Explore the Jewish quarter of Paris, where memories of World War II linger in a labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden squares.  Picasso and the Sun King mix in with museums within mansions.  Pause to shop at chic boutiques and kosher grocers, take refreshment at one of the many bars and cosy cafés....

Highlights of this walk include:

• Notre Dame - learn about the cathedral's history, architecture, detailed façade and the coronation of a famous, albeit short, emperor.
• St. Chapelle - built to house Christ's crown of thorns and a piece of His cross.
• Louvre Museum - former seat of the French throne and now the grandest museum in the world.
• Musée D'Orsay - world famous for its Impressionist collection.
• Lunch - settle down at a charming...

All through the Middle Ages Paris was concentrated around the island of 'La Cité', closed every night with chains crossing the Seine river. Here the Notre-Dame cathedral was built, one of the early gothic monuments, in contrast to the Royal Chapel, which is tiny in comparison and more sophisticated in style. Then we can go across to the Saint Louis island, which was called 'Cow island' ('Ile des Vaches') before it was built up by bankers in the 17th century. For Parisians Ile Saint-Louis...

The Marais, which means marsh, is the name given to one of the oldest and most intriguing areas in Paris. Situated on the right bank of the Seine, this district was developed in the 14th century when King Charles V moved his royal residence here from Ile de la Cite. The kings presence drew other wealthy nobility to the area, and today it is a virtual gallery of their elegant 17th century city chateaux. Visitors can now see many of these hotels (mansions) because they have recently been...