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Offered languages
- English
Uncover the fascinating history of Paris through the lens of its legendary World’s Fairs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This immersive small-group walking tour takes you along the Seine River, where remnants of these grand international exhibitions still shape the city’s skyline.
From the iconic Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, to hidden architectural gems and forgotten stories, you’ll experience Paris as it was during an era of groundbreaking innovation, political shifts, and artistic revolutions. Our expert guide will bring history to life, revealing how these fairs introduced the world to new technologies, artistic movements, and cultural exchanges that continue to influence modern Paris.
This tour is perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for a unique perspective on Paris beyond the usual landmarks.
Relive the magic of the Expositions Universelles—where Paris became the center of the world!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet your guide at the exit of the Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau Metro Station (Lines 1 or 13), at the foot of the Statue of General Charles de Gaulle. Look for a guide wearing a red lanyard with "Paris Trip" printed on it.
Itinerary
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1Champs-Elysees Quartier
The Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau metro station (Line 1), opened for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle, symbolizes the city's embrace of modern transport. Strategically located near the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, it remains a gateway to Paris’s cultural heritage.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Grand Palais
The Grand Palais, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is an architectural gem near the Champs-Élysées, famed for its iconic glass-domed roof. Blending industrial and classical styles, it hosts major art exhibitions, fashion shows, and cultural events, symbolizing Paris’s legacy of innovation and creativity.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris. It features stunning art from antiquity to the early 20th century and boasts grand architecture, frescoes, and a serene courtyard. Free to visit, it's a must-see for art and architecture lovers.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Pont Alexandre III
The Pont Alexandre III, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is one of Paris’s most ornate bridges. A symbol of Franco-Russian ties, it features gilded sculptures, intricate ironwork, and Art Nouveau lamps, with stunning views of the city.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Seine River (Pass by)
The Seine River played a central role in Paris’ World’s Fairs, as the backdrop for grand exhibitions showcasing architectural marvels, technological innovations, and artistic breakthroughs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along its banks, iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Grand Palais were built, forever shaping the city’s landscape. The river connected the exhibition sites, symbolizing progress, cultural exchange, and the modern transformation of Paris. Today, traces of these fairs remain, offering a glimpse into a pivotal era that defined the City of Light.
Admission ticket free -
Bateaux-Mouches (Pass by)
The Bateaux Mouches originated as visitor transport for the 1867 Exposition Universelle and later became a symbol of Parisian sightseeing. Now a famous brand, they still glide past iconic landmarks, offering a timeless view of Paris, including during the 2024 Olympics.
Admission ticket free -
Le Zouave du Pont de L'Alma (Pass by)
The Pont de l'Alma, built for the 1855 Exposition Universelle, symbolizes Paris’s World’s Fair legacy. Though rebuilt, it retains the Zouave statue, once a flood gauge. The bridge once connected exhibition sites, reflecting the city’s evolution through innovation.
Admission ticket free -
5Flamme de la Liberte
The Flamme de la Liberté, near Pont de l'Alma, is a full-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty’s flame. Though now an unofficial memorial to Princess Diana, its origins trace back to the 1878 Exposition Universelle, where the Statue of Liberty was first showcased before its journey to New York. Donated by the International Herald Tribune in 1989, the flame symbolizes Franco-American friendship and reflects the spirit of innovation and cultural exchange celebrated in Paris’s World’s Fairs.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Passerelle Debilly
The Debilly Footbridge, built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, spans 120m over the Seine, linking the Quai Branly to Avenue de New York.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Palais de Tokyo
Originally inaugurated in 1937 for the Exposition Universelle, the former Palace of Modern Art Museums has evolved into Europe’s largest center for contemporary art.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Palais de Chaillot
Built for the 1937 International Exposition, the Palais de Chaillot was designed by architects Léon Azéma, Jacques Carlu, and Louis-Hippolyte Boileau. Along with the Palais de Tokyo and the Palais d'Iéna, it was one of the three structures intended to outlast the event.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Fontaine Du Trocadero (Pass by)
The Trocadéro Fountain, built in 1937 in the Trocadéro Gardens, replaced the original 1878 Exposition Universelle fountain. Featuring a grand water display with jets, columns, and cannons, it remains a must-see attraction, offering stunning Eiffel Tower views.
Admission ticket free -
Pont d'Iena (Pass by)
The Pont d'Iéna, a historic bridge connecting the Eiffel Tower to Trocadéro, played a key role in several Expositions Universelles in Paris. Originally commissioned by Napoleon I, it became a symbolic entryway for millions of visitors attending the World’s Fairs of 1867, 1878, 1889, and 1900, showcasing Paris as a global hub of innovation and culture. Today, this iconic bridge is once again in the spotlight as it takes center stage for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Serving as a key location for ceremonies and events, the Pont d'Iéna continues to reflect the city’s legacy of grand international gatherings, bridging the past with the present in a celebration of history, progress, and unity.
Admission ticket free -
9Eiffel Tower
Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower was a symbol of progress, showcasing France’s engineering brilliance. Originally met with criticism, it soon became the icon of Paris and a testament to innovation. Over a century later, as Paris hosts the 2024 Olympics, the tower remains a global landmark, embodying the city’s enduring spirit of creativity and ambition. Just as it once welcomed visitors to a world of new possibilities, it now stands as a beacon for the Olympic Games, celebrating history, excellence, and the unifying power of international events.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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