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  • Half-day heaven: Paris, Paris

What you’ll do

From the Louvre to Le Marais, Paris’s attractions are never-ending – but with a local’s help, you’ll discover more than just the Paris you’ve been dreaming of. You could stroll along the magical Canal Saint-Martin, watching barges pass under cast-iron footbridges, or keep things fast-paced in trendy Le Marais, where locals move between vintage boutiques and jostle for falafel at L'As du Falafel.

Maybe you’ll amble through the Latin Quarter’s meandering streets towards the historic Panthéon – or maybe you’ll head to les Buttes Chaumont for a history lesson of a different kind. Whatever you decide, a glass of wine at a cozy bar is the only way to end a truly Parisian experience – and your host knows the perfect place to get it.

Where you’ll go

Discover authentic Paris with your local host leading the way. In the heart of the city, experience the art of the flaneur - strolling around, people watching and taking everything in - or do some window shopping in artsy Le Marais, the district famed for its food, fashion, and ivy-covered architecture.

Or, you might head a mile east to admire the pastel-painted houses of Rue Crémieux and indulge in exquisite regional cheeses at the district’s famous Marché d'Aligre market.

Perhaps cross the Seine into the city’s southern half to stroll bookstore-lined backstreets in the 5th arrondissement, or explore a lesser-visited pocket of the city like Batignolles, a village-like neighborhood that’s known for its boho boutiques and quirky eateries.

Private experience, tailored to you

Matched to your ideal host

Walking tour (may use public transport)

Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bengali, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Marathi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

  • In just a few short hours, see a tailor-made selection of sites
  • Experience historical and modern Paris – from Notre-Dame to the stylish Le Marais
  • Move between the northern and southern sides of the Seine, and see the river’s two natural islands
  • Shop for cheese and bread at a traditional market, or grab a bite at a trendy cafe (or both!)
  • Have a helpful host on hand to give you travel tips and tricks, and answer all your questions

Things to know

What’s included.

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a host
  • Walking experience
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Meeting point

What’s not included.

  • Food and drink
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

Photos taken by our hosts and guests.

Travelers having fun right now!

Paris City Unscripted guest photo

Our tour with Igor was amazing!!! He had so many memorable and Interesting things to show us. He had worked diligently to give us a tour tailored specifically to us. His love for the beautiful city of Paris was evident by his knowledge of the city and its history! WE could have toured with him for many hours more! His enthusiasm was contagious!

Had an amazing tour with Lili in Paris. Highly recommend!

Viktoriya k

Our guide Sofia was great, full of energy and great stories. We learned so much across our 4 hour tour.

Alexander G

Delishiya was amazing - knowledgeable, fun and she really understood what we were looking for - an off-the-beaten track tour of the Marais neighborhood, the Jewish highlights - a Temple, Anne Frank garden and Holocaust memorial, the best falafel in town, and a wonderful bakery - plus fascinating historical churches and buildings that are now museums and libraries, wonderful little cafes and vintage shops. Plus she gave us great tips for further exploring and evening activities and an app to help us get around Paris on our own. She is a gem, and really added the perfect touch to our Paris Ian experience!

Meet our local hosts in Paris. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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Explore the old-world charm of Le Marais Paris

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€92.4 per person

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The Paris you want to experience in a day! See the main sites, try the local food or go off the tourist trail. It's totally up to you!

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half day city tour of paris

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Paris in a Half-Day Tour: Highlights from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower

half day city tour of paris

  • Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only)
  • Île de la Cité
  • Palais Royal
  • Tuileries Garden
  • Place de la Concorde
  • Pont des Arts
  • Champs-Elysées
  • Arc de Triomphe (exterior only)
  • Latin Quarter
  • Eiffel Tower (exterior only)
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood

half day city tour of paris

  • Explore the stories behind essential highlights of Paris, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.
  • Learn how to navigate the city like a local as you explore the main neighborhoods and attractions.

