Paris Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Paris, France with a Local Guide
Popular Paris Tour Guides
Leo K.
Hi there! My nickname is Leo, I've been a tour guide in Paris and France for 6 years and I love my job and meeting people from all over the world to share my passion with! My speciality is the museum of catacombs, which is a very unique site. I also do tours of the historical crimes and legends of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, Seine river cruise, Chartres and its cathedral, the cemetery of Père Lachaise, Le Marais and much more.
Aurélie M.
Bonjour, food enthusiasts! There's no better way to explore a country and its culture than through its food, don't you agree? With a deep passion for cooking and gastronomy, I have been crafting unique private food tours for the past 17 years. My tours are not just about tasting exquisite French cuisine; they are about experiencing an authentic slice of French life. I specialize in guiding food lovers through the vibrant markets and high-quality specialty shops. I have decided to expand in the French Basque Country and create more food memories exploring Biarritz, Bayonne or Saint Jean de Luz. For me, traveling is all about exchanging stories, discovering new people, and immersing oneself in local tales. Through my food tours, I aim to share the essence of the French "art de vivre" with every visitor.
Hannah H.
I have lived in Paris since 2019 and am passionate about sharing the history and secrets of the City of Light! I lead private tours for families and small groups to help them feel at ease in the city. Drawing from my experience working in museum education, my routes are based in the rich history of the area and are easily adaptable for families with children of all ages. My tours include the history of the sites, a peek into Parisian everyday life, and activities for kids when applicable.
Christian G.
After a law degree in Italy and Austria, I worked as a journalist for nearly 20 years, first in Italy and from 1995 to 2014 in Paris. I started guiding in 2014 and followed a new education for my national French guiding license. With my wife Kristina, an architect and historian of art, we created a guiding agency in Paris in which by now work a dozen highly qualified and licensed guides. All of us are driven by love for art, passion for history and eagerness of showing the French beauty to our guests. We provide private and group city tours as well as visits in the main Parisian museums as for instance Louvre and Musée d'Orsay. We manage also excursions to the Palace of Versailles, to the mansion of Monet, to Normandy and so on. During the academic year, I still give lessons for journalism in the Parisian university HEIP.
New Paris Tour Guides
Ewan G.
Hello! My name is Ewan I am a British artist and filmmaker based in Paris. I have always been fascinated by the unique history of Paris, particularly the history of the arts and the avant garde, as well as literature and cinema. I love sharing and discussing my passion with visitors to this great city. I have masters degree in the History and Philosophy of Art and a masters in Digital Arts and Cinema. I look forward to meeting you!
Anthony M.
Bonjour ! My name is Anthony and I am a dedicated tour guide with 10 years of experience ! As a true parisian, I practice the "art de vivre", the french lifestyle which is all about enjoying art, food, events, architecture and a slow pace of life. Weither you are curious minds, wanderers, a family, a couple, celebrating or just passing by, my only wish is to fill you with good experiences, stories and memories. As a certified tour guide and a very experienced traveller myself, I understood that this is only possible with a certain level of quality mixed with a good level of fun. You are welcome any time, bienvenue !
Nikki W.
Hello world! I am Nikki, a Chinese-French girl grew up in an international environment and now living in Paris. I will be more than happy welcoming you in my beloved Paris! After working in multinational companies for long years and travelling around the world for my job, I decided to give myself a break. I left office work and followed classes of art history. Since 2019 I became a freelance cultural travel expert and also a freelance contributor to lifestyle media's covering art, fashion and culture. These various experiences lead me to the most privileged happenings in the City of Light and nurtured my strong desire to share my secret find of Paris and exchange with rest of the world. I lived in all the hippest neighborhood in Paris, le Marais, Canal st martin, Parc Monceau and Belleville, with the time I accumulated good knowledge and network of artists, galleries, designers, food shops, concept stores, cocktail bars and other off-the-beaten-track address. I love Paris as a local but also as a tourist, I have a strong passion to find the best-kept-secret and share my personal addresses to the ones who are curious to discover the hidden gems and sensitive to culture and human contacts.
Rafael D.
Hello my name is Rafael I'm a tour guide and electric tuktuk driver. I offer my services for sightseeing tours through the beautiful city of Paris where I was born and raised. You can book a tour with us, from 1h to 8h, to explore the city, discovering or rediscovering the most classic monuments, but also taking advantage of my knowledge of the city to discover the more secret streets and neighborhoods that you won't have the chance to see for yourself.
