Planning your dream trip to Paris? With centuries of art, fashion, food, and history at every turn, it can feel overwhelming deciding what to do first. From private Paris tours and food and wine experiences to walking tours, history tours, and day trips to Normandy, there’s no shortage of unforgettable adventures waiting for you.

This guide breaks down the best things to do in Paris, with insights from professional Paris tour guides, and tips on how to make the most of your stay. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, we’ll help you explore Paris like a local with curated experiences you won’t find in guidebooks.

Why Choose Guided Tours in Paris?

What Is a Private Tour?

A private tour is a personalized experience where your itinerary, guide, and pace are entirely tailored to your interests. Whether you’re exploring the Louvre, enjoying a wine tasting tour in Paris, or heading out on a Mont Saint Michel day trip, a private guide ensures you get the most out of every minute.

Benefits of private Paris tours:

  • Skip-the-line access at top attractions
  • Insider stories and cultural context
  • Custom routes based on your pace
  • Flexibility to stop, shop, or relax when you like

1. Book a Private Paris City Tour

If you want to explore the city’s highlights in a day, a Paris private city tour is your best bet. Visit the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Champs-Élysées while learning local secrets from a certified Paris tour guide. Our Paris Travel Guide 2025 covers all the essentials.

2. Indulge in a Paris Food and Wine Tour

There’s no better way to experience French culture than through its food. A Paris food and wine tour combines tastings of artisanal cheese, wine, pastries, and more—all with expert commentary on French culinary traditions.

Looking for something special? Try:

  • Food tasting tours in Paris through the Marais or Latin Quarter
  • Wine tasting tours in Paris with sommelier-led cellar visits

3. Take a Mont Saint Michel Day Trip from Paris

One of France’s most iconic landmarks, Mont Saint Michel, is just a few hours from Paris. A guided Mont Saint Michel day trip includes transportation, skip-the-line access to the abbey, and stories of medieval monks, tides, and ancient pilgrimages.

4. Explore the Best Museums with a Guide

Don’t just wander the Louvre—understand it. A Paris museum guide can walk you through major collections at:

  • The Louvre
  • Musée d’Orsay
  • Centre Pompidou
  • Musée Rodin

Guides help you avoid crowds and focus on pieces that match your interests, whether you love Impressionism, sculpture, or modern art.

5. Discover Paris by Foot on a Walking Tour

Walking tours in Paris bring the city’s history to life. With a local tour guide in Paris, explore:

  • Le Marais for Jewish and LGBTQ+ history
  • Montmartre for bohemian stories
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés for literary legends

6. Visit Historical Sites on a Paris History Tour

If you’re passionate about the past, a history tour in Paris is a must. Dive into stories from:

  • The French Revolution
  • Napoleon’s Empire
  • WWII and the Resistance
  • Medieval Paris

Perfect for students, history buffs, or curious travelers. Don’t miss these day trips from Paris for variety

7. Day Trips to Champagne and Normandy

Ready to escape the city? Two unforgettable Paris excursions await:

  • Private tours to Champagne: Visit Reims or Épernay, learn about the méthode champenoise, and taste authentic bubbly.
  • Private tours in Normandy: Explore D-Day beaches, Bayeux Tapestry, and countryside cider farms.

These small group tours in Paris and beyond are ideal for food, wine, and history lovers.

8. Take a Seine River Cruise

Experience Paris from the water. Many Paris in a day packages include a Seine cruise especially beautiful at sunset with a glass of wine in hand.

9. Experience the Paris Nightlife

From hidden speakeasies to rooftop bars, enjoy Paris after dark. For a safer, immersive option, join an evening food and wine tour.

10. Learn How to Get Around Paris Like a Local

Navigating the city is easier than you think. Here’s how:

  • Take the Metro with a Navigo card
  • Use RATP or Citymapper apps
  • Avoid tourist scams by pre-booking your Paris tour from UK or abroad

11. Stay Safe with These Paris Travel Tips

Paris is safe, but stay smart:

  • Use crossbody bags in crowded areas
  • Stick to well-lit zones at night
  • Avoid scams around tourist attractions

12. Discover Tour Locations Across Paris

Popular neighborhoods for private tours:

  • Le Marais (culture & food)
  • Latin Quarter (history)
  • Montmartre (art & views)
  • Saint-Honoré (fashion)
  • Île de la Cité (Notre-Dame)

Ask your tour operator in Paris for custom itineraries.

