Paris - Historic City Center Walking Tour

Paris , France

Paris - Historic City Center Walking Tour

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About this experience

Enter the very heart of Paris on this walking tour of the city center.

Fulfill your Paris dream by getting the best views of the city whilst your Certified tour guide reveals how the landmarks you see set the stage for the city’s 2000-year history and its major characters – like Napoléon Bonaparte and Gustave Eiffel!

On this quintessential Parisian tour, not only will you leave as an expert on the French Revolution and the 19th century reconstruction of Paris, but you will also gain insider knowledge of French culture and customs. Your tour of Paris will weave history and beauty, revealing the secrets of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre and giving you stunning views of Paris’s top monuments along the Seine River.

Receive recommendations for authentic local restaurants and activities!

Join us for a tour you'll remember forever!

Available options

Paris - Essential City Center Private Tour

Paris Center Semi-Private Tour

Semi-Private Tour: Paris Center Semi-Private Walking Tour. 12 travelers max per tour.

What's included

Private Walking Tour

Certified Expert Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your tour at Ile de la Cité; the island where the Parisii tribe established temples more than 2000 years ago but then fell to the Roman Empire. This beautiful island is the real center and heart of Paris!

Stop 2

Your tour of Paris will weave history and beauty, revealing the secrets of the Notre-Dame Cathedral; from its construction in 1163, all the way to the 2019 fires. Learn about the French Revolution and Napoleon's coronation!

Stop 3

Discover the beautiful St. Michel fountain built during the grand reconstruction of Paris!

From this stunning bridge you will observe bullet holes from WW2 while your guide reveals why Paris was not destroyed during the war.

Stop 5 Pass by

Walk inside the breathtaking Place Dauphine! This charming square is one of the first projects built by the great Henri IV. The square is well known for its restaurants. A great location for a tranquil lunch after your tour!

Discover this beautiful equestrian statue of Henri IV while admiring beautiful views of the river Seine! Your guide will tell you all about the king's short but meaningful reign!

Stop 7

The oldest bridge in Paris has stunning views and holds many secrets. Your guide will fascinate you with stories of the great Henry IV, (the king that finished the bridge in 1607), the tooth pullers of Paris and more!

Stop 8

Learn the true story about Leonardo Da Vinci and why the Mona Lisa is so famous! Meet Francis I, the king that built the very foundations of the Louvre as a fortress and a palace. Indulge yourself with stunning views of the glass pyramid while your guide brings all of its mysteries to light!
( we do not enter the museum on this tour)

Built by Napoleon; the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel reflects Napoleon's ascension as master of Europe!

Stop 10 Pass by

From tile factory to royal gardens; the Tuileries offer breathtaking statues, sculptures and fountains.
Originally designed by the same lanscape artist of the gardens of Versailles to create a sense of mystique and majesticness!

Stop 11

From the charming Tuileries gardens you will enjoy unbeatable views of the EIFFEL TOWER while your guide reveals how Gustave Eiffel pulled off its contruction in 1889!

What's not included

Gratuities

The Tour Does NOT Include Pick-UP or Drop-OFF of Guests

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

123 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Your Guide will have a white StellarTours badge with a Blue Star on it. Meet your guide right outside the metro station "Cité" on line 4.

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely