2026 Preservation Detroit French Roots Walking Tour - Weekday

Preservation Detroit's summer weekday walking tour season returns for 2026. The day of the week and time varies by tour so please check each event listing carefully!

Celebrate Detroit's 325th Birthday!!

Founded in 1701 by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the city of Detroit was under French rule for only sixty years through 1763. Yet its French roots are still present.

This tour explores Detroit's French heritage from Cadillac's landing in 1701 through some of the 19th century buildings still standing as well as 20th and 21st century statues, monuments, and murals remembering the French roots of Detroit. A descendant of one of Cadillac's Convoy, your tour guide will share the history of the French in Detroit as we walk about the heart of downtown Detroit.

Meeting place: The tour meets at 10 am next to the Cadillac Statue just east of the Dodge Fountain in Hart Plaza. And ends 2 hours later at Michigan Avenue and Washington Blvd. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water, hat, and sunscreen.

Parking: Metered on-street parking is available on downtown streets within the immediate downtown area. Several parking lots and garages are also located within walking distance.

Note: Restroom opportunities are limited.

By purchasing ticket(s), I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms outlined in the following liability release: https://preservationdetroit.org/liabilityrelease

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Horace E. Dodge Fountain - just to the East at the Cadillac Statue, 101 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App