Marie

  • You love history and literature and would like to walk the same streets as Hemingway and Joyce, feeling the energy of the Latin Quarter.
  • You want an in-depth survey of the city to get familiar with Paris and better enjoy the rest of your time visiting. 
  • You’re ready to see all the essential Parisian sites as they relate to each other with a cohesive narrative and a well-planned route led by an expert. 
  • Medieval streets and Gothic churches of the Latin Quarter
  • Right Bank classics such as the Louvre (exterior only), Tuileries Gardens, or Palais Royal
  • Views of the Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Eiffel Tower (exterior only)

Admission Tickets

Transportation, additional trip-planning resources.

  • Your best walking shoes. We’re covering a lot of ground!
  • An explorer’s mindset and a bit of curiosity. 
  • A hearty breakfast or lunch before your tour and a full water bottle for the walk.

half day city tour of paris

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

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Paris Half Day Private Sightseeing Tour with a Driver

half day city tour of paris

  • Hotel pickup and dropoff
  • Personal English-Speaking professional Driver
  • Fuel and Tolls
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Entrance fees for all attractions
  • Beverages and meals
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Official Tour Guide - Our drivers are English Speaking and very knowledgable of the places visited
  • Traveler pickup is offered for any central hotel or location in Paris. Please note that pick up from Paris Airport will apply to extra charges. If you select Pickup from Paris airport the extra charge will be communicated to you beforehand.
  • Charles De Gaulle Airport, 95700 Roissy-en-France France
  • Orly Field, 94390 Orly France
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Our operators are not official tour guides but English-speaking professional drivers and Locals that have been provided with all the necessary historical information about the sights visited. They cannot accompany you into the sights but will provide extended historical and local information to help you get the feeling of the city.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
  • Eiffel Tower
  • Louvre Museum
  • Moulin Rouge
  • Palais Garnier
  • Champs-Elysees

Similar experiences

half day city tour of paris

  • You'll get picked up See departure details
  • 1 Eiffel Tower Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 2 Champs-Elysees Stop: 10 minutes See details Pass by Grand Palais
  • 3 Moulin Rouge Stop: 30 minutes See details Pass by Sacre-Coeur-Saguenay Palais Garnier
  • 4 Louvre Museum Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

half day city tour of paris

  • PAK777 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Will use again Excellent service, thank you. Early to pick up, courteous driver, spacious & clean car. I will be using this company for my transfers from now on. Read more Written May 16, 2024
  • Paulaandmarty 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Safe and Reliable Paris Airport to Hotel Transportation First Time traveling to Paris and was so unsure about transportation from Airport to my hotel which was outside the main tourist area. I stayed in Gare de Lyons; some reviews said taxis will charge more to take you to other places than the main Paris city area. I was able to give hotel location for drop off and receive exact price quote. Although it was a bit more than I wanted to pay- as I did not need a Mercedes to pick me up, I felt very safe. Our driver was English speaking and very accommodating and helpful. I would use this service again. By the way - everyone in Paris was kind and helpful to us American tourists who don’t speak French. Read more Written May 15, 2024
  • crayolabird 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Absolutely Recommend I could not have had a more positive experience. Both at the airport when we arrived and at our hotel when we went back to the airport, drivers were there early, communicated clearly, were SO helpful, the van was clean and our ride was peaceful. Truly, I'd give them ten stars. HIGHLY recommended. Read more Written May 15, 2024
  • E8058JQkarenl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent driver We used this service from CDG to our hotel in Paris. After a long flight we wanted an easy transfer. Our driver was Mansouri and he was an excellent driver even with Paris' crazy streets. This service made our trip more pleasant and I would highly recommend. Read more Written May 10, 2024
  • pschwier 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Airport to/from Paris It couldn't have worked out better! Drivers were helpful, professional, pleasant and good knowledgeable drivers. We will definitely use Welcome Pickups again. Read more Written May 9, 2024
  • MerryT26 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must at airport Great service ! Was waiting on us at the arrivals lounge . Friendly helpful driver. No problems and the ride was smooth and event free, just what we want after an overnight international flight . Read more Written May 5, 2024
  • 529stur 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great airport pickup Our driver was prompt, ìmformative and helpful! Totally efficient and a good communicator. Definitely recommendable. Read more Written May 1, 2024
  • dennisgY1179ZR 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Take the hassle out of your transfer! Ahmed was very professional and cordial, attentive to our needs. His communications the day of pickup were reassuring!! We very much appreciated him taking time to show us points of interest along our route. Thank you Ahmed!!! Read more Written April 27, 2024
  • psylvia81 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Welcome Pickups a great option for airport transport Highly recommend using Welcome Pickups for to/from airport transfers. They are reliable, their rates are reasonable. The drivers are professional. They will wait for a delayed flight. Communication is clear, you know who the driver will be. For me, as a solo traveler, it takes away all the anxiety of arrival and finding that reliable ride. I've used their services in Rome, Nice and Paris. Read more Written April 26, 2024
  • erbnyc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Service Used for airport transfer from central Paris. Ride was on time. Excellent communication Nice clean car and professional driver. Would use again Read more Written April 24, 2024
  • Coastal782093 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Definitely would recommend We used their service to and from airport. Our driver was on time and communicated well. After a long flight from JFK to Paris, it was nice to see the sign with my name and just jump in the car and go. Read more Written April 6, 2024
  • Clarke56 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles We really recommend. It was so nice to be picked up and taken right to the hotel. Traveling is tiring enough. Finding trains and metros were way too much hassle. The driver found us easily and we didn’t have to worry about the terrible traffic. It is a fixed price. We took it back to the airport at the end of our trip too. The drivers both spoke English. Read more Written April 4, 2024
  • Inspiration398770 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Paris Pickup Both to and from the airport we had a very positive experience. They were on time, communicated well and helped with our luggage Read more Written April 4, 2024
  • ontheroadagain65 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent experience I booked airport transfers to and from CDG for our visit to Paris. On the ride to the hotel on arrival, I spoke with the driver about booking a ride to Versailles the next day. Before we finished checking into our hotel room, he booked the ride for us, and I had the email to finish the booking. Welcome Pickup's communication was excellent. The drivers were on time and the service excellent. I highly recommend them. Read more Written April 2, 2024
  • sifgun 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy way to get down town from CDG. A very easy and comfortable ride from Charles de Gaulle Terminal 1 to Paris. The driver communicated with us as soon as we landed, even though our flight was a bit ahead of schedule - and the ride to our hotel nice and easy. Read more Written April 2, 2024

