Almost every traveler’s bucket list includes a stop in Paris, the stunning capital of France. As the most romantic city in the world, Paris has so many attractions that no traveler who stops here will be bored.
Paris deserves to be on every traveler’s bucket list as a fascinating insight into French local culture and cuisine. It is home to world-famous and picturesque landmarks featured in popular magazines, films, and artistic creations.
But what about Paris, which draws visitors from all over the world? Isn’t there more to Paris than the infamous Eiffel Tower? Yes! There is more to see in Paris that caters to the wealthy and those on a budget.
So, are you planning to tick off Paris as your next travel destination? Are you searching for affordable yet the best tours in Paris? You are at the right stop! Don’t miss out; check the best Paris tours in this article.
Table of Contents
- Best Tours in Paris
- 1. Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator
- 2. Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Skip the Line Entrance
- 3. Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
- 4. Paris and the Art of Music: 2-Hour Walking Tour
- 5. Paris Gourmet Tour
- 6. Private Tour: Family Walking Tour in Paris
- 7. OMAHA Beach – Day trip from Paris to Normandy in a small group
- 8. Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris
- 9. Notre Dame Outdoor Walking Tour with Crypt Entry
- 10. Night Tour With Bike & Boat Tour Cruise
- 11. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional River Cruise
- 12. Arc de Triomphe Ticket w/ Audio Guide & River Cruise
- 13. Panthéon Admission Ticket and Self-Guided Tour
- 14. Musée d’Orsay Guided Tour with Options
- 15. Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
- 16. Montmartre Walking Tours: Paris’ Best Art, Culture, and Food
- 17. Paris Montmartre walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
- 18. Versailles Palace and Gardens Guided Tour
- 19. Private tour of Paris by Night with Champagne
- 20. Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris
- 21. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
- 22. Street Art tour in Paris – Discover Paris Murals
- 23. Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour
- Exciting Reasons To Visit Paris
- Iconic Landmarks
- Phenomenal French cuisine
- Get an Experience of the Fashion World
- The Prominent Café Culture
- Amazing Art Galleries
- FAQs
- When is the best time to visit Paris?
- Is it necessary for me to speak French to go around Paris?
- Is tipping practiced in France?
- What’s the best way to get around?
- Find Things to Do in Paris
- Find Accommodation
- Explore Paris With Our Guides & Reviews
Best Tours in Paris
1. Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator
This well-organized tour is one activity you should not miss! On this guided tour of the Eiffel Tower, be amazed at the splendor of Paris from the city’s must-see landmark. As you climb the elevator, your tour guide will tell you about its origin and art history as a Parisian icon.
With this skip-the-line access, you can avoid long lines and explore Paris’ most renowned attraction with a tour guide. Take the city’s most stunning sights while learning about its history and significance. You can remain on the second floor or ascend to the summit.
After meeting your tour guide, you have priority access to the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, where you can enjoy views of the City of Light. This two-hour tour will teach you about the structure and the civil engineer who designed it, Gustave Eiffel.
Your local guide will also cover the prominent Parisian attractions, such as the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, and the Sacré-Coeur. You can take the optional elevator ride past the second floor to the tower’s pinnacle, where you may see views from the highest point in the city.
Tour Inclusion:
- Live tour guide
- Guided Tour to the second floor by elevator
- Summit access by elevator (if the option is chosen)
- 1.5 – 2 hour duration
2. Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Skip the Line Entrance
With this guided tour, visit the Louvre Museum‘s must-see attractions and skip the infamous long lines. Your experienced guide will reveal important facts about the works of art on display that most visitors are unaware of. Discover the “Mona Lisa,” “Venus de Milo,” and “Winged Victory of Samothrace” in the Louvre.
This Louvre tour includes Greek and Roman relics, such as the 4,000-year-old “Great Sphinx of Tanis,” Da Vinci and Raphael masterpieces, and highlights from the French Romantic movement. The sculptures of Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave” and Antonio Canova’s “Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss” will ultimately enhance your tour experience.
The Apollo Gallery looks into the Louvre’s past as the Royal Palace before Louis XIV relocated the court to the Versailles Palace. The Napoleon Apartments also retain the Second Empire’s equally sumptuous décor. Following the tour, you can explore the Louvre at your leisure.
Tour Inclusion:
- Skip-the-line entrance to the Louvre Museum
- Entrance ticket and reservation fee
- Audio sets to facilitate hearing your guide better
- Expert, English-speaking tour guides
3. Paris Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Cruise
On this hop-on hop-off Seine river cruise, you’ll see Paris’ famous landmarks up close.
