Aristocratic and Literary Tour in Marais

This tour immerses you in the literary and aristocratic past of the historic Marais district. Follow in the footsteps of the district’s illustrious characters such as Madame de Sévigné and Romantics like Victor Hugo and Théophile Gautier ... For hundreds of years, the Marais was the preferred residence of the nobility. In the 17th century, the nobility built magnificent mansions around the Place Royale (now the Place des Vosges), some of which still exist. This was also the birthplace of Madame de Sévigné, a leading figure of her time whose literary work opens a window on aristocratic and courtly life in the 17th century. She was a close friend of literary pioneer Madame de La Fayette. Victor Hugo later lived just a few steps away, as did Colette. We’ll start with a coffee or tea at the Place des Vosges and then set off on foot to explore the surrounding area and its fascinating history. Readings by authors who lived in the district will round off this extraordinary experience.