Roman baths, six tapestries that still keep their secret, and the kings Notre-Dame lost.
Quick Overview
- Your group only (up to 6 people)
- Duration: About 1.5 hours
- What we see: The Roman baths, the heads of the kings of Notre-Dame, the Lady and the Unicorn, the abbots' chapel
- What's special: Real time with the Lady and the Unicorn, and the mystery of its sixth tapestry
- Days: Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
- Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
- Languages: English or French
- Best for: History lovers, families, anyone who loved the Sainte-Chapelle
- Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history
The Experience
The Cluny is two buildings in one: Roman baths from the 2nd century and the town house of the abbots of Cluny. Together they tell fifteen centuries of Paris.
We stand inside the cold-bath hall of Roman Lutetia, then meet the stone kings' heads knocked off Notre-Dame in 1793 and found again in 1977. Then we give the Lady and the Unicorn the time it deserves: five senses, and a sixth tapestry whose meaning is still debated.
We finish in the abbots' private chapel, a jewel of late Gothic. It's an easy, compact museum, and it pairs beautifully with a walk through the Latin Quarter afterwards.
Route & Walking Info
- Distance: Under 1 km
- Terrain: Some stairs between levels
- Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
- Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.
Good to Know
- Meeting Point: Entrance of the Musée de Cluny, 28 rue Du Sommerard. I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
- Timing: Try to be there 10 minutes early so we can start smoothly.
- Metro: Cluny–La Sorbonne (line 10) or Saint-Michel.
- Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
- Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
- Late Arrivals: If you're late, it cuts into our time, but I'll make sure you still see the essentials.
Optional Add-Ons
- Medieval Latin Quarter walk after the museum
- "Medieval Paris" day with the Sainte-Chapelle
- Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
- Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)
After You Book
- A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
- My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
- I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
- Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
- Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.
FAQ
Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.
Do I need tickets? Yes, you buy your museum tickets. I'll send you the details after booking.
Is it good for kids? Yes: knights, unicorns and Roman baths usually work very well.
Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.