With a 1-day or 2-day Seine River cruise viewing pass, you can cruise along the riverbanks of Paris to see top attractions such as the Musée d’Orsay. You can also slide beneath the city’s gorgeous bridges and elegant architecture.
You can jump on and off the riverboat at your leisure to view sites like the Eiffel Tower. And don’t forget to stop in Saint-Germain for a bite at a sidewalk café or see Notre Dame‘s Gothic splendor.
Inclusion:
- Choose between a 1-day or 2-day sightseeing pass.
- Hop off at any of the Seine River’s stops.
- Viewing the UNESCO-listed monuments bordering its banks, cruise down the Seine River.
- Open rear deck
- Heated in winter & open rooftop in the summer
- Direct access to the boat
- Deckhand staff on board
- 2-hour duration
See Related: Top Paris Restaurants with a View of the Eiffel Tower
4. Paris and the Art of Music: 2-Hour Walking Tour
On this 2-hour guided walking tour, you’ll see historical locations associated with music. Be amazed at the 6th-century Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris’s oldest cathedral, where troubadours performed during the Medieval Era.
You’ll also explore Marie de Medici’s Luxembourg Gardens and Palace, home to court music throughout the Renaissance. Don’t miss the Carrefour de Buci, a colorful crossroads known for its cabarets during WWI and WWII.
Relish the 18th-century picture-perfect Cour du Commerce Saint-André. This picturesque street arcade houses Paris’s oldest café, which served as a meeting place for street performers during the French Revolution.
Learn about classical religious music in the massive 17th-century Baroque Saint-Sulpice Church, known for its 7,000-pipe organ. It is one of only three hundred-stop organs in the world. The church recently appeared as a supporting character in The Da Vinci Code movie.
Finish your walking tour in Furstenberg Square, one of Paris’s most charming squares. It is the favorite place of French singer Edith Piaf and one of the 20th century’s most beloved entertainers, Maurice Chevalier.
Tour Inclusion:
- 2-hour walking tour
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- 2-hour duration
See Related: Best Versailles Tours from Paris, France
5. Paris Gourmet Tour
Complete your Paris escapade by tasting the French capital’s finest local delicacies and cuisine! This delectable tour will introduce you to the world-famous French culinary arts. During this food tour, you will wander through the historical sections of the Latin Quarter, one of the world’s most famous neighborhoods.
The Latin Quarter was Paris’ intellectual district, home to the renowned Sorbonne University. Take a stroll around a market noted for the best quality and wide range of food available.
Then, visit a genuine French cheese shop. You will discover why Charles de Gaulle famously asked, “How would you like to run a country with 246 distinct types of cheese?”
You will taste various kinds of cheese and discover their flavors and textures, ideally matched to the great wine. You’ll also stop by many bakeries to sample the incredible range of French bread and pastries, from the baguette to the croissant.
Finish this great tour at a regional specialties shop, where you can sample the most exquisite French delicacy—foie gras. Enjoy a walk full of tastes and flavors, introducing you to the French art of gourmet treats.
Tour Inclusion:
- Sample of different cheeses and wine
- Foie Gras
- Bread
- Live tour guide
- 3-hour duration
See Related: Top Food Markets in Paris
6. Private Tour: Family Walking Tour in Paris
If you are a family looking for a private tour, this one’s for you! On this special family walking tour of Paris, you will have the most delightful adventure with your family.
With a family-friendly local expert guide, this private tour will ensure that the children have as much enjoyment exploring as the parents.
The knowledgeable guide will lead you on a 2-hour walking tour. The tour moves relaxed and includes a trip around central Paris, showcasing the city’s most iconic historical and architectural monuments.
The entire family will appreciate learning about Paris’s fascinating places. The guide’s anecdotes will make you laugh as you explore the city’s back alleys. Book this tour now and discover why Paris is called the City of Light!
Tour Inclusion:
- Professional local guide
- 2-hour duration
See Related: Best Normandy Tours from Paris, France
7. OMAHA Beach – Day trip from Paris to Normandy in a small group
This guided tour from Paris takes you to the must-see D-Day sites. For history lovers, June 6, 1944, is one of the most important days in World War II, when American troops first stormed Normandy beach.