13. Become a Tour Guide in Paris

Dream of leading tours? Here’s how to become a tour guide in Paris:

  • Get certified by the French Ministry of Culture
  • Gain knowledge in history, art, wine, or cuisine
  • Work with reputable tour operators in Paris
  • Master English or other languages for broader clientele

14. Dive into History at the Château de Versailles

A visit to the Palace of Versailles is a step back in time. With a private tour to Versailles, you’ll avoid crowds and discover the opulent palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the breathtaking gardens — a perfect option for history tours in Paris or nearby.

15. Explore Paris Through a Local’s Eyes with a Walking Tour

A walking tour in Paris is one of the best ways to absorb the city’s atmosphere. Discover hidden courtyards, charming cafés, and quiet alleyways. A private Paris walking tour lets you dive deep into neighborhoods like the Marais, Montmartre, or Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

16. Take a Private Day Trip to Champagne

Raise a glass in the region where champagne was born! A private tour to Champagne offers vineyard visits, cellar tours, and tastings at world-renowned houses like Moët & Chandon. It’s a must for wine lovers seeking exclusive wine tasting tours in Paris and beyond.

17. Enjoy a Food Tasting Tour in Paris

Embark on a Paris food tasting tour through bustling markets, boulangeries, and cheese shops. With a local Paris tour guide, you’ll try everything from foie gras to chocolate eclairs. It’s ideal for culinary explorers who want an authentic Paris food guide experience.

18. Take a Small Group Tour of the Louvre or Orsay Museum

Avoid the crowds and enjoy an intimate experience with a small group or private museum tour. Your guide can tailor the visit to your interests whether you love Impressionism or ancient sculpture making it an ideal Paris museum guide activity.

19. Cruise the Seine on a Private Boat

A private Seine River cruise at sunset is magical. Sail past Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and Pont Alexandre III with champagne in hand. It’s the perfect romantic addition to your private Paris city tour itinerary.

20. Discover Mont Saint Michel on a Day Trip

Take a Mont Saint Michel day trip from Paris to explore this fairytale island with a private guide. You’ll walk medieval streets, visit the historic abbey, and enjoy scenic Normandy views. Perfect for travelers interested in private tours in Normandy.

21. See the Eiffel Tower Without the Wait

With a private Paris tour, skip the long lines and learn the history of the Eiffel Tower from a knowledgeable Paris tour guide. Opt for sunset or evening for breathtaking city views. Book private city tours for a full experience.

22. Visit Paris Museums Off the Beaten Path

Step beyond the Louvre and Orsay to discover lesser-known treasures like the Rodin Museum, Cluny Museum, and Musée de l’Orangerie. Great for art lovers seeking history tours in Paris beyond the usual circuit.

23. Shop the Best of Paris with a Local Stylist

Discover chic Parisian fashion with a private shopping tour. Visit independent boutiques, flagship stores, or vintage gems with a guide who knows the best tour locations in Paris for every style and budget.

24. Spend a Day Experiencing Paris Like a Local

Explore the city with a curated “Paris in a day” private tour: begin with a croissant breakfast, stroll Montmartre, enjoy a food and wine tour, take a museum break, cruise the Seine, and dine al fresco in Saint-Germain.

25. Learn How to Become a Tour Guide in Paris

For travelers curious about the industry, many companies (including ours) share insights on how to become a tour guide in Paris. Understanding this path can deepen your appreciation of the skilled professionals making your journey memorable.

Bonus: Take a Private Tour from the UK to Paris

Planning your Paris vacation from abroad? Many operators (like Astra Via Paris Tours) offer seamless packages for private Paris tours from the UK, including high-speed train tickets, a Paris private city tour, and expert guidance from start to finish.

Ready to turn your Paris dreams into reality?
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a food and wine tour, our private Paris tours are crafted just for you. Skip the crowds, travel at your own pace, and discover the best tours in Paris with expert local guides.

👉 Book your private Paris tour today and unlock the city like never before.