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Paris, France: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers with Laurent Bonneval
Paris, France: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers with Laurent Bonneval

Paris, France: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers with Laurent Bonneval


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Few cities in the world charm travelers as well as Paris. With so many charismatic arrondissements, exquisite cuisines, and awe-inspiring cultural landmarks to experience, the capital of France is best when explored in the company of a local guide. Join our virtual journey through the City of Lights as we discover more than ten of its must-see highlights and local favorites.

From underground Roman remains to the top of the Eiffel Tower, Parisian monuments convey more than 1,800 years of remarkable historical narratives for us to contextualize together. Beginning from the Roman baths, our guide will lead us through the Middle Ages to modern times. We'll travel back in time through the development of each distinct Parisian neighborhood and its interwoven origin stories. The grandeur of Louis XIVth’s Invalides celebrates the past glories of the French military, while Sainte-Chapelle illustrates the faith of Saint Louis – who brought to Paris in 1239 Christ’s most precious and symbolic relic (his crown of thorns). We'll also venture to Montmartre’s Sacré-Cœur, where its surrounding village streets witnessed the daily life and mad parties of most famous artists such as Picasso, Renoir, Manet, Pissaro, and many more. 

Led by an expert on French art and culture, this lecture will look beyond Paris' most iconic sights to assist the sophisticated traveler with planning a picture-perfect itinerary. Designed to inspire future travels, participants will come away with a portfolio of suggestions in order to enjoy their time in Paris to the fullest.

After graduating in law and business, Laurent spent the first twenty years of his career managing international sales for an advertising company. But his passion for art and history took over and he eventually passed a master's in Art History and the Art Market, as well as obtaining his official license as a “guide-conférencier”. A Parisian for over 25 years now, he has an in-depth knowledge of the city and its treasures. His objective? Making art and history come to life! He loves strolling around the city and its museums tracking the history and meaning of monuments and artworks alike.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
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(18)
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Gay Lutton (Jersey City, US)
What I Didn't Know About Paris even Though I Have Visited Four Times!

The top ten places in Paris are all places I have visited or heard about or read about or had a tour guide talk about and yet this concise presentation gave me history and background I knew nothing about. The most astonishing was the actual layout of the IM Pei Pyramids in front of the Louvre. There was a wonderful aerial view photo showing the 5 pyramids within the massive paved area that comprised the new entrance to this historic museum. Glorious! Surprising! Stunning! They represent the human hand with its five fingers. The Mason's idea of knowledge being universal for all mankind. Did you know the Louvre was opened in 1793 during the French Revolution as a place of Universal knowledge? I hadn't a clue.
The many photos alone were worth the lecture but the lecturer organized both oral and written information that informed and delighted the student. Had the seminar been in two parts I am sure we would have heard more stories and been given more information little known to the average tourist. Well done Very enjoyable.

M
Mary Tomita (Rancho Santa Margarita, US)
Paris Highlights - Excellent!

Laurent spoke non-stop for 90 minutes, showing great photos & maps of each famous site, so informative! I have been to all of these sites & still learned so very much!

K
Kelly ODonahue (Saint Paul, US)
Top 10 Paris Sights from an Art and History Specialist

Excellent Review of the sights--You got behind which didn't bother me in the slightest. I could have listened for another hour!

L
L.i. (Madras, US)
Great intro

Never been. Been reading all about it. Loved this intro for my trip in 2024.

B
Barbara Kyse (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

It is always wonderful to view the highlights of places around the globe that I might never see. And Paris gets better over time

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
100%
(18)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
G
Gay Lutton (Jersey City, US)
What I Didn't Know About Paris even Though I Have Visited Four Times!

The top ten places in Paris are all places I have visited or heard about or read about or had a tour guide talk about and yet this concise presentation gave me history and background I knew nothing about. The most astonishing was the actual layout of the IM Pei Pyramids in front of the Louvre. There was a wonderful aerial view photo showing the 5 pyramids within the massive paved area that comprised the new entrance to this historic museum. Glorious! Surprising! Stunning! They represent the human hand with its five fingers. The Mason's idea of knowledge being universal for all mankind. Did you know the Louvre was opened in 1793 during the French Revolution as a place of Universal knowledge? I hadn't a clue.
The many photos alone were worth the lecture but the lecturer organized both oral and written information that informed and delighted the student. Had the seminar been in two parts I am sure we would have heard more stories and been given more information little known to the average tourist. Well done Very enjoyable.

M
Mary Tomita (Rancho Santa Margarita, US)
Paris Highlights - Excellent!

Laurent spoke non-stop for 90 minutes, showing great photos & maps of each famous site, so informative! I have been to all of these sites & still learned so very much!

K
Kelly ODonahue (Saint Paul, US)
Top 10 Paris Sights from an Art and History Specialist

Excellent Review of the sights--You got behind which didn't bother me in the slightest. I could have listened for another hour!

L
L.i. (Madras, US)
Great intro

Never been. Been reading all about it. Loved this intro for my trip in 2024.

B
Barbara Kyse (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience

It is always wonderful to view the highlights of places around the globe that I might never see. And Paris gets better over time