On this tour, you can pay your respects to fallen warriors and listen to your guide tell you about the history. All in one day, you may see the American Cemetery, feel the sand at Omaha Beach, and witness battle memorabilia at the Overlord Museum.
A colossal piece by artist Anilore Banon (as seen from the image above) is built to honor the bravery of Allied Forces soldiers. You’ll have some time to go down the Omaha beach and perhaps collect some sand to fill a tiny glassed container as a keepsake to take home.
The Overlord Museum documents the period from the Allied landing until the Paris liberation. The collection was gathered by someone who witnessed the warfare and participated in Normandy’s rehabilitation.
They will display personal belongings from individual soldiers and armored fighting vehicles from Normandy’s six armies in reconstructions featuring over 35 vehicles, tanks, and artillery.
This guided tour will also take you to the well-kept American Cemetery in Colleville sur Mer, which overlooks Omaha Beach. The 180-acre park comprises 9,387 precisely aligned white crosses and a memorial chapel, which completes the dramatic sight and allows visitors to contemplate the cost of war.
While you walk among row after row of white burial headstones, your tour guides will tell stories of troops who fought in the vicinity and were later bestowed the highest military honors for heroism.
Tour Inclusion:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Museum Pass to Overlord Museum
- 13 to 14-hour duration
See Related: Fun & Best Things to do in Paris, France
8. Guided tour and wine tasting in a historic cellar in the center of Paris
Are you a wine connoisseur? Or do you have an interest in tasting the finest wine made in Paris? Then you should definitely not miss this out!
On this guided tour, enjoy a spectacular wine-tasting session in a historical 18th-century wine cellar in Paris once used by King Louis XVI. Your tasting takes place in a wine cellar near the Louvre Museum and includes information on the winemaking process.
You can taste a sample of three different wines during the guided tasting. And it doesn’t end there! You will also have the option to upgrade to premium wine samples and a bottle of wine to take home.
This tour will visit the famous Les Caves du Louvre to learn about French wine in a creative light! An intriguing look at France’s most prominent product takes you from its humble beginnings in French vineyards to its global popularity.
The tour takes place in a spectacular ancient cellar linked to the Louvre Palace via a tunnel used to move wine barrels during King Louis XV’s reign. A sommelier will lead a sensory experience that will teach you about the various stages of the wine production process, from the grape to the bottle. During your visit, you will also receive a sampling of three French wines chosen by our sommelier! Have a good time and Santé!
Tour Inclusion:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 1 hour guided tour by a wine expert
- Entrance fees
- Guided tastings of three wines
See Related: Arc de Triomphe: Exploring the Iconic Paris Arch
9. Notre Dame Outdoor Walking Tour with Crypt Entry
If you are a devout Catholic, this Notre Dame Walking Tour is an indispensable stop when visiting Paris. See what remains of the church’s history, tragedy, and hopeful future following the tragic fire in 2019.
Learn how building began in 1163 and took over a century to complete. Allow yourself to relive the moment people watched in horror as the cathedral filled the sky with ash.
Share in the survivor’s narrative and heroic rescue and recovery efforts of first responders. Walk around the fire area with a guide as they tell first-hand accounts of this momentous event.
Don’t forget to admire the well-known facade’s iconic features, such as the towers and famed gargoyles. Get as close to Point Zero as possible, the geographic center of Paris, sometimes considered a lucky location, within steps from the iconic cathedral.
The 45-minute walking trip concludes at the entrance to the archaeological crypt beneath Notre Dame. Learn about this unique landmark before venturing for a self-guided tour of Ile de la Cité, the old Paris.
Tour Inclusion:
- Entrance tickets to the archaeological crypt (if it is open)
- An experienced local guide
- 2-hour duration
See Related: Best Champagne Tours from Paris
10. Night Tour With Bike & Boat Tour Cruise
It won’t be complete without strolling around on a night tour in Love, especially for couples visiting Paris! Explore the city of lights by bike through their safe bike paths to all the famous monuments. On this picturesque night-time excursion, you may watch the sunset while finishing the night with a boat ride.
Explore Paris’ most iconic landmarks on a spectacular evening away from the crowds. An entertaining and informative journey with a local guide provides the ideal overview of Paris.
The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Champs-Elysées, Pont Alexandre III, and Notre Dame are among the most recognizable monuments you’ll see up close.
It is one of the best tours in Paris, as you get to explore the city’s culture and history while collecting insights and local recommendations along the journey. Don’t forget to take great shots with incredible backdrops and pause for a drink and ice cream with the love of your life!
