Paris in 1 Day for Couples - Arènes de Lutèce — Roman amphitheatre remains
In Collaboration with Un guide d'exception. Updated on February 18, 2026.
A guided 3-hour walking tour through the historic heart of Paris: Roman remains and medieval streets in the Latin Quarter and Le Marais. Meet at Place Jussieu and visit the Arènes de Lutèce, Rue Mouffetard, the Panthéon, the Musée de Cluny (Roman baths exterior), Notre-Dame (exterior) and archaeological crypt viewpoint, medieval houses on Rue François-Miron, and the elegant hôtels particuliers of
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Un guide d'exception, inspired by the tour Paris Medieval & Romain (Marais & latino quarter). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Arènes de Lutèce — Roman amphitheatre remains
- Rue Mouffetard — historic market street
- Panthéon — monumental neoclassical façade
- Musée de Cluny — Roman baths and medieval mansion (exterior)
- Notre-Dame & Archaeological Crypt (exterior viewpoint) — Gothic and buried Lutetia remains
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Place Jussieu. A 3-hour, guided walking tour paced for an intimate discovery of Roman and medieval Paris. Includes a coffee or a glass of wine at the end (provided). The route is primarily on cobbled streets with short walking segments between stops.
Meet at Place Jussieu (meeting point)
Gather at the meeting point; quick introduction to the tour, safety notes, and route overview.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5 minutes early at Place Jussieu to allow time for the guide to locate the group.
- There is limited seating at the meeting point—wear comfortable shoes as the tour is walking-based.
- Carry a small bag for any personal items; pickpocketing can occur in busy areas—keep valuables secure.
Arènes de Lutèce
Visit the remains of the Roman amphitheatre where ancient Lutetia once hosted public spectacles. The stop includes explanation of the site's layout and its survival within modern Paris.
Tips from local experts:
- The site is outdoors and on uneven stone terraces—watch your step on the original stones.
- Photography is allowed; try a low-angle shot to capture the amphitheatre tiers and surrounding plane trees.
- There are no public restrooms inside the site—use facilities before arrival or at nearby cafés.
Stroll Rue Mouffetard
Walk the historic Rue Mouffetard market street to experience the medieval village atmosphere: food shops, bakeries, and vibrant local life.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable shoes—the street is cobbled and can be uneven in places.
- If you wish to sample local products, bring small change; many market stalls accept contactless but smaller vendors may prefer cash.
- Keep to the right on narrow sections to allow room for market shoppers and deliveries.
Panthéon (exterior)
Exterior visit of the Panthéon square: admire the neoclassical façade, Corinthian columns and enjoy a viewpoint over the Latin Quarter. The guide will share the building’s Roman-inspired elements and notable interments.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an exterior visit; if you would like to enter the Panthéon, allow extra time and check opening hours separately.
- The square can be windy—bring a light layer in cooler weather for comfort at the viewpoint.
- Benches are available around the square for short rests while listening to the guide.
Musée de Cluny — Roman Baths (exterior)
Exterior visit to the Musée de Cluny complex to view the surviving Roman baths and the medieval Hôtel de Cluny façade and courtyard. The guide will explain the thermal complex and its integration into a medieval mansion.
Tips from local experts:
- The Roman baths are visible externally; the ground around the remains can be narrow—stay with the group for safety.
- If you plan to enter the museum after the tour, check museum opening times and ticketing separately.
- There is limited seating in the small courtyard—consider using this stop for a short rest before continuing.
Notre-Dame & Archaeological Crypt (exterior)
View Notre-Dame's façade from the exterior (interior entry only if queue permits). From the square we will also look at the Archaeological Crypt from the outside and discuss the buried remains of ancient Paris beneath the Île de la Cité.
Tips from local experts:
- Interior access to Notre-Dame depends on reopening status and queue length; this tour plans for an exterior visit unless the guide confirms short entry lines.
- The area near the cathedral is busy—keep personal belongings secure and stay close to the guide.
- The Archaeological Crypt is viewed from the outside on the square; the descent is not part of this tour.
Rue François-Miron — medieval houses (exterior)
Short exterior stop to admire two of the oldest timber-framed houses on Rue François-Miron and discuss medieval domestic architecture and preservation in Le Marais.
Tips from local experts:
- The houses are viewed from the street; avoid touching façades to preserve historic finishes.
- Street space is limited—stand to the side to allow pedestrians to pass.
- This is a good photo stop—use a narrow-angle to capture the timber framing and nearby streetscape.
Le Marais — historic mansions (exterior)
Stroll through the elegant streets of Le Marais to admire hôtels particuliers such as Hôtel de Sully and other mansions; the guide will explain their 16th–18th century urban role and later transformations.
Tips from local experts:
- Le Marais has narrow lanes and occasional steps into courtyards—watch your footing in wet weather.
- If you’d like to sit, there are small cafés nearby; this stop is intentionally flexible for a short break or photos.
- Many courtyards are private; the guide will point out publicly accessible ones where available.
Rue des Archives & Philippe Auguste Wall (exterior)
Final historic stroll along Rue des Archives to see elegant façades, the surviving section of the Philippe Auguste medieval wall, and close the tour with context about Parisian urban development through the Middle Ages.
Tips from local experts:
- The Philippe Auguste wall remnant is a small, discrete site—stay with the guide so everyone can view it together.
- Streets here can be busy with local traffic—keep to pavements and cross at marked crossings.
- The tour ends near cafés where the included coffee or glass of wine can be enjoyed—ask the guide for the recommended medieval-style spot.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 9 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture |
