Medieval and Roman Paris
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Medieval and Roman Paris worth booking?
Medieval and Roman Paris is a 2.3-hour experience in Paris, France, from €55 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- From
- €55 per person
This immersive walking tour begins at the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité, in the shadow of Notre Dame, where we uncover the origins of Gothic architecture and how wine helped shape and restore the cathedral. Winding through hidden side streets, the stories shared evoke a tangible spirit of place—connecting you to Paris as it once was. From the Roman Baths at the Hôtel de Cluny to medieval centres of learning like La Sorbonne and the Collège de France, each stop deepens that sense of continuity through time. History unfolds at St-Étienne-du-Mont, the Panthéon, and remnants of the Philippe Auguste Wall. The rue Mouffetard, once a medieval market route, still pulses with life, echoing its past. The journey ends at Paris' Roman Arena and a hidden vineyard once owned by the 12th-century Abbaye St-Victor—where Roman roots and medieval traditions quietly endure. You’ll toast this living history with a glass of organic sparkling wine, feeling a lasting connection to the soul of Paris.
What you get
About this experience
This immersive walking tour begins at the heart of Paris on the Île de la Cité, in the shadow of Notre Dame, where we uncover the origins of Gothic architecture and how wine helped shape and restore the cathedral. Winding through hidden side streets, the stories shared evoke a tangible spirit of place—connecting you to Paris as it once was. From the Roman Baths at the Hôtel de Cluny to medieval centres of learning like La Sorbonne and the Collège de France, each stop deepens that sense of continuity through time. History unfolds at St-Étienne-du-Mont, the Panthéon, and remnants of the Philippe Auguste Wall. The rue Mouffetard, once a medieval market route, still pulses with life, echoing its past. The journey ends at Paris' Roman Arena and a hidden vineyard once owned by the 12th-century Abbaye St-Victor—where Roman roots and medieval traditions quietly endure. You’ll toast this living history with a glass of organic sparkling wine, feeling a lasting connection to the soul of Paris.
What's included
Included
- A glass of sparkling wine, or juice for the abstemious or under age.
Not included
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Join us on a comprehensive overview of Medieval and Roman Paris, and discover how wine built Paris and how gothic architecture owes its existence to wine. Starting at the epicentre of the city on the Île de la Cité and Notre Dame, we learn the real beginning of the gothic style and how wine built and restored Notre Dame. We don't visit Notre Dame, but it is here we begin our tale of Roman and Medieval Paris.
15 minutes here
Square Rene Viviani
The oldest tree in Paris can be found in this square. We also recount the story of Saint Julien le Pauvre, who murdered his parents, but still became a saint...
10 minutes here
Eglise Saint Julien Le Pauvre
We don't enter this Byzantine style church, but admire it from the outside.
5 minutes here
Eglise Saint-Severin
This church was originally frequented by students of the Sorbonne University.
5 minutes here
Musee De Cluny
The ruins of the Roman baths can be seen on the Saint Michel side of the Cluny Museum. The Cluny Museum itself has one of the world's most comprehensive collections of Medieval artefacts, including the tapestry series of 'The Lady and the Unicorn'.
10 minutes here
La Sorbonne
We stop by the statue of Michel de Montaigne (who famously invented the essay) to recount the history of La Sorbonne University.
10 minutes here
Eglise De Saint-etienne-du-mont
We pass by the statue of Dante Alighieri, the College de France, the Clos Bruneau, the Placette Jacqueline de Romilly, the Ecole Polytechnique and the Montagne Saint-Genevieve before reaching the Church of Saint-Etienne-du-Mont where we talk about the stain glass and 'Midnight in Paris'.
15 minutes here
Pantheon
The Pantheon, which was once a church, became a mausoleum for 'the great men of France', seven of whom are women. It was also here that Foucault proved the rotation of the Earth with a pendulum.
10 minutes here
Wall of Philip II Augustus
A vestige of the 12th century wall of Philippe August can be seen on the rue Clovis. We can also see the Scottish College on the rue Cardinal Lemoine and the address where James Joyce finished writing Ulysses. Farther up the street we also see where Ernest Hemingway lived.