Finally, sail through a river cruise with a bottle of wine or a beverage and enjoy the magnificent city views. It is certainly an unforgettable moment to end the night!
Tour Inclusion:
- Live tour guides
- 4.5 hour duration
- Stylish river cruise up the Seine
- See all the sights from the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and to the Notre Dame
See Related: Best Travel Books About Paris: Must-Read Guides
11. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional River Cruise
On an open-top double-decker sightseeing bus tour, you can take in breathtaking views and soak up the wonderful ambiance of Paris. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off ticket or the 48-hour deluxe option, which includes a Seine River cruise ticket.
Drive by famous landmarks such as the iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Sacre Coeur. Visit the opulent Champs-Elysées, the historic Grand Palais, the Opera Garnier, and the Louvre Museum.
Discover Paris on a guided trip that departs every day. Learn about the history and culture of Paris through fascinating audio commentary in 11 languages. You can join the tour at any of the following points along the route:
- The Eiffel Tower
- The Champ de Mars
- Garnier Opera House
- Louvre-Pyramide Information Center / Big Bus
- Pont des Arts-Louvre
- Notre Dame University
- Orsay Museum
- Champs-Elysées
- The Grand Palais
- Trocadéro
Tour Inclusion:
- Big Bus 24 or 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off ticket (depending on the option selected)
- Seine River boat cruise (if option selected)
- Unique audio commentary in 11 languages
- Free Big Bus App with live bus tracking
- Onboard Wi-Fi
- Free map of Paris
- Headsets (use of your headsets is available)
- Poncho (in case of rain)
See Related: Paris Highlights and Secrets Ultimate Bike Tour
12. Arc de Triomphe Ticket w/ Audio Guide & River Cruise
Your Paris tour won’t be complete without dropping by the breathtaking monument of Arc de Triomphe.
With a pre-booked entry ticket, you will have special access to one of the capital’s most stunning landmarks, the Arc de Triomphe. Built during Napoleon’s reign in the early Nineteenth century, it towers over the famed Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
Your audio guide, available directly on your smartphone, will allow you to discover more about the history of this Roman-inspired monument. While on the roof, you will experience a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the City of Light.
Then, head to the Port de la Bourdonnais for a one-hour boat ride on the capital’s most magnificent avenue: the Seine.
Tour Inclusion:
- Priority Access Ticket for the Arc de Triomphe
- Audio-guided tour
- Ticket for a Seine River cruise
- 3-hour duration
See Related: Best Skip-the-Line Tours in Paris
13. Panthéon Admission Ticket and Self-Guided Tour
Experience the Panthéon, a shrine dedicated to the heroes and women who have shaped French history since the French Revolution. Spend a fascinating hour on a self-guided tour, taking city views from the upper floors.
The Panthéon, a masterpiece by Soufflot (1713-1780) and a former church, became the final resting place for prominent French Revolutionaries. Relish your Paris tours of this historic monument in this skip-the-line self-guided tour.
A significant exhibition in the Panthéon honors Jacques-Germain Soufflot, one of France’s greatest architects. It depicts his career and significant achievements, the most notable of which is the royal Church of Sainte-Geneviève, now the Panthéon.
The architect realized Louis XV’s goal of glorifying the monarchy by designing a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève. During the French Revolution in 1791, the structure was deconsecrated and renamed the Panthéon. During the volatile nineteenth century, it alternated between being a religious and patriotic monument.
Since Victor Hugo died in 1885, the Panthéon has been the final resting place for French writers, scientists, generals, clerics, and politicians. Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Pierre, and Marie Currie are among those buried in the crypt.
Enjoy the beautifully refurbished upper levels, which offer spectacular city views in a day!
Tour Inclusion:
- Self-guided tour
- Information booklet (available online or at the entrance)
- Guided tour available every afternoon (subject to availability)
- Skip-the-line admission (can be used on any date and at any time)
See Related: Le Pigalle
14. Musée d’Orsay Guided Tour with Options
To complete your best tours in Paris, visit the world’s most comprehensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art at Musée d’Orsay.
You will soon understand why the Musée d’Orsay is frequently named Parisians’ favorite museum. The Beaux-Arts structure, built over 100 years ago as a train station, welcomes you to the World’s Fair, and now it shows the best art from that era, making it a must-see visit during your time in the City of Lights.
