A guided tour of the hidden passages, from Les Halles to the Palais Royale, and others

A tour that begins in the “Belly of Paris” (Les Halles) and ends in the Palais Royale

The market of Les Halles dates back to the 11th century, and although it moved to Rungis during the 1970s, its culinary heritage still lives on in the area (Emile Zola didn’t call it the “Belly Of Paris” for no reason). While visiting this area, we will explore not only some of the most important Pâtisseries and kitchenware stores, but also some of the places where the French nobility and high-society Parisians used to fulfil their carnal desires. In between we’ll discover some of the most beautiful covered passages of Paris. But, as usual, let’s at the very beginning…

First, let’s travel through time and discover some of the oldest buildings still standing in Paris. From there we will continue through Rue Montorgueil, with all of its culinary attractions for both locals and visitors. If you want to stop and pray that you don’t gain some extra pounds (which, have no fear, you’re sure to gain after eating the wonderful French pastries), we will stop at one of the most beautiful churches in the city of lights, and if we are lucky, we can also listen to its world-famous church organ. Next we will visit some of the most charming covered passages, some are more familiar than the others, but behind each one of them is an interesting story. The tour will end at the Palais Royale, whose innocent-looking garden and arcades hide some stories that could make even a French taxi driver blush.