The Haussmann Walk: My Review
Verdict : a two-hour private walking tour just for you, from the Opéra to Parc Monceau, to understand the new 1870s district where Édouard André had his mansion built. Twelve reviews, ten with five stars, a rating of 4.9, and acclaimed guides. One thing to know before booking: the walk passes by the Hôtel Jacquemart-André but does not go inside. The museum is visited separately, with a ticket purchased at the museum.
How the tour works
The meeting point is at Opéra metro station, in front of the large café on the square ; the guide carries a red canvas bag, which makes them easy to spot. The stops follow in order: the Palais Garnier, Haussmann Boulevard, the department stores, the exterior of the Jacquemart-André mansion, Saint-Augustin Church, then Monceau Park. The theme is the reconstruction of Paris under the Second Empire, what it created and what it destroyed. This is precisely the context of the house: a banker who buys land on a brand-new boulevard and builds his home set back from the street alignment between 1869 and 1875.
The tour is private, in French or English, and takes place in all weather. The listing mentions that food, snacks, and drinks are included ; I’ll phrase it cautiously—a light meal is promised. The route is wheelchair accessible. Booking can be made without immediate payment and cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before.
Included
- A guide for your private group, two hours
- Six stops from the Opera to Parc Monceau, in French or English
- A light meal provided by the operator
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, book without immediate payment
Not included
- Admission to the Jacquemart-André Museum
- Admission to the Palais Garnier
- Transportation to the starting point
- Shelter in case of rain – the tour goes on regardless
What the reviews say
Twelve reviews, ten with five stars. What stands out is that visitors name their guides. Claudia (Germany, January 2024): « Hanna was a very knowledgeable guide—I learned so much about urban planning, the city’s history, and architecture ». Leonor (Belgium, June 2025): « our guide Tina was very friendly ». An Australian traveler, in June 2025, describes « a highly informed and passionate guide; we loved the stories », while an American traveler, in March 2025, sums it up as « an excellent lesson ».
Matthew, Dean, and Richard (United States) give five stars with no text. The word that keeps coming up is « learned »: no one mentions beautiful photos, everyone talks about urban planning. That’s a good sign for this kind of tour—and a bad one for those looking for a stroll without substance. I haven’t read any written complaints; the two reviews that aren’t five-star don’t explain why.
What works
- The only offering on this list that explains the 158 district
- A private group, so you set the pace and ask questions
- Guides named and praised—Hanna and Tina—in multiple reviews
- Book now, pay later, free cancellation
Things to know
- The museum is not included; the walk passes by it
- Two hours on your feet, in all weather
- The departure is at the Opéra, not at the museum: allow fifteen minutes’ walk
- The light meal is mentioned without details; don’t count on it for lunch
Who it’s for, and who it’s not for
Who it’s for: those visiting the museum the same day and wanting to place it in its neighborhood. The best order is the walk in the morning, arriving at Parc Monceau, then a ten-minute walk to 158 for the visit and tea salon. People who like being told why a boulevard is straight. Visitors using wheelchairs, since the route is accessible.
Who it’s not for: those who only have half a day and want to spend it in the galleries. Those looking for a guided tour of the museum itself: it doesn’t exist on GetYourGuide, and the museum’s app does that job during the day. The details of the six stages are on the walk’s page, and what you can see around the museum without a guide is on around the museum.
Frequently asked questions
Does the walk go inside the Jacquemart-André Museum?
No. It passes in front of the mansion on the boulevard, and the guide talks about it from the sidewalk. To enter, you need a daytime ticket purchased at the museum, and the indoor tour is described in what to see, room by room.
How can I combine the walk and the museum visit?
The walk ends at Parc Monceau, a ten-minute walk from 158. Then allow an hour and a half to two hours for the house, longer if there’s an exhibition, and save time for the tea room, which requires neither a ticket nor a reservation.
Where exactly is the starting point?
At the Opéra metro station, in front of the grand café on the square, where the guide waits with a red canvas bag. From Jacquemart-André, it’s a fifteen-minute walk east along Boulevard Haussmann; metro lines are listed on getting there by metro.