Enjoy your local guide’s enthusiasm for opening your eyes to artistic passion.
It was believed that the impressionists’ tranquil landscapes of the country and urban life were considered disturbing when created. The vibrant colors and emotive brushstrokes rocked the creative establishment to its core.
Your guide will bring the painters’ volatile personalities to life, revealing how each artist dared to venture into unknown terrain and pursue achievement without compromise.
Traveling back in time, you’ll discover how these images and messages profoundly altered the art world.
Along the trip, see all the key attractions and wonderful masterpieces. Stay as long as you want in the galleries to explore the collection or to see a special show.
Tour Inclusion:
- 1 hour 45 minutes guided tour of the Musée d’Orsay
- Fully accredited local guide
- Skip-the-line access and all entrance fees
- Headsets when appropriate so you can always hear your guide
- Stay as long as you like in the museum after your tour
See Related: Private Reims Champagne with Minivan
15. Skip-the-Line: Paris Catacombs Tour with VIP Access to Restricted Areas
It is one of the hidden gems of Paris tours that you will definitely enjoy, especially for those who love history and adventures! With this skip-the-line tour of Paris’ legendary catacombs, you can see the darker side of the City of Lights.
Explore these fascinating underground corridors packed with the bones of thousands of previous Parisians and learn about the captivating and horrific history of the labyrinth. Bypass the huge lineups for this popular attraction in favor of customized attention in a small group of 19 persons.
The Paris catacombs are an immense underground network of tunnels created as limestone quarries during the construction of some of the city’s most iconic monuments. In the late 1800s, remains from congested Paris cemeteries were excavated and carried here. Thousands of bones are neatly organized into mounds along the walls for storage.
A unique small-group trip will take you into this spooky underground. Lines to access the catacombs surpass two hours, but your professional guide will get you to the front of the line. A maximum group size of 19 persons allows for a more personalized experience.
Explore the dimly illuminated maze that runs beneath the city’s well-known streets. As your guide explores the history of this soul-stirring ’empire of death,’ marvel at the heaps of human skeletons that await you at every turn.
Tour Inclusion:
- Skip-the-line access and visit the Parisian catacombs
- Small groups to ensure an intimate experience
- Local English-speaking expert guide
See Related: Maison Albar – Le Champs-Elysées
16. Montmartre Walking Tours: Paris’ Best Art, Culture, and Food
On a walking tour of Montmartre, a borough famed for its artists and historically bohemian vibe, you’ll discover the delights of one of Paris’ most popular neighborhoods.
Your trip starts at the famed Moulin Rouge, home of the enthralling Can-Can, where Toulouse-Lautrec sat nightly and sketched some of Paris’ most famous nightlife images. As you ascend through the cobbled streets, you will soon arrive at the Cafe des 2 Moulins, featured in the iconic French comedy Amelie.
As you climb up, you will pass through neighborhoods where Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pissarro, and other painters lived and worked. Afterward, you’ll walk down the Rue Abbesses, where you’ll learn about its ancient past. Your journey continues through world-renowned artwork, cabarets, Paris’ only vineyard, and the city’s last two windmills/moulins.
Your tour ends at Montmartre’s highest natural point, where the steps of the Sacre-Coeur attract millions of visitors each year for the stunning vistas of Paris beneath. You’ll quickly see why locals and visitors think Montmartre is the most charming neighborhood in Paris.
Tour Inclusion:
- Local, Entertaining Guide
- Guided visit of Montmartre in English
- Paris shuttle for convenient transportation
See Related: Hôtel du Bois
17. Paris Montmartre walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours
No gourmet tours in Paris would be complete without a stop at a boulangerie, where you can learn how to eat a baguette properly in France. On this Montmartre tasting tour, your local Parisian guide will take you to an artisanal, where you will view and sample some of the city’s finest chocolates and macarons.
You’ll have a freshly prepared crêpe and discover the distinction between crêpe and galette. Your trip will include a stop at a boulangerie to sample iconic French bread and baguettes and learn why you should never eat a baguette upside down.
You’ll sample fromages from the best cheese shop in town and go to a local butcher for the best-cured sausages and hams. Finally, at their secret stop, you’ll feast on all the goodies purchased along the road, accompanied by the perfect wine combo.
