Walk the streets of the 7th arrondissement as they were in 1889 with an expert historian guide — tracing the birth of the Eiffel Tower through the Champ de Mars, École Militaire, and the grand mansions of the Belle Époque.
What to expect
Starting at the École Militaire, your guide walks you across the very ground where the 1889 World's Fair stood, pointing out original Belle Époque streetscapes, hidden courtyards, and the mansions of industrialists who both funded and fought the tower. You visit the Champ de Mars from the original exhibition footprint, hearing stories of Maupassant's famous protest letter and Eiffel's secret apartment at the summit. The tour ends with a riverside moment framing the tower against the Seine.
Good to know
Book at least one week ahead to secure your preferred language and guide. Comfortable walking shoes essential — the route covers approximately 4 km. End point is a short walk from multiple metro lines for onward travel back to the port shuttle.