From the Eiffel Tower to the Moulin Rouge – plus day trips to Versailles, Normandy and beyond – there are so many things to do in Paris. To make the most of your trip, it can be helpful to rely on the expertise of a few locals via a guided tour. Read on to discover some of the top-rated Paris tours for a variety of interests.
Price: From 59 euros (about $64)
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours
If you’re a sucker for a good story, a secret passageway or a long-forgotten historical tale, the Paris Charms and Secrets tour will be right up your alley. On this roughly 12.5-mile tour, a guide will lead you through the city on an electric bike, stopping at some of Paris’ most famous attractions and storied monuments. Hear the legends of Élysée Palace, the controversies of the Eiffel Tower and the curious past of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guides and the unique stories.
Older children and teens are welcome to ride their own bikes if they meet the height and weight requirements; a child seat must be reserved ahead of time for younger kids (for 12 euros, about $13).
Best Eiffel Tower:
Adults from $42; kids from $37
Duration: 2 hours
The best Eiffel Tower tour in Paris, this guided excursion takes visitors to the second floor (mid-level) of the iconic landmark. There’s also an option to upgrade your ticket and visit the summit. During the journey, tour guides share the history of the Eiffel Tower, which might surprise you for instance, did you know the tower actually expands depending on weather conditions, or that it was supposed to be torn down? Previous tourgoers rave about their experience, noting the tour is exceptionally kid-friendly.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Take in the City of Lights from the Seine. The all-inclusive dinner cruises offered by Bateaux Parisiens feature three courses (starter, main course and dessert), plus beverages. Tables seat between two and 10 guests, and prices vary by table location (e.g. you’ll pay more for a window seat). Recent travelers rave about their Seine River cruise, noting the ambiance and food are top-notch. An earlier 6:15 p.m. sailing is also available and ideal for families with young children.
Price: Adults from 225 euros (about $244); kids from 135 euros (about $146)
Duration: 5.5 hours
View Greek sculptures and famous paintings by greats like Renoir, Monet, da Vinci and Van Gogh during this tour. As you explore the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, guides will regale you with stories of art history. Plus, you’ll bypass the long lines at the attractions. Travelers praise the guide’s knowledge and appreciate the small groups (no more than eight people can go at once).
Tours run at 10 a.m. from Wednesday to Saturday. Fees include access to the museums. Babylon Tours also operates outings to the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Rodin Museum and individual outings to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.
Price: Adults from $151; kids from $140
Duration: 2 hours
Walks will take you on a tour of what’s below Paris: a network of tunnels, crypts and tombs that are home to nearly 6 million skeletons. On this Paris Catacombs tour, you’ll skip the line with a small group to explore the catacombs, including sites inaccessible to the public. Throughout the tour, you’ll hear historical anecdotes from insightful guides. Along with the entertaining guides, reviewers also appreciate the skip-the-line access and recommend this experience in lieu of a self-guided tour.
Ticket prices may increase during busier times of the year. Tours depart at select times each week; know that if you book 1:30, 4:30 or 5:30 p.m. departure times, you’ll have a small group (six people vs. 14). Walks also hosts traditional aboveground tours of the Louvre, Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.
Price: Adults from 119 euros (about $129); kids from 110 euros (about $119)
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours
Peruse and stroll through the Parisian dining scene like a local with Secret Food Tours. On this half-day tour of one of Paris’ most picturesque and lively arrondissements, dessert is first (c’est la vie!). You’ll gather chocolates and macarons from local specialty shops, followed by baguettes, cheeses, meats and crêpes – all while learning more about food and Parisian traditions from your local guide. When your bag is full, the guide will lead you to a prime picnic spot to enjoy your bounty with a few wine pairings. Reviewers love the historical tidbits and local insights, as well as the animated and entertaining tour guides.
An upgraded drink package is available for an additional charge. Tours run daily at several different times, depending on the day. Secret Food Tours also hosts walks through other Paris neighborhoods, such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais.
Price: Adults from 45 euros (around $49); infants from 15 euros (about $16)
Duration: 3.5 hours
On this roughly half-day cycling trip, a guide takes you on back streets to both notable and lesser-known attractions throughout Paris. Along the way, guides share historical and cultural anecdotes. Sights include the Place des Vosges, Jardin des Plantes and the Paris mosque, to name a few. Reviewers love seeing an array of attractions at a leisurely pace and applaud the expertise of the guides. Bike About Tours also offers cycling excursions through Versailles.