Tour Inclusion:
- Food tour with 6 stops
- Local guide
- French Cheeses, 5 tastings
- French pastry
- Chocolates
- Cured sausages/hams
- French Wine Tasting
- Freshly Baked Bread
- Crepes
- Authentic macarons
See Related: Best Macarons in Paris
18. Versailles Palace and Gardens Guided Tour
On this guided tour, explore the famed Versailles Palace and Gardens and immerse yourself in Parisian life. See the king and queen’s rooms, chapel, magnificent rolling lawns, and more while learning about the French monarchy’s extravagance.
Meet your English-speaking guide at Versailles, where your tour will begin. Your Versailles tour will be exclusive, relaxed, and delightful, with a maximum of 20 people per group.
Skip the lines by pre-booking a ticket to Versailles, where your guide will walk you from one magnificent room to the next. The tour will lead you to where Louis XIV tortured his friends and family with long, dull rituals and where Marie Antoinette ate her cake.
With 700 rooms, the Palace of Versailles is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful estates. As you approach the palace’s highlights, take in its remarkable collection of great art and the meticulous architecture of its 1,250 fireplaces.
Admire the King and Queen’s chambers, chapel, coronation room, Hall of Mirrors, and Salon of Abundance. After the indoor tour, enter the sunlight to explore the magnificent and maintained gardens covering over 1,800 acres.
On Thursdays, you’ll have a tour of the gardens and some free time to browse. You may also arrange a tour day when the famous Versailles Fountain Shows or Musical Gardens occur.
During the Fountain Shows, see the fountains explode to the strains of a cello. And be delighted by the simple beauty of classical music during the Musical Gardens event. The concert tickets will be included in the price of your tour.
When you’re ready, take the next train back to the city. Reflect on the day of sheer indulgence while the train chugs along, gently transporting oneself back through the ages to modern-day Paris.
Tour Inclusion:
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance tickets and reservation fee for the Palace of Versailles (and gardens if option selected)
- Headsets (when appropriate) to hear your guide
See Related: Cimetière du Père-Lachaise
19. Private tour of Paris by Night with Champagne
Experience Paris at night by taking a classic Citroen 2CV trip through the City of Lights. The quirky 2CV was made from 1948 to 1990 and set hearts aflutter with its instantly recognizable look. Paris is known as the City of Lights because it was the first city in Europe to employ gas lights to illuminate its streets in 1828.
Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel or another central Paris location and drive you down the Champs Elysees to the magnificent Arc de Triomphe.
Admire the magnificent Eiffel Tower, which is even more striking at night when illuminated in a rainbow of lights. Continue past the Louvre to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera Garnier.
Then, proceed to Montmartre, a bohemian region famed for its artistic and relaxed environment. The majestic Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, featured in the famous film Amelie, may be found here. The tour includes a complimentary bottle of Champagne, making your vacation to Paris more memorable and authentically French!
Tour Inclusion:
- Private tour by convertible Citroen 2CV
- Driver/guide
- Champagne
20. Fontainebleau & Vaux-le-Vicomte Châteaux Day Tour from Paris
Take this full-day tour from Paris to the châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau and explore their gardens.
You’ll depart Paris at 9:15 AM for the hour-long trip to Vaux-le-Vicomte, the château that inspired King Louis XIV to build Versailles Palace. The château and its grounds are a masterpiece of mid-17th-century classical architecture. They were designed by three outstanding artists working for Nicolas Fouquet, a wealthy, high-ranking French official and Louis XIV’s Superintendent of Finance.
The three artists were Charles Le Brun, a painter and decorator; Louis Le Vau, an architect; and André Le Nôtre, a landscape gardener.
With an audio guide, explore Nicolas Fouquet’s private apartments, staterooms, and the château’s huge kitchens and cavernous cellars. Then, tour the 86-acre estate’s exquisite French-style formal gardens, which include sculpted shrubs, lakes, and rainbow flower beds. Lunch can be served on the lawn or in the Vaux-le-Vicomte restaurant.
At 13:30, you’ll depart Vaux-le-Vicomte for the second leg of the journey, which will take you to the heart of Fontainebleau’s forest.
Fontainebleau is the only royal château that has been occupied continuously for seven centuries. It dates back to the 12th century and has served as a palace for French rulers ranging from Francis I to Napoleon III.
During your audio-guided tour, you’ll stroll the lavishly furnished château, enjoying its unique collections and essential artifacts, including Napoleon I’s throne and the famed horseshoe-shaped staircase.
You’ll also see the large private flats. Following the tour, you can explore the extensive grounds around the château and its three beautiful gardens.