Popular Paris Private Tours
The Catacombs of Paris, guided tour
The Catacombs of Paris, guided tour
Paris Past and Present: Discovering the Latin Quarter with Kids
Paris Past and Present: Discovering the Latin Quarter with Kids
HIGHLIGHTS AND HIDDEN PEARLS IN LOUVRE
HIGHLIGHTS AND HIDDEN PEARLS IN LOUVRE
4-hour tour of PARIS monuments in an electric tuktuk with driver/guide
4-hour tour of PARIS monuments in an electric tuktuk with driver/guide
New Paris Private Tours
Paris: Latin Quarter and Saint Germain Guided Walking Tour
Paris: Latin Quarter and Saint Germain Guided Walking Tour
The Essential Montmartre Walking Tour
The Essential Montmartre Walking Tour
Timeless Marais: A Walking Tour in Paris
Timeless Marais: A Walking Tour in Paris
Hidden Secrets of the Marais: A Family Tour
Hidden Secrets of the Marais: A Family Tour
Popular Paris Private Cars
Paris Private Transfer Half Day (5 Hours) sightseeing (Mercedes Van 7pax)
Paris Private Transfer Half Day (5 Hours) sightseeing (Mercedes Van 7pax)
Private Transfer from CDG or ORY Airport to Paris City + 3H sightseeing (Minivan 6pax)
Private Transfer from CDG or ORY Airport to Paris City + 3H sightseeing (Minivan 6pax)
Paris Private Transfer (3 Hours) sightseeing (Mercedes Van 7pax)
Paris Private Transfer (3 Hours) sightseeing (Mercedes Van 7pax)
Versailles Palace PRIVATE TRANSFER (4 HOURS) by Mercedes Van (7pax)
Versailles Palace PRIVATE TRANSFER (4 HOURS) by Mercedes Van (7pax)
Paris Tour Reviews
Neal W.
“Disappointing on multiple levels”
We booked a private tour of the Louvre for 2.5 hours for us and our two kids (12 and 14 years old) for 275 Euro not including admission to the Louvre. When I booked, I made clear that we wanted a tour that appealed to our teens. When we met our guide, I repeated that request. Unfortunately, our guide had no idea how to make the Louvre interesting for teens. In fact, she was extremely inflexible: she had a lot of facts and wanted to tell them. And that was the second disappointment: in a small private tour, I expect a dialogue, not a monologue. But she didn't seek a conversation with us. In fact when we stopped a few times to look at a painting, she kept going and talking. And now we're at the third disappointment: we had headphones on and she had a mic. Unfortunately the quality was awful. I mentioned this twice. First she switched some headphones and then the mic. We said it was still hard to understand and she apologized, but insisted on using the poor equipment instead of just talking directly to us in a small circle. After that I asked her twice to speak slower and she said she would, but didn't. Finally, although her English grammar was very good, her accent was very, very hard for us to understand.
Christian G.
Dear Neal, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are truly sorry that your experience did not meet your expectations, especially as your friends had recommended our tour to you. Unfortunately, on the day of your visit, we did not have a German-speaking guide available, and we fully understand that following a tour in English — especially for teenagers — can sometimes be a challenge. We regret if this affected your enjoyment of the visit. We also sincerely apologize if the guiding style felt too factual and less interactive. Our aim is always to adapt to our guests’ interests, and we’re sorry if we fell short in creating a dynamic and engaging experience for your family. Regarding the audio equipment, we regret the technical issues you encountered and appreciate you bringing them to our attention. Teenagers’ reactions in museum settings can indeed be unpredictable, and while many families and young visitors enjoy our tours, we recognize that expectations and experiences vary. We genuinely value your feedback as it helps us improve, and we hope we might have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future under better circumstances. Warm regards, Christian
Alyse R.
“Excellent guide…so glad we booked with Jill! ”
Jill was amazing with my mom, who is 78 years old, walks with a cane, and needs a very slow pace. My mom wanted to try to walk up Montmartre, and Jill altered her normal route to pass bus stops in case my mom couldn’t make it all the way to Sacre-cœur, which was so incredibly thoughtful! She was knowledgeable about the area and local and historical artists and had great stories to tell. I definitely recommend her, and if I ever come back, I would book with her again for some of her other offerings. Thanks Jill!
Jillian A.
Thank you very much. Merci beaucoup. Jillian Paris Cultural Guide
Carrie B.
“Amazing and very informative”
Our tour was amazing. Getting to see a part of history with a guided tour was something I highly recommend
Leo K.
Indeed Carrie, I also believe that visiting this musuem without any guide makes you miss so many important and fun facts. It was a pleasure for me to have you. Take care.
Paris Private Tour Guide
See Paris like never before with a private tour guide. Enjoy custom itineraries, skip-the-line access, and hidden gems only locals know. Create your adventure!
Private tours open doors to exclusive experiences and hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed. Your guide can take you to local markets, quaint cafés, and artisan workshops that are off the beaten path, providing a more authentic taste of Parisian life. Imagine sampling fresh pastries at a local bakery, visiting a family-owned vineyard in the nearby Champagne region, or discovering the vibrant street art in Belleville. These unique experiences create lasting memories and offer a deeper connection to the city.
Our local professional guides create private tours that can adapt to your needs and interests. Want to spend more time admiring the masterpieces in Musée d'Orsay, or prefer a leisurely picnic in the Luxembourg Gardens? Your guide can adjust the plan accordingly. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families with young children or travelers with specific interests, ensuring everyone has a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Paris Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to tour Paris?
