratuity.

Hours of operation

Available: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (March - October); Departs at 3:00pm - Please meet 15 minutes prior to tour departure.

Duration

Approximately 2 hours. Distance: 2.3 Miles or 3.7 km.

Location

This tour meets just outside the La Tour-Maubourg Metro station (line 8) on street level. Please meet 15 minutes prior to tour departure. Your guide will be holding a Classic Walks sign.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation