The Marais Experience

Duration 5 hours

The “Gay Marais Experience” meets at the steps of the controversial Opera Bastille, built as a “modern and popular” place to share classical music with the masses and which was inaugurated on July 13, 1989, on the 200th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. Not far from this spot was one of the original gates of Paris where wealthy men would cruise the working men who lived outside the city.

We will walk west to the Place des Vosges, which is known as the most beautiful square in Europe. It was built by Henri IV and completed in 1612. In the center of the Square we will see the equestrian bronze of Louis XIII, the king whose most intense emotional ties were with a series of handsome men. Louis XIII, his wife Anne, and Cardinal Richelieu all became central figures in Alexander Dumas’ novel, “The Three Musketeers”.

Its time to do a little shopping as we continue through the picturesque streets of the Marais. Men’s fashion and leather, art galleries, and home décor stores are all scattered between beautifully restored mansions and the Musee Carnavalet.

We will then stop for tea at the most famous tea store in France. Upon entering you will be enveloped by hundreds of exotic Indochinese tea flavors in a 19th century colonial styled setting. Here you will be offered ” tea cocktails”, three to choose from, which is included in the tour price. You can, of course, order cakes, sandwiches, etc or buy some unique teas to take home with you.

After tea, we will visit the most renowned Gay book store in Paris. You may like to spend some time downstairs perusing their extensive collections of male nude photography books before we take you to one of the best Gay Saunas in Paris.

In what seems like a blink of an eye its time for pre-dinner drinks at one of our favorite bars. Your guide will decide which one to select on the day. And, time allowing, your guide will point out a few other places of gay interest.

If you would like to have dinner in the area and would like us to make a reservation, just give us a call beforehand.

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Orientation Tour

Duration 2 hours

Our expert gay guide will show you the ways of this elegant and historic quarter of Paris, what to avoid and how to get around. He will point out the best bars, saunas, restaurants, gay boutiques and clubs. Definately worth doing on your first visit.

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