Invader Hunt – Street Art Tour of le Marais

If you’re itching to see a different side of Paris beyond the usual landmarks, the Invader Hunt – Street Art Tour of le Marais might just hit the spot. While many travelers flock to iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, exploring the city’s underground art culture offers a fresh, vibrant perspective. This tour, led by a passionate guide, takes you through the lively neighborhood of Le Marais, revealing some of the city’s coolest street art pieces, especially those by the famous mosaic artist Invader.

Two things that stood out to us (from what we’ve read about the experience) are the personalized nature of the tour—thanks to its small group size—and the depth of local insight that guides like Thom Thom bring. You really get a sense of the city’s creative pulse. One possible thing to keep in mind is that the tour lasts just over two hours, so if you’re after a more exhaustive street art exploration, this might feel a bit brief.

This experience seems ideal for families, teens, or anyone curious about street art in Paris. It’s accessible for most travelers, with a relaxed pace and engaging storytelling. If you’re interested in art, urban culture, or simply discovering lesser-known facets of Paris, this tour offers a fun, insightful way to spend part of your day.

• Small-group tours ensure a more personal and engaging experience
• Focus on Invader’s mosaics, with opportunities to discover other street art
• Ideal for families and teens interested in urban art scenes
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the walk with stories and context
• Accessible and reasonably priced at around $47.40 per person
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

What is the Invader Hunt – Street Art Tour?

This tour offers a guided walk through one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods, Le Marais. The twist? It’s centered around hunting for mosaic artworks by Invader, a well-known street artist famous for installing pixelated space invaders across cities worldwide. Using a free app, you follow your guide on foot, searching for these hidden mosaics, all while absorbing stories about the local street art culture.

The tour is designed to be engaging and relaxed—about two hours and 15 minutes long—making it a manageable way to explore the neighborhood. Small groups, capped at 15 people, mean you get plenty of interaction and tailored insights, rather than feeling like just another face in a crowd.

Why is this tour so appealing?

Most travelers find this experience refreshingly unique because it combines city exploration with a treasure-hunt vibe. It’s more than just looking at street art; it’s actively seeking it out, which makes it interactive and fun, especially for younger visitors or those new to urban art.

The guide’s expertise helps you appreciate the creativity and culture behind each piece. From the mosaics by Invader to other street art treasures, you’ll learn about the artists and the stories that make each work special. The tour’s reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides like Thom Thom make the experience memorable.

What does the itinerary look like?

Stop 1: Fontaine Stravinsky

Your journey begins at the Fontaine Stravinsky, a lively spot where you can admire sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely. This stop isn’t just about the artworks; it’s also a chance to see some of the street art that surrounds the fountain. It’s a brief but meaningful introduction to the neighborhood’s artistic energy, and it helps set the tone for the walk ahead.

Stop 2: Centre Pompidou

Next, you’ll stroll around the iconic Centre Pompidou, famous for its high-tech architecture. As you admire the building’s vibrant exterior, your guide will point out some hidden street art treasures nearby—perfect for those who love discovering art in unexpected places. It’s a brief stop, about five minutes, but packed with visual interest.

Additional stops include the Gardens of the National Archives and the Jewish neighborhood, offering a mix of cultural sights and urban art. While the focus remains on street art, these stops provide context and variety, enriching your overall experience.

What makes this tour special?

The interactive aspect—using a mobile app to find mosaics—sets it apart. You don’t just stare at murals; you actively hunt for them, which keeps the energy high. Plus, the small group size fosters an intimate environment where questions and conversations flow easily.

The guide’s insights are another big plus. From reviews, we see that Thom Thom was praised for his knowledge, making the tour not just fun but educational. One traveler said, “Our guide Thom Thom was very knowledgeable about the street art in the Marais and hunting for Invader works. We had a great time and would love to do it again.”

Price and Value

At $47.40 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the personalized experience, the cultural insights, and the fun of hunting mosaics. It’s a lot of value for a short, engaging activity that offers a different perspective on Paris—especially if you’re into art or urban culture.

How the experience feels

Expect a walk through lively streets, vibrant murals, and mosaic mosaics hidden in plain sight. The pace is relaxed, with stops to take photos and listen to commentary. It’s accessible for most travelers, including families, and is suitable even for those with limited mobility, as the route is on foot and within the neighborhood.

What do travelers say?

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a perfect 5-star rating from 38 reviews and a very high recommendation rate of 97%. Travelers appreciate the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, and many mention how the tour opened their eyes to the creative side of Paris they hadn’t noticed before.

One reviewer said, “It was enjoyable for both adults and teens—great family activity,” highlighting its family-friendly appeal. Another mentioned the personalized attention they received, making the experience feel special rather than generic.

Potential drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, some might find the duration just under two and a half hours a bit short if they’re very passionate about street art. Also, since the tour is centered on specific mosaics by Invader, if that isn’t your primary interest, it might feel somewhat narrow. However, the inclusion of other street art and cultural spots helps balance this.

This experience is especially suited for art lovers, urban explorers, and curious travelers who want a hands-on way to discover Paris’s underground art scene. It’s quite friendly for families with older kids or teenagers, thanks to its interactive nature. If you enjoy guided walks that combine culture with a bit of adventure, this is a solid pick.

Those looking for an in-depth art history tour or an exhaustive street art expedition might find two hours a little brief, but for a relaxed, engaging outing, it works well. And if you’re visiting Paris for the first time and want a glimpse of its contemporary creative culture, this is a charming way to do it.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s described as being enjoyable for teens and families. The hunt for mosaics can be engaging for kids, and the relaxed pace makes it accessible.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, which is enough to keep the energy up without feeling rushed.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 2 Rue Brisemiche, 75004 Paris. Arrive at least five minutes early to settle in.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and easier interaction with the guide.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Do I need a ticket in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 40 days ahead, as the tour is popular and tends to fill up quickly.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, it’s near public transportation, making it easy to reach the meeting point.

What do I need to bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a smartphone with the app downloaded, and a curious mind ready to hunt for art.

If you’re someone who loves discovering hidden corners of a city and appreciates street art, the Invader Hunt in Le Marais offers a fun, engaging way to explore Paris differently. The guide’s knowledge and the interactive mosaic hunt make it a memorable experience that balances culture, creativity, and a touch of adventure.

While the tour is relatively short and focused on specific artworks, the small-group setting keeps it intimate and informative. It’s especially good for families, teens, or travelers keen on urban art scenes—not a comprehensive graffiti tour, but a well-curated snapshot of Paris’s contemporary street expressions.

In the end, this tour is about seeing Paris through the eyes of its street artists. If that sounds appealing, it’s definitely worth the modest price. Just remember to book in advance, arrive on time, and come ready to hunt for some mosaics—you might be surprised at what you find.

This guide should help you decide if the Invader Hunt is the right fit for your Paris trip. It’s an experience that offers a fresh perspective without taking up your whole day—perfect for a quick yet meaningful cultural break in the City of Light.