Paris Essentials Private Tour by a born-and-raised Parisian guide

Paris , France

Paris Essentials Private Tour by a born-and-raised Parisian guide

Active

(5 reviews)

2h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Follow me, on an unforgettable PRIVATE TOUR through the very heart of Paris from 2 to 6 hours. Your are welcome to book this tour for yourself or up to 6 of your family members or friends!

From the timeless beauty of Notre-Dame to the cobblestone streets of the Marais, this tour takes you through the landmarks you simply cannot miss, with plenty of surprises and hidden gems along the way.

We’ll wander through hidden passages, uncovering the charm of Galerie Vivienne and the elegance of the Place des Vosges. Along the way, I’ll show you the city’s contrasts, where Haussmann’s grand boulevards meet the narrow medieval streets of the Marais, and where contemporary street art breathes life into centuries-old walls.
This isn’t just a history tour, it’s a full Parisian experience.

Whether you want to dive into the history of Paris or admire modern masterpieces at the Centre Pompidou, this tour is entirely tailored to your interests.

Let’s create your perfect Parisian adventure together!

Available options

6h Private Tour

Duration: 6 hours

2h Private Tour

4h Private Tour

What's included

Insider tips and recommendations

Quick French lesson

Personalized itinerary

Photos of you I'll take at iconic locations during the tour

How to use the metro

Small gourmet gift

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

From the timeless beauty of Notre-Dame and the serene Île Saint-Louis to the cobblestone streets of the Marais and the grandeur of the Palais Royal, from the Louvre to the Eiffel tower, this walking tour takes you through the landmarks you simply cannot miss, with plenty of surprises along the way.

Stop 2

We’ll wander through hidden passages, uncovering the charm of Galerie Vivienne and the elegance of the Place des Vosges.

Stop 3

Whether you want to dive into the history of Paris at the Musée Carnavalet or admire modern masterpieces at the Centre Pompidou, this tour is entirely tailored to your interests.

Add a fresh twist to your Paris walking tour with a stop at the Maïf Social Club—where contemporary art meets vibrant creativity in the heart of the city

Along the way, I’ll show you the city’s contrasts, where Haussmann’s grand boulevards meet the narrow medieval streets of the Marais, and where contemporary street art breathes life into centuries-old walls.

Stop 6

Stroll through history at the stunning Sainte-Eustache Church, then dive into the buzz of Rue Montorgueil—a lively slice of Parisian life just steps away!

Stop 7

Take your walking tour to new heights with a stop at the Centre Pompidou, where bold modern art meets stunning rooftop views of Paris!

This walking tour takes you through the landmarks you simply cannot miss, with plenty of surprises along the way.

Stop 9

Step into the enchanting Galerie Vivienne and the hidden covered passages, a world of secrets, charm, and timeless Parisian romance awaits.

We’ll end on a high note with the sparkling beauty of Paris’ famed Opéra district and the iconic Galeries Lafayette, offering stunning views and perhaps a perfect Parisian keepsake.

What's not included

Metro tickets if needed

Meals and beverages at lunch > breaks and lunch are included within the tour timeframe

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The walking tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Not recommended for travelers who cannot walk for several hours.

Meeting point

Meet me in front of the iconic Saint-Michel Fontain.

Important notes

I’ll reach out to you via SMS a day or two before your tour to go over the details and any adjustments you might need.

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