More to explore in Paris

half day city tour of paris

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half day city tour of paris

Paris Half Day Private Sightseeing Tour with a Driver provided by Welcome Pickups (Paris)

PARISMATIC Academy

  • > Paris Half-Day Guided Tour

Paris Half-Day Guided Tour

Experience the best of paris on an exclusive private tour..

Our expert guide will drive you to all the must-see sites in the city for an unforgettable half-day experience.

Explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Montmartre and immerse yourself in Parisian history, culture, and art.

Join us for an unforgettable private guided tour through Paris’s enchanting streets.

Let our professional guide take you to the city's iconic landmarks, including the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysées, Montmartre, and the Sacré Coeur . Immerse yourself in the city's electric energy as we reveal the secrets of Paris to you.

Embark on this amazing half-day private tour of Paris with us.

What to expect

Choose the morning or afternoon tour: we will set the rendez-vous with your private guide in your hotel lobby. We will take you on a memorable private half-day tour of Paris, showcasing its rich history, culture and breathtaking sites. You will get useful tips and an overview of the city will help you have a first taste and glance of our city. The tour includes the Champs Elysées, Arc of Triumph, Grand Palais, the Invalides, The Orsay Museum, Concorde Square, the Opera House and The Louvre Museum You will also stop for 20 minutes at The Trocadéro for a view of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame (no visit inside) and Montmartre Hill before being dropped off at your hotel after the tour.

Highlights: Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro

Start with the timeless emblem of Paris that Parisians call “la Grande Dame” that rises majestically: the Eiffel Tower.  Architectural genius and artistic elegance, The Eiffel Tower stands between the Trocadero and the Ecole Militaire.  Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1889, The Eiffel Tower is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship and was presented for the Universal Exhibition. 334 meters high, it was the highest structure for over 4 decades.  The Eiffel Tower reigns as the symbol of Parisian allure and elegance. (no visit inside the monument).

