Alumni and guests are invited yo join the Cambridge Society of Paris for a Walk with George Young.

THE MARAIS AND THE BOURG ST MARTIN - In search of medieval Paris on the Right Bank, Part I
During the Roman period the right bank of the Seine opposite the Île de la Cité was marshland (hence “marais”), and only sparsely populated. The area began to be settled in earnest after the Viking invasions of the ninth century, and quickly grew into the commercial heart of what was to become in the thirteenth century Western Europe’s largest city. The trades that thrived here live on in various street names (Lombards, Verrerie, Ferronnerie), but numerous royal and noble residences were also constructed within its walls. As with any medieval city, religious foundations proliferated, including the Priory of St Martin, in its heyday one of the richest abbeys in France.

George Young will lead the first of two walks on the right bank to rediscover what is left of medieval Paris. The aim is not to concentrate on major sights, but to reveal some nooks, corners and gaps which illustrate what once was. The walk will begin at 10am at Métro Saint Paul (Line 1), and, including a coffee break en route, finish at 1pm at Métro Arts & Métiers (Lines 3 & 11). Afterwards, for those wishing it, a lunch reservation can be made in a brasserie near the Porte St-Martin. There is no cost, other than paying for your own coffees/lunch.