- Walking: Paris is a very walkable city, and strolling through its streets allows you to fully appreciate its charm and discover hidden gems.
- Metro: The Paris Metro is efficient, affordable, and covers all major attractions.
- Biking: The city offers bike rentals (like Vélib') and has many bike lanes.
- Seine River Cruises: A boat tour on the Seine offers a unique perspective of Paris landmarks.
- Walking: Paris is a very walkable city, and strolling through its streets allows you to fully appreciate its charm and discover hidden gems.
- Metro: The Paris Metro is efficient, affordable, and covers all major attractions.
- Biking: The city offers bike rentals (like Vélib') and has many bike lanes.
- Seine River Cruises: A boat tour on the Seine offers a unique perspective of Paris landmarks.
How many days do you need for Paris?
3 to 5 days: This allows you to see major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, and take a Seine River cruise, with some time for leisurely exploration.
Here is a quick rundown of some of our tour duration options:
- Quick Tours: These tours can be completed in under 3 hours and include a vast variety of activities to enjoy. Perfect for an afternoon adventure.
- Half Day Tours: Lasting up to 5 hours, a half day tour can include an overview of all the city’s highlights or even a trip to the surrounding area if you feel like a change of scenery.
- Full Day Tours: As the name suggests, full day tours are even more involved and include in-depth sightseeing experiences. Embark on a customizable deep-dive of the city or explore the darker side of its rich history.
3 to 5 days: This allows you to see major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre, and take a Seine River cruise, with some time for leisurely exploration.
Here is a quick rundown of some of our tour duration options:
- Quick Tours: These tours can be completed in under 3 hours and include a vast variety of activities to enjoy. Perfect for an afternoon adventure.
- Half Day Tours: Lasting up to 5 hours, a half day tour can include an overview of all the city’s highlights or even a trip to the surrounding area if you feel like a change of scenery.
- Full Day Tours: As the name suggests, full day tours are even more involved and include in-depth sightseeing experiences. Embark on a customizable deep-dive of the city or explore the darker side of its rich history.
Do you tip tour guides in Paris?
Yes: While not obligatory, it is customary to tip tour guides if you’re satisfied with their service. A tip of 5–10 euros for a day tour is generally appreciated.
Yes: While not obligatory, it is customary to tip tour guides if you’re satisfied with their service. A tip of 5–10 euros for a day tour is generally appreciated.
Do you need a tour guide for the Eiffel Tower?
Not necessary: The Eiffel Tower can be visited on your own with tickets available online or at the site. However, guided tours can provide additional insights and skip-the-line access, enhancing the experience.
Not necessary: The Eiffel Tower can be visited on your own with tickets available online or at the site. However, guided tours can provide additional insights and skip-the-line access, enhancing the experience.
Can you drink tap water in Paris?
Yes: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink and of high quality. Many public fountains (known as "Wallace fountains") also provide drinkable water.
Yes: Tap water in Paris is safe to drink and of high quality. Many public fountains (known as "Wallace fountains") also provide drinkable water.
What is the best month to travel to Paris?
- Spring (April to June): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor cafés. The most idea time for travel.
- Autumn (September to October): Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful fall colors. Another great season for traveling and interacting with locals.
- Summer (July to August): Summer in Paris can be very warm, with some heat waves. There are lesser locals, but there is a vibrant atmosphere. Expect larger tourist crowds and higher prices.
- Spring (April to June): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens, and outdoor cafés. The most idea time for travel.
- Autumn (September to October): Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful fall colors. Another great season for traveling and interacting with locals.
- Summer (July to August): Summer in Paris can be very warm, with some heat waves. There are lesser locals, but there is a vibrant atmosphere. Expect larger tourist crowds and higher prices.
What are some dos and don'ts of Paris?
DO'S:
- Learn some basic French phrases.
- Keep your ticket stub on you and validate your ticket before boarding your train.
- Affectionate greetings such as ‘air-kissing’ are acceptable. Otherwise, stick with a handshake.
- Avoid standing too close when talking to someone or when queuing.
DON’TS:
- Don’t eat with your fingers or on the street (unless you are specifically eating ‘street food’).
- Don’t drink coffee or other drinks while walking around in public.
- Don’t speak too loudly in public spaces, and especially avoid shouting.
- Don’t have dinner too early, in France dinner is usually served after 8:00pm.
DO'S:
- Learn some basic French phrases.
- Keep your ticket stub on you and validate your ticket before boarding your train.
- Affectionate greetings such as ‘air-kissing’ are acceptable. Otherwise, stick with a handshake.
- Avoid standing too close when talking to someone or when queuing.
DON’TS:
- Don’t eat with your fingers or on the street (unless you are specifically eating ‘street food’).
- Don’t drink coffee or other drinks while walking around in public.
- Don’t speak too loudly in public spaces, and especially avoid shouting.
- Don’t have dinner too early, in France dinner is usually served after 8:00pm.
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