Highlights: Arc de Triomphe / Champs Elysées

You absolutely must experience the thrill of Paris by taking a drive through the world-renowned Arc de Triomphe roundabout and indulging in the opulent boutiques of Champs Elysées, featuring nothing but the very best in French fashion from Louis Vuitton to Dior. This magical avenue, from Concorde to Arc de Triomphe, will leave you buzzing with excitement.

Highlights: Montmartre

Then at the end of this half-day private tour of Paris, your guide will take you to Montmartre located in the North of Paris, crowned by the Sacré Coeur Basilica completed in 1923. It is a vibrant and bohemian atmosphere, that is enhanced by the Place du Tertre and its artists. It offers a breathtaking view of Paris. The picturesque cafés, lively art studios and the feeling of old-world charm of Paris.  This iconic and historic neighbourhood was the home of the greatest artists such as Picasso and Van Gogh. Our private guide will explain all the main stories, and anecdotes and escort you to Montmartre to enjoy the atmosphere of the iconic Parisian quartier.

- Pick up and drop off at your hotel - English, Spanish, Russian speaking guides. - Professional guide  - 3,5 hours private tour - Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro (photo stop), Concorde Square, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Opéra House, The Invalides, Vendome Square, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral (photo stop), Montmartre (photo stops)

Not included:

- Any admissions  - Tips and personal expenses - Any visit inside the museums or sites

Special notes:

- The website photos are not contractually binding - Parismatic Tour is not liable for any catastrophic, unforeseen events (strike, closure, traffic..) that prevent participants from fulfilling the services. - Please note: during the stops, the driver-guide will do his best to drop you as close to the sites as possible waiting for you in the car. - Tour runs Rain or shine

Safety and Accessibility for Your Half-day Paris Tours

Greetings and welcome to our exclusive tour services in Paris! We recognize that preparing for a voyage to a foreign nation can be a nerve-wracking experience. Allow us to take care of everything for you, guaranteeing an effortless and pleasurable trip for you and your loved ones. Our team and expert guides are committed to providing top-notch services for a stress-free journey to France and Paris.

Other Ways to Explore the Best of France with Parismatic

You can either add a half-day tour or even enjoy a fantastic journey into time: - Full-day tour of the Normandy D-Day Battlefields - The Loire Valley Castles - The Champagne region and the Visit of Moet and Chandon and so many others... Check them out.

A question?

Giverny + Versailles Palace guided Day Tour Lunch included

Giverny + Versailles Palace guided Day Tour Lunch included

Giverny gardens and versailles palace: .

Join us on this perfect day: Discover the most iconic Versailles Palace's architecture and the marvellous Giverny Gardens on this full-day tour out of Paris. Enjoy a guided visit to t he Palace of Versailles and Monet’s Garden  with an expert guide in a luxury minivan.

This is a fascinating discovery of two different but iconic French sites: Giverny , the village where Claude Monet lived, and Versailles Castle, Louis XIV's immense palace.

Louvre Museum Guided Half-Day Private Tour

Louvre Museum Guided Half-Day Private Tour

The must-see in paris, the largest museum in the world: let us guide you through the louvre museum..

Enjoy this half-day private tour with your guide. You will have skip-the-line tickets to enter the Louvre and experience the museum with our guide. Travel through centuries of art, from Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile to the Venus de Milos’s graceful allure.

Available, book now!

Mont Saint Michel Full-Day Private Tour

Mont Saint Michel Full-Day Private Tour

Do you know the mont saint michel.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont Saint Michel on our private tour.

Explore the abbey’s history and architecture and wander through the charming village.

Engage with the medieval marvel's rich past and explore its cobblestone pathways and gothic architecture. This fun and engaging private tour will amaze you.

You will have fond memories for life. Book your private tour today! 

Versailles Palace Guided Half-day Tour

Versailles Palace Guided Half-day Tour

Come with us to experience a unique and captivating guided tour of versailles palace..

Live the history, learn about all the artefacts, you will hear all the secrets that were said and unveil all the plots.

With your licensed guide, you'll skip the lines and explore the lavish State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the stunning Gardens. Learn about the lives of the French royal family and how Versailles came to be the centre of power and culture in Europe.

Book today this unforgettable experience!

