Private Walk Through Haussmann’s Paris
Why the boulevard explains the house
The André mansion was commissioned in 1868 from Henri Parent and built between 1869 and 1875 on a 5,700 m² plot on Boulevard Haussmann, which had just been cut through. Its façade is set back from the street line, something you can still notice from the opposite sidewalk. Édouard André, an officer in the Imperial Guard and a deputy in 1864, was building in the Paris that the Second Empire was shaping. Seeing the house without seeing the boulevard is like reading the end of a sentence. This walk reads the beginning.
The six stages, in order
The meeting point is at Opéra metro station, in front of the large café on the square. The guide will be carrying a red canvas bag, which makes recognition easy. We start at the Palais Garnier, head down boulevard Haussmann, pass the department stores, then continue west to number 158, where we stop in front of the Jacquemart-André mansion. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to Saint-Augustin church, and finally to Parc Monceau, where the walk ends. Two hours, rain or shine.
The theme is the reconstruction of Paris under the Second Empire—what it created and what it destroyed. This isn’t a strict architectural tour; it’s an urban planning walk, and the reviews say it well. Claudia, in January 2024, wrote that Hanna “was a very knowledgeable guide” and that she “learned a lot about urban planning, the city’s history, and architecture.” An American visitor called it “an excellent lesson.” Leonor found Tina “very friendly.” Ten out of twelve reviews are five stars.
What the walk doesn’t include
It doesn’t go inside the museum. I’m emphasizing this because the GetYourGuide map mentions the Hôtel Jacquemart-André, and some people misunderstand. To see the grand staircase and Tiepolo’s fresco, you’ll need a ticket purchased at the museum, and allow 1 hr 30 to 2 hrs. The listing also mentions “food, snacks, and drinks” included: a light snack is provided, but I won’t say more. You can reserve without immediate payment, which helps when planning a trip.
Included
- Private guide, for your group only, in French or English
- Palais Garnier, boulevard Haussmann, department stores, Hôtel Jacquemart-André, Saint-Augustin, Parc Monceau
- A light snack included
- Wheelchair-accessible walk, in all weather
Not included
- Entry to the Jacquemart-André Museum
- Entry to the Palais Garnier
- Transport between stops : everything is done on foot
- Return from Parc Monceau
Take the walk in the morning and finish at the museum. Parc Monceau is ten minutes from 158, and the museum is open until 6 pm on weekdays, 10 pm on Fridays. The tea room, beneath Tiepolo’s ceiling, can be visited without a ticket if you just want to sit down.
Book the walk
The area around the museum, with Saint-Augustin, Parc Monceau and the two museums that border it, is described on around the museum. The route from Garnier is on getting there by metro.
Frequently asked questions
Does the stroll include a visit to the Musée Jacquemart-André?
No. We stop in front of the façade at 158 and continue toward Saint-Augustin. The museum ticket is purchased at the museum, separately. What you’ll see inside is described in what to see, room by room.
Where is the meeting point?
At the Opéra metro station, in front of the large café on the square. The guide will be carrying a red canvas bag. The walk ends at Parc Monceau, a ten-minute walk from the museum. See how to get there by metro for the rest of the journey.
Does the walk take place in the rain?
Yes, in all weather. A two-hour walk on foot, in a private group. It’s advertised as wheelchair accessible. What the twelve reviews say is summarized in the full review.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free of charge up to 24 hours before, and you can reserve without immediate payment. Other products, including the non-refundable Palais Garnier, are compared on all bookings.