Which of the 2 Rick Steves' book walking tours do you suggest in December?
TIA
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14865 posts
For myself it would probably depend on the weather. I don't have my Paris book to look at each tour BUT on the walking tours I've done with an RS tour guide, the Montmartre one had steeper patches and steps. The Marais one is much flatter. So, if you have any wintry precip, I'd go with Marais.
Posted by
OP
208 posts
Ah true the Montmartre would be hilly. thanks for pointing that out
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
290 posts
I did both in March this year and both are enjoyable. Without knowing your interests, it’s hard to the answer the question. I enjoy both neighborhoods. Do you only have time for one? What else are you doing during your stay? Are you comfortable with steep hills? Bot have cool sights, good food. If time isn’t an issue, I recommend both as they offer different sights.
Posted by
1082 posts
We took a Paris Walks tour with Peter (?) in Montmartre. Not only was it not steep, but at the end of the tour, I looked up and there was Sacre Coeur straight ahead. Peter had managed to take us "'round the mountain"! It was a very enjoyable tour that was not strenuous. We also took the Hemingway tour with him. I loved both.
Posted by
OP
208 posts
We love history and exploring the city. My husband and I have both been before but have not done those specific tours. We are also doing the Paris walks tour French Revolution. Thank you for all the pointers. I see Paris walks has a Marais walk that might work with our schedule as well.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14865 posts
That Paris Walks French Revolution tour is great. And actually, thinking about it, I think the local guide on the RS tour who took us thru the Marais was a Paris Walks guide (Brigitte).
IF you have any interest in WWII, their Paris During the Occupation and Liberation is excellent. It's so good I've done it twice and could easily do it a 3rd time. I had Brad for one and Christopher for the 2nd and both present things so well and do slightly different tours.
IF you decide to do the walking tours on your own, you might also take a look at Corey Frye's walking tours on his YouTube channel, A French Frye in Paris. Sort the videos by "oldest" and you'll see a few that are focused on the Marais from his first presentations.