Giverny Gardens Half-Day private tour

Giverny Gardens Half-Day private tour

Giverny gardens and monet's house guided tour..

Let us drive you to a perfect experience out of Paris.

Giverny, the home and gardens of Claude Monet, on this private half-day tour from Paris, your guide will explain and you will learn about Monet’s life and work. Avoid the long lines thanks to your skip-the-line tickets.

Wander through the gardens and be inspired by the beauty and the light reflecting on the water.

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Explore Paris in a Vintage Car: Private Half-Day Driving Tour Private Tour

Things to know, categories:, private tour:, transport mode:, what's included:, what's not included:, what makes this tour special.

  • Drive around the monuments and  neighbourhoods of Paris  in a vintage car;
  • Cruise along the famous  Champs Elysées Avenue  towards the  Arc de Triomphe ;
  • Drive around  Place de la Concorde, Les Invalides, Place Vendôme, Opera Garnier, the Musée d’Orsay , and the magnificent, still-standing,  Cathedral de Notre Dame ;
  • Stop off for panoramic views of the  city at various points with views across the domes  and  monuments  of  Paris ;
  • Take photos of the mighty  Eiffel Tower  at the best viewing platforms, and learn all about the most famous landmark of the city;
  • Stop outside the  Louvre  for some fabulous snaps of the  Pyramid  and the stunning  French Renaissance palace , former home to the  kings and queens of France ;
  • Head up the hill to  Montmartre , for  wonderful panoramic views  across   the city;
  • Enjoy the final stop in Montmartre and see the beautiful  Sacre Coeur basilica;
  • Wander through the bohemian, picturesque cobbled streets and artists' squares made famous by the Impressionists.
  • End your tour at a place of choice where your driver will drop you off.

What you'll see

Book with travel curious, an exceptional experience guaranteed, putting people and planet first, prioritising your safety, flexible cancellation.

Do not worry, we have you covered with our flexible cancellation terms.

Avoid the crowds

Travel like a VIP, avoid crowds, and unnecessary queues.

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Bespoke local tours handcrafted for you by our global travel specialists

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All guides are handpicked, trained and licensed to ensure you are immersed in the local culture

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half day city tour of paris

Paris Day Tours

Paris day tours with hotel pick up.

Paris: City of light, love & art. Our private half & full day tours of Paris offer you a comprehensive overview of Paris’ most iconic sites.

Often described as a living museum, Paris offers wonderful sights as well as hidden gems, both with ties throughout the centuries to the French monarchy. This unique private guided tour of Paris is a great way to begin your visit in the city. Don’t rush trying to save time: instead, enjoy a relaxing day with a real local showing you around.

half day city tour of paris

This custom city tour is a tailor-made exploration experience, bringing the city to life, from its most famous sites to its hidden delights. With your dedicated and fully accredited guide, explore the city’s most iconic locations: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and so much more.

This private visit of Paris is the perfect opportunity if: 

  • this is your first time to Paris,
  • You just stay a week end or a few days in the city.
  • You need to get the best of Paris in a short time.
  • you’ve already been to Paris but want to see an alternative view of Paris,

Paris Private Tours BOOK NOW

With our effortless booking system From 155€/pers for 6

half day city tour of paris

Opening Days 7/7 (every day)

versailles

Meeting-Point Your hotel

versailles

Duration 4Hrs (half day)/7Hrs (Full day)

versailles

Guided by an expert guide

half day city tour of paris

Transport Executive car (on option)

half day city tour of paris

Type of tour Private, suitable for both Families and Corporates

Choose a 5 stars VIP private tour of Paris.

At Paris To Versailles Private Tours we understand that driving a car and telling interesting stories require different specific skills. Which is why during our private visits, you are guided by an expert licensed tour guide of Paris and driven by a specific chauffeur.  This way, your Paris History specialist tour guide is completely dedicated to you with entertaining stories and anecdotes to share, while your safety and comfort is taken care of by a professional driver .

What is included on this Paris day tour

  • Pick up / drop off hotel.
  • Private driver in a luxurious vehicle.
  • Your own professionally accredited tour guide totally dedicated to you.
  • Fascinating stories behind Paris most famous sights. 
  • Photo opportunity stops at key locations.

