Cluny: The Lady and the Unicorn & Medieval Paris

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.