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French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App

3 Reviews 4.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Detroit, USA
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from $20 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
6 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Tour the vestiges of French Detroit, an American City, that began as a French colonial outpost. It was founded as Fort Pontchartrain and as a trading post in 1701. It remained an outpost of the French Empire through 1760, when it became a part of the British Empire. It remained British until 1795, when it became American. Throughout those changes, Detroit retained its French identity and remained a French speaking city into the 1840's. Most of that French history is lost, forgotten, and seldom taught in history books. On this tour you will learn of the preservation efforts of what remains of the cultural heritage of French Detroit. This tour brings that history to life.

After you download this tour, you can listen to the narration in the comfort of your home or hotel room. You can then decide if you want to visit all of the places in one day, or to focus on a few. Once you are close to each of the points of interest, the SmartGuide app will alert you and begin to play the narrative.

What's Included

  • You will receive the SmartGuide App and the French History of Detroit Audio Tour.

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    1000 Saint Anne Street
    Detroit, MI 48216, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
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    Ste. Anne de Detroit Church

    Take a private auto tour through the forgotten history of French Detroit. Discover what remains of Detroit when it was a distant outpost on the fringe of Louis XIV’s French Empire. Learn what makes the history of Detroit unlike that of any other.See where more than a thousand Fox Indians were slaughtered (and why) in an epic battle for control of the straits. See the river whose water turned red with the blood of more than a hundred British Redcoats, ambushed crossing the bridge over it!See the second oldest continuously operating Catholic parish in the US, founded by Antoine Cadillac and Father Constantin De L’Halle. See the resting place of Father Gabriel Richard.Find out why the history of French Detroit is a history of the French and of Native American Indians.A fun and informative tour!
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Hart Plaza

    After leaving Ste Anne's, we stop at nearby Riverside Park, before driving on to Hart Plaza. Learn about the Wendat, who lived at this location, and other Native American Indians who lived in relative peace and harmony with the French. At Hart Plaza, see about Fort Pontchartrain and why it was built there. After leaving Hart Plaza, we stop briefly at two of the oldest houses built in Detroit, dating to 1826 and 1840. Learn about ribbon farms and some of the streets named for the farms they ran alongside.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Mt Elliott Cemetery

    Visit the remains of the 1,800 original settlers originally buried in Ste Anne’s cemetery and re-interred here. Learn the tragedy of the lost markers. Stop at the tombs, and family plots of other notable French settlers and notable Detroiters.
    Read more

    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Elmwood Cemetery

    See Bloody Run where the water in Parent's Creek turned red with the blood of more than one hundred British redcoats ambushed and slaughtered in the Indian uprising led by Chief Pontiac. Stop at the tombs, and family plots, of other notable French settlers.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Belle Isle Park

    Visit the location of the first victims of the 1763 Indian Uprising led by Chief Pontiac. Learn the french history of the island once called Swan Island, then Hog Island, and now called, Belle Isle. The island will be circumnavigated and notable sites pointed out along the way. There may be time to stop and enjoy the beautiful island on the border of two great nations.
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    30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Mariner Park

    Stop alongside Windmill Pointe Lighthouse, one of Michgan's oldest lighthouses. Running alongside Altar Road is Fox Creek. Named for the Fox Indian tribe, learn the stories of the Grand Marais and Fox Run. After leaving the park, we drive through the Grand Marais area on our way to the final stop, the Provensal House.
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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    376 Kercheval Ave

    Stop at the Provençal House, the oldest house in Grosse Pointe, built long before "Grosse Pointe" existed. Learn the remarkable story of Pierre Provençal and his wife Euphemia St Aubin and their loving, generous, and charitable, work with the many orphans of the 1832 and 1834 cholera epidemics. Admission is not included and likely not available.
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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Detroit Historical Museum

    Visit the "Where the River Bends" exhibit to see and learn about the French Era of Detroit.
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    1 hour Admission Ticket Free

    Detroit Institute of Arts

    Visit the "Fashionable Living" exhibit to see the furniture and furnishings of French citizens in the 1700s. Be sure to enjoy this museum rated as #1 in the United States by USA Today!
    Read more

    2 hours Admission Ticket Free

    Detroit Public Library

    Visit the Burton Collection the largest collection of books, documents, and maps of the French Era in Detroit, in the world!
    Read more

    1 hour Admission Ticket Free

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App?

    A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-375019P1

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.00
    3 reviews

    Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
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    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

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    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App?
    A:
    This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • You will receive the SmartGuide App and the French History of Detroit Audio Tour.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    The minimum age to participate is 12..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App is as follows:

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for French History Tour of Detroit A Self-Guided Audio Tour App will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024
    Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
    A:

    Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

    Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

    If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

    Oct 2026

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • You will receive the SmartGuide App and the French History of Detroit Audio Tour.

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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    Activity name