What to see during this Paris day tour

  • Half Day Option: Enjoy a 4 hour city tour of Paris’ most iconic sites with views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Arc de Triomphe, Opera Garnier and many more.
  • Full Day Option: Enjoy a 7 hour city tour with the addition of Montmartre and a lunch break at one of our favorite restaurants.

Choose a VIP private tour of Paris.

After following this private paris day tour, you will have the keys of the City in your hands.

Paris City Tour Description

Your discovery of paris in a day.

The City of Paris has been inspiring visitors for millenia.

No other city in the world offers such a rich history and culture, where some of the world’s most famous monarchs came face to face with a revolutionary crowd. Yet Paris is also a city of modern art, with avant garde architecture and of course, world famous icons in the world of Fashion.

half day city tour of paris

Entirely crafted by Paris To Versailles Private Tours, this visit gives you a taste of Paris’ monuments as you get to know the city. During your visit, feel free to ask your guide for tips on how to enjoy the rest of your stay in the city.

Your own chauffeur and your private guide just for you

Your Highlights experience begins at your accommodation. You will be picked up from your hotel by your driver & professional, nationally accredited guide, who will see you safely installed in one of our luxury Mercedes vehicles. As your unique guide illuminates the history of Paris, your chauffeur will be completely focused on driving you seamlessly through the Parisian streets.

Experience the city in comfort and style: driven by your personal chauffeur and listening to your expert guide, visiting Paris in a day has never been more luxurious.

half day city tour of paris

Paris Day tours: PRIVATE HALF DAY OPTION

This 4 hours private Paris tour is a completely unique experience, allowing you to get the most out of your time in Paris.

With a deep knowledge of the city, your expert guide leads you through Paris, bringing to life its profound history and modern culture at the same time. Witness the glory of the Eiffel tower and the ethereal beauty of Notre Dame, enjoy the majesty of the Louvre against a backdrop of the grandeur of the Opera Garnier and the architectural masterpieces of Paris’ Royal Squares. As you make your way through Paris, your private tour guide proposes a few stops to many of the city’s most tranquil gardens and hidden architectural treasures. There, take the chance to capture the moment.

Paris Day tours: PRIVATE FULL DAY OPTION

This 7 hour private Paris day tours allows you to really get to the heart of Paris. In addition to the experience of the Half Day private visit, enjoy your lunch stop at one of our favorite restaurants, before continuing to some of the city’s less known path locations.

Marvel at the beauty of Montmartre’s Sacred Heart Basilica, rising over the city. The full day tour allows you to explore the allure of this charming district, once loved by Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec. Breathe in and feel the inspiration…

This visit has been especially crafted by Hidden Gems to give you a taste of Paris’ monuments as you get to know the city. Ths visit will inspire you visit the individual attractions in more depth during your time in Paris.

Experience our Paris day tours in comfort and style. Recline into our luxurious Mercedes vehicle, driven by your personal chauffeur, whilst your expert guide brings the magic of Paris to life. With special requests and a whole host of customizable options, visiting Paris has never been more decadant.

Paris City Tour Important information

Where do you meet our guide?

For your own convenience, the meeting point of your Paris day tours is directly at your hotel or apartment.

Is it possible to tour Paris in a day?

The city of Paris can be visited in a day if you benefit from the tips of a local guide. On your own, you may easily lose time trying to get to the different locations. In trying to rush, you might also miss small details that turn a standard visit into a unique experience. Then, the best way to tour Paris is by choosing a private tour, with a chauffeur and an expert guide. You will not see every monument that makes Paris famous, but you will truly make the most of your day (or half day). If you want to visit the palace of Versailles , please check out our private Versailles tour with hotel pick up .

When is the best time to visit Paris by car?

Your Paris day tours can potentially take place every day. In order to avoid rush hour traffic, we recommend starting your Paris private visit around 10-11am for a morning tour or 1-2pm for the afternoon.

Please note that the tour route can be subject to changes as Paris is under constant development and construction. Don’t worry: your driver and guide will adapt in response to any urban works or civil action.

What activities does this private Paris tour include?

This Paris day tour includes: 

  • A 4 hour/8 hour guided visit of Paris
  • Scheduled photo stops at key locations
  • A private luxury vehicle with an autonomous driver
  • A professionally accredited tour guide. 