Price: From 70 euros (about $76)
Duration: 2 hours
During this Segway tour, you’ll glide by some of Paris’ must-see sights like the Eiffel Tower, Tuileries Gardens and the Musée d’Orsay. You’ll also ride in style on Bel & Bel Segways, which are designed to resemble the iconic Vespa scooters. Travelers say the Segways are a great way to see the city and the guides provide clear instructions.
Tours are available daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. You may be required to book at least two riders for your tour if you book directly through the company’s website. Participants must be at least 12 years old. XL Tours also runs electric bike tours through the city.
Price: From 109 euros (about $118)
Duration: 40 minutes
Hop into the vintage sidecar of an experienced motorcycle driver and cruise through the city with views of the Trocadéro, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and more on the Retro Classic tour of Paris. Local guides will share unique stories and provide an experience worlds apart from a typical city tour. Reviewers rave about the thrill of riding in the sidecar and the local insight.
If you love your first sidecar experience, you can also opt for the company’s 90-minute tours, as well as a ride through Paris after sunset.
Price: Free; tips appreciated
Duration: 2.5 hours
Stroll through one of Paris’ most famous and charming neighborhoods with the help of SANDEMANs NEW Europe. This 2.5-hour tour will take you by the area’s most photographed sights, including the Moulin Rouge and up the steps to Sacré-Coeur. You’ll recognize streets featured in paintings and in cinema as guides share tales of Montmartre’s famous artists, musicians and other notables, including Van Gogh and Picasso. Tourgoers appreciate the guides’ expertise and recommend the tour for art history lovers.
Tours depart daily at 4 p.m. (Spanish language) and 5 p.m. (English language). Tickets are free, though tips are appreciated. If you’re looking to explore more of the city, the company offers an array of other tours covering Latin Quarter and more.
Price: From $54
Duration: 2 hours
Wander through Paris’ gorgeous Marais with a local guide. Intrepid Urban Adventures’ tour takes you through the well-preserved (and very fashionable) area of Marais. Throughout the approximately two-hour tour, you’ll hear local insights and historical tales as you admire Marais’ treasured architecture. Stories are accompanied by stops in neighborhood at places often missed by tourists. What’s more, you’ll get to sample a delicious pastry. Reviewers appreciate the expertise and entertainment provided by the guides, as well as the intimate and conversational environment.
Children 5 and younger can tag along for free. Paris Urban Adventures also offers tours of Bohemian Paris and Montmartre.
Price: Adults from 109 euros (around $118); kids from 95 euros (about $103)
Duration: 9 hours
The Versailles estate encompasses 2,000 acres, and there’s no better way to see it than on a bike with Blue Fox Travel. Spend your day with an expert guide and a small group (up to 14 people) touring the royal grounds, including the Grand and Petit Trianon chateaus, Marie Antoinette’s private domain and the grand palace with a skip-the-line pass included in your ticket. Guides tell stories of French royal history, including the conquests of the Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, the controversies surrounding Louis XV, the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette.
Reviewers love biking the grounds at a leisurely pace and rave about the expertise of the guides, as well as the picnic lunch with finds from one of the local farmers markets.
Tours include train tickets to and from Paris. Blue Fox Travel also guides visitors on cycling tours of Paris at night and the city’s top attractions.
Price: From 95 euros (about $103)
Duration: 3.5 hours
On this day trip from Paris, you’ll visit two vineyards in the Loire Valley one in Vouvray and another in Touraine where you’ll have a chance to sample the region’s famous white wines and reds. Wine tastings are paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.
Tours are limited to eight guests, and private excursions are also available. Recent tourgoers say this trip is an enjoyable way to experience the region. They also appreciate that both wineries offer totally different (but equally appealing) experiences.
Price: From 79 euros (about $86)
Duration: About 5.5 hours
On this roughly 5.5-hour tour, a guide will take you through the life of celebrated painter Claude Monet as you explore his home and garden in Giverny. His garden is what inspired some of his most prized works, including “Irises” and “Water Lilies.” Reviewers value the views and insight provided by tour guides, though others warn that the company can be disorganized.
Tours generally run daily at 8:15 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. The company hosts a number of other tours throughout Paris and greater France, including tours to Normandy.
