VM181 Paris Walks - Theatre District and Arcades

Theatre District and the Arcades: Tuesday, March 18th

A walk through the atmospheric covered arcades of old Paris, and the elegant Palais Royal, with its delightful secluded garden. These graceful arched walkways are known in French as 'passages' and were a feature of many 19th century cities. On this circuit the guided tour explores architectural, social and literary history. We hear of the revolutionaries who debated ideas in the cafes of the Palais Royal, of Moliere and Offenbach at the theatres along our routes and of writer Emile Zola in whose novels these enclaves featured. Colourful characters lived here including Jean Cocteau and artist, writer and novelist Colette who wrote Gigi and Cheri (recently made into a film with Michelle Pfeiffer). These once bustling arcades, where the modern practice of urban shopping was born, became quiet backwaters with the advent of the department stores, but they have come to life again and are lined with old style bookstores, tea rooms, fashion, toy and curio shops.  

A 15/20 minute break will be included during this walk.                 
Please come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. 

Instructor: Brad Newfield. Highly experienced walking guide in Paris.