This is a completely customizable tour: at the beginning of your visit, don’t hesitate to inform your guide on any particular locations you wish to visit!

How to book this private tour of Paris?

This unique Paris tour is a private visit, therefore numbers are not limited. In high season (April-Sept), we do advise you to book as soon as you have confirmed your dates for arriving in Paris. This way, we can arrange the best option concerning your private tour guide in Paris. If it’s possible, please provide us with alternative dates and times.

How to book this Paris private tour as a gift?

Why not offer a unique day tour in the most famous city on Earth?

You can buy this Paris Day Tour for you and your family or buy it as a gift to your friends or relatives. To buy this private Paris tour as a gift, just click on the red button “Buy as a gift” on the booking form and follow the instructions. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Paypal. Then, you will get a gift card and a voucher number. With this number, your friend or relative will be able to choose the date of his private Paris visit online. This special tour is available up to 1 year after the date of purchase.

Does my tour include lunch?

Paris Half Day tour Option: As it is a short tour, this tour usually does not include the opportunity to stop for lunch. However, your local guide can give you recommendations on where to get refreshments. If you do have any specific requests, please add a message in your tour notes. If you have any lunch reservations or plan, don’t hesitate to inform us at some point before your visit. This way, we can drop you off at your desired location within the Paris city limits.

Paris Full Day tour Option: This tour does include a lunch stop. If you have any preferences or favorite restaurants, please add a message in your tour notes so we can make reservations. The lunch itself is not included in the prices of the tour.

Can you store my luggage during the tour?

During this tour, yes. We can keep your lugagges in the vehicle. You just need to check that the vehicle will be big enough to transport all your lugages.

Can I take my wheelchair?

  • If you use a wheelchair or any other type of mobility aid, please inform us in your tour notes so we can make preparations. For information on accessibility and wheelchair use, please refer to our FAQs or Contact Us directly.

Please Note:

If you book our private tour of Paris with transport, we expect to meet you at your hotel in the city proper. If we would like us to meet you outside paris please contact us before booking to get the rate. (airport, or anywhere outside the peripherique).

PRICE LIST: Private Tour of Paris - half day

Price list: private tour of paris - full day.

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Meet your guides

half day city tour of paris

Elisa is an Italian licensed tour guide , always smiling and full of energy. She moved to Paris more than twenty years ago and as soon as she discovered the city, she literally felt in love with it : today she considers herself half Italian and half parisian.

After graduating in Communication in Italy, she joined the famous French luxury brand, Hermès, where she was Customer Service manager.

Always passionate about art and history, she decided to start afresh a few years ago and become a licensed tour guide, graduating from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts). Visiting Versailles with Elisa, is traveling back in time and living an unique experience that you will never forget!

More about our guides

MARC ANTOINE tour guide

Marc-Antoine is a French licensed tour guide and a true Parisian . Since he was a kid he has always enjoyed cycling up and down the city to discover hidden streets and architectural gems. After graduating in English, he joined the Associated Press bureau in Paris to become a journalist. He later worked as an editorial expert in PR companies.

Marc-Antoine

half day city tour of paris

Yaelle was born and grew up in Paris. She is a 100% Parisian who loves her home city; its history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. She is a passionate and enthusiastic guide, who has a delightful desire to share her passion with customers from all around the world. Very personable and knowledgable, Yaelle will make you discover the bright side of Versailles in a local, funny and lively way. She will make your trip to Versailles and Paris a memorable expérience. And always with her smile , and her sense of humor !

half day city tour of paris

Lorenzo was born in Paris. He spent his childhood in Italy and returned to Paris in his early adolescence. He then studied French history and literature in the Sorbonne University and theater in private schools, where he discovered a passion for storytelling.

So he went back to historical studies and became a certified tour guide, dedicating himself to telling ancient and recent history of Paris using the techniques of storytelling. He is a keen history teller, joining together culture, history and art, he will take you for a trip back in time at the court of Versailles.