15 minutes here
Place de la Contrescarpe
Once surrounded with vines, this square has been a meeting and drinking place since the Middle Ages. The lively, animate atmosphere of this picturesque square has carried on without interruption. It is also where La Pleiade, a group of French writers decided to stop writing in Latin and popularised the idea of writing in French.
10 minutes here
Arenes de Lutece
On the pedestrian rue Rollin, we pay tribute to Rene Descartes who famously said, 'Dubito, cogito, ergo sum'. We carry on to Paris' Roman Arena, which is nearly 2000 years old. A vineyard called the Clos des Arenes existed here in the Middle Ages and has been revived with vines now planted on three slopes of the gradients that once hosted the thousands of spectators who came here to watch gladiatorial combat and nautical jousting matches.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Paris
We meet by the statue of Charlemagne, which is on the Seine side of the square, to the right when facing Notre Dame. The closest metro is Cite, Cluny la Sorbonne, or RER Saint Michel.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 20 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Paris Wine Walks
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Medieval and Roman Paris. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Geoffrey Finch, medieval rock star!
Geoffrey Finch is a distinguished author, professor and tour leader. He gives a wonderful tour because he lives the streets of the Latin quarter, and he lives the history of French wine, particularly the medieval wines of Paris. This experience included a wine tasting at the end, which was splendid and very expertly planned and led.
via Viator
Wonderful knowledgable...
Wonderful knowledgable guide who took us to many of the historic sites! He told interesting stories and provided visual images to enhance the tour. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you Katie! It was a delight sharing some of the best of Paris with you and your mum. We look forward to your return, and to the possibility of hosting you for a wine tour as well! Tastefully, Geoffrey
via Viator
Geoff was wonderful and...
Geoff was wonderful and knowledgeable! My husband and I had a fantastic time on this tour and we loved it. We had some wine at the end of our tour and we were also recommended some great restaurants to try (which of course we did and they were delicious!).
Response from the operator: Thank you Tatiana! It was lovely meeting you both and am happy to know the restaurant recommendations were appreciated. We look forward to hosting you again whenever next you're in Paris and look forward to sharing more of the best of Paris with you! Tastefully, Geoffrey
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- €55 to €85
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Paris Wine Walks, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.5.
See everything Paris Wine Walks runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Medieval and Roman Paris: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Paris.
How much does Medieval and Roman Paris cost?
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Prices start at €55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Paris usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Medieval and Roman Paris take?
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Plan for about 2.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Paris is not rushed.
Is Medieval and Roman Paris worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Paris, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Medieval and Roman Paris?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Medieval and Roman Paris suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Medieval and Roman Paris?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Paris can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Paris and add a light layer if any part of the 2.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Medieval and Roman Paris start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Paris within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Paris?
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Paris rewards travelers who book ahead. The headline museums sell timed entry weeks out, the best food walks cap at eight people, and the Seine cruises that are worth doing are the ones that leave after sunset. Everything below is scored by the Outty Ranking so you can tell a genuine local favorite from a coach-tour filler in a single glance. On Outty we rank every Paris experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Paris City Center Free Walking Tour (Tip-Based), Louvre Museum Premium Guided Tour 6 GUESTS MAX Entry Included, Louvre Museum Essential Guided Tour Semi Private 6 GUESTS MAX. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Paris?
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April to June and September to October, when queues thin out and terraces stay open late. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Paris?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Medieval and Roman Paris?
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Included: A glass of sparkling wine, or juice for the abstemious or under age. Not included: Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Medieval and Roman Paris?
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We meet by the statue of Charlemagne, which is on the Seine side of the square, to the right when facing Notre Dame. The closest metro is Cite, Cluny la Sorbonne, or RER Saint Michel. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Medieval and Roman Paris offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Medieval and Roman Paris?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Medieval and Roman Paris wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Medieval and Roman Paris if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Paris. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Medieval and Roman Paris?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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