Tour Inclusion:
- Round-trip transportation from Paris by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Audio-guided tour of the château at Vaux le Vicomte and a visit to the formal gardens
- Audio-guided tour of the château at Fontainebleau
- Admission to both châteaux
21. Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise
A delicious dinner cruise along the Seine River guarantees a fantastic night in Paris. On a luxury Bateaux Parisiens riverboat, you will float by the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Ile de la Cité.
Your night out in Paris starts near the Eiffel Tower, where you will meet your host and board a luxurious Bateaux Parisiens sightseeing boat. In the magnificent dining area, flanked by wide windows, enjoy a complimentary glass of welcome Champagne.
Choose your dinner from an à la carte menu of authentic French cuisine (see Itinerary below for a sample menu). Enjoy vocal and instrumental stylings of artists aboard while savoring each of the three delectable courses for a true bistro ambiance. Your lunch will be accompanied by French wine and mineral water.
As the boat glides along the Seine River’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed riverbanks, you can see the magnificent structures of Paris bathed in the golden glory of sunset. When the sun goes down, you can view the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Ile de la Cité, and Musée d’Orsay lighted against the night sky.
Step out onto the open-air terrace for fresh air and to immerse yourself in the romanticism of the City of Lights. At the end of your cruise, step back onto the original departure point.
Tour Inclusion:
- River Seine cruise
- Dinner
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Live entertainment by a singer
22. Street Art tour in Paris – Discover Paris Murals
For art enthusiasts, don’t miss out on the street art tours in Paris and discover Paris murals!
This 2.5-hour, 8-kilometer Segway trip will take you through a modern district of Paris (off the usual path). Many murals, including those by Obey (Shepard Fairey), Tristan Eaton, Invader, Inti, Seth, Okuda, and others, can be found.
Street Art will no longer be a mystery to you after this tour!
Tour Inclusion:
- Use of Segway
- Provided helmets (compulsory), gloves, raincoat, windbreaker, and fleece jacket (if necessary).
- Everything is included in the price. There is an anti-cold sleeve on the Segway handlebars during the winter. The segway is equipped with a front bag to store your belongings.
23. Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour
Set out on a culinary adventure through Paris’ wonderful, interesting pastry scene. This tour takes you away from the city’s well-known and congested areas and explores bakeries that have mastered their craft over time.
Taste freshly baked croissants that crumble and melt on your tongue, and learn the incredible history behind some of France’s most beloved pastries. This tour is best for families and individuals who wish to sample as many delectable sweets as possible.
Start the tour with a real classic at Le Petit Parisien. Taste the beautiful brown croissant from a traditional boulangerie where everything is baked.
Following that, you’ll visit one of France’s top pastry chefs, Philippe Conticini’s patisserie, and learn how a bicycle race inspired the birth of the Paris-Brest.
The first three stops conclude with a visit to one of Paris’s trendiest boulangeries, Liberté Patisserie Boulangerie, where locals swarm to get their delicious flan parisien.
Now it’s time to embark on a guided 30-minute historical walking tour of Paris’ spectacular underground passages. Prepare your camera for stunning images for your social media feeds at Passage de L’Ancre!
The second stop on the walking tour is the Passage du Bourg-l’Abbe, an attractive hallway with a high glass ceiling connecting two busy streets in Paris. The final stop before replenishing with more Parisian delights is Passage du Grand Cerf, a charming secret lane filled with small stores.
Revert to the food tour at Pâtisserie Stohrer, Paris’s oldest patisserie. Bite into the delicious macaron and learn where this French pastry originated. Then, at Crêperie – Le Comptoir du Commerce, you’ll taste Brittany, home of the traditional French crêpe, paired with a drink of apple cider.
Finish your trip with a sample of bean-to-bar chocolate prepared by passionate chocolatiers on Rue Montorgueil in the city’s heart.
Exciting Reasons To Visit Paris
Iconic Landmarks
When you think of Paris, what you envision is its iconic landmarks. Many breathtaking sights in Paris feature remarkable architecture and design, and these areas have become world-famous for their grandeur.
The remarkable photo opportunities are among the most popular reasons for tourists, journalists, artists, and influencers to explore Paris. Here are a few famous Paris landmarks that attract tourists:
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower has become an emblem of Paris and one of its most notable landmarks worldwide. At night, it is illuminated in sparkling gold, and breathtaking grounds surround it, making it a once-in-a-lifetime picnic destination.
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, but even non-art enthusiasts will stop by to admire the massive structure and snap photographs of the pyramids. Tourists enjoy posing on the concrete slabs around the Louvre courtyard and the famed pyramids.
Arc De Triomphe
This huge arch at the end of the famed retail strip Avenue des Champs-Élysées honors the troops who battled in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. It is a well-known French historical landmark, and you may climb around 280 stairs to the top for a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
Phenomenal French cuisine
French cuisine is arguably one of the top reasons to visit Paris. French cuisine has earned a spot on the list of the world’s finest dishes, and food enthusiasts from all over the world flock to France just for a taste.
To demonstrate their outstanding cooking, the French established the coveted Michelin Star rating system, which rates the quality of the world’s best restaurants.
But you need not eat at Michelin-starred restaurants to sample French food. Certain classic French dishes may be found at affordable prices in restaurants.
In Paris, try some of the delectable pieces of bread and pastries. A simple baguette or croissant tastes much better here than anywhere else.
Desserts are another area where the French dominate. French desserts include chocolate mousse, Crème brûlée, éclairs, chocolate soufflé, and others. These sweets can be anywhere worldwide, but you should try them where they originated.
Also, don’t miss out on Ladurée’s famed macarons, miniature meringue-based cookie sandwiches with a layer of crème in the center.
Get an Experience of the Fashion World
Paris provides many shopping choices for fashionistas! You can shop in famous high-end establishments or pick up a few charming keepsakes.
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is the most well-known shopping street in Paris. This broad avenue is about 2 kilometers long and densely packed with cafés, diners, theaters, and boutiques. Everything here is more expensive, so if you have some dollars to spend and want to experience being a high-end Parisian fashionista, here is the place to go.
Even if you don’t intend to buy anything extravagant or pricey, exploring luxury boutiques and admiring all the exquisite products can be delightful. Paris takes representation very seriously, so dressing up like a member of the fashion elite and exploring the high-end stores is a fascinating way to spend a lazy afternoon in the city.
The Prominent Café Culture
Paris has one of the world’s most thriving café cultures. Nothing beats sitting on a patio chair in an outside café, sipping an espresso, and enjoying a croissant while enjoying the Parisians’ business.
For decades, café culture has been integral to the Parisian way of life. Most cafés are open throughout the day and provide modest plates of cuisine. Cafés in Paris do not require tipping, and it is considered rude in Paris if you don’t offer a tip.
Some of the go-to cafés are La Fontaine de Belleville – a street-corner café in Paris that serves all of the French classics and Café de Flore – one of the oldest cafés in Paris.
When you visit one of these famous cafés, you will be charmed by the attractive architecture and delectable food and drinks. After a long day of sightseeing, no trip to Paris is complete without a stop in a café to rest and recharge.
Amazing Art Galleries
You may consider Paris an artistic city, and you are not mistaken. France has been intimately involved in European art revolutions throughout history. There are numerous sites where you can see some iconic and renowned artworks traveling through Paris.
Even if you are not a fan of art, seeing great art and culture from this global capital can be fascinating.
So, for individuals who want to learn more about the world’s history and culture through visual treasures, Paris is a fantastic destination. There are far too many diverse art collections in Paris to list them all, but here are a few that you should not miss out on!
- The Louvre Museum houses nearly 30,000 works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa.
- The Musée d’Orsay exhibits iconic French art from the 1800s and 1900s, including works by Monet, Manet, Degas, and Van Gogh.
- The Musée National Picasso, located inside the Hôtel Salé, houses thousands of works by the famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.
See Related: Top Art Museums in Paris
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Paris?
Paris is best visited in the spring and summer. The weather is ideal for sightseeing, and the city holds a number of events to add to the festivities. If you want to experience Paris like the locals, visit from April to September.
Is it necessary for me to speak French to go around Paris?
It all depends! Many individuals in Paris speak at least a little English. But advice: ask your local friends or search online to translate words.
Is tipping practiced in France?
Tipping is not expected in France (although there are a few exceptions). Tipping is NOT considered impolite in France. However, in cafes and bistros, the final bill includes a service charge (service compris).
What’s the best way to get around?
France has a fantastic public transit system, so getting around the metropolis and countryside is simple. But as mentioned in this article, you can also join some of the best tours in Paris and experience Paris in all its glory!
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- The Paris Pass Review: Is it worth it?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
- Does it Snow in Paris, France?