Our luxury transportation service

Book one of our private experience to Versailles and get a safe & intimate guided tour with your partner/family.

half day city tour of paris

Benefit from one of our gentleman drivers and his comfortable executive cars.

half day city tour of paris

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Versailles Guided Tour and Priority Access with Hotel Pickup from Paris

Versailles Guided Tour and Priority Access with Hotel Pickup from Paris

Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Central Paris

Skip the Line: Versailles Palace and Gardens Tour from Central Paris

Skip-the-Line: Palace of Versailles with VIP access to King's Private Apartments

Skip-the-Line: Palace of Versailles with VIP access to King's Private Apartments

Private Tour: Versailles Palace Half-Day Trip from Paris

Private Tour: Versailles Palace Half-Day Trip from Paris

4 hour Versailles Tour including Skip the Line Castle Tickets & Licensed Guide

4 hour Versailles Tour including Skip the Line Castle Tickets & Licensed Guide

Half-Day Versailles Palace Guided Tour with/ without Japanese Guide

Half-Day Versailles Palace Guided Tour with/ without Japanese Guide

4 hour Skip the Line Versailles Tour including Castle & Garden Musical Water Show

4 hour Skip the Line Versailles Tour including Castle & Garden Musical Water Show

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half day city tour of paris

Bus and Cruise Tours of Paris

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Paris City Tour

Paris City Tour

Experience an immersive Paris city tour boarding a panoramic bus. Discover the main neighborhoods and Paris monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, The Paris city hall and substantially more, with a commentary with individual earphones.

The Invalides during sunset

Illumination Tour of Paris

Visit Paris on board a panoramic bus and listen to the comments provided by a mobile app. Discover the most famous monuments and quarters of Paris illuminated, in accordance with the time of the year.

Cruise on the Seine river

City Tour and Seine Cruise

Discover Paris through a Seine cruise and a sightseeing tour in a panoramic bus. Enjoy comments adapted to all on our mobile app and discover the history of the most emblematic monuments such as the Louvre, the Opera, the Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel tower, the Invalides…

TootBus Ticket - Pass 1 day

TootBus Ticket - Pass 1 day

Paris at your own pace

Discover Paris aboard the Big Bus

1 Day E-Ticket Big Bus Hop on Hop off Pass

Take advantage of a one or two-day pass to visit Paris in total freedom at your own pace aboard a double-decker Big Bus. Hop on and off as you please with one of the two tours offered. Discover the must-see sites of Paris while listening to the city's history through a recorded audio commentary available in several languages.

View from the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower skip the line priority access

City Tour and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor with Reserved Access

Discover Paris aboard a commented city tour by panoramic bus through major Parisian neighborhoods. Admire the superb view from the top of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy reserved access avoiding long queues.

Illumination Tour and Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor (reserved access)

Illumination Tour and Eiffel Tower 3rd Floor (reserved access)

Unavoidable tour for a somptuous evening in Paris .Discover the history of Paris monuments through an illumnation tour of Paris. Enjoy a reserved access to the summit of the iconic Eiffel Tower and contemplate the superb view of the City of Lights.

View from the bottom of the Eiffel Tower skip the line priority access

City Tour, Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor with Reserved Access

Discover the Eiffel tower and enjoy an exceptional view over the rooftops of Paris from the second floor. This offer also includes the discovery of Paris and its main landmarks through a city tour and an audio-guided cruise on the Seine. 

Visit to the must-see Eiffel Tower skip the line priority access

City Tour and Eiffel Tower Summit with Reserved Access

Visit the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower skip the line priority access

City Tour, Seine Cruise and Eiffel Tower Summit with Reserved Access

Discover the Eiffel tower and enjoy an exceptional view over the rooftops of Paris from the 3rd floor. This offer also includes the discovery of Paris and its main landmarks through a city tour and an audio-guided cruise on the Seine.

Madame Brasserie skip the line priority access

City Tour, Eiffel Tower Lunch with Reserved Access and Seine Cruise

Enjoy a pleasant lunch on the Eiffel Tower first floor restaurant "MADAME BRASSERIE", a city tour, a Seine River cruise, and admire the view from the second level of the Eiffel Tower.

Best Paris Rickshaw Private Tour (1-2 persons)

Paris tour by bus

The Paris City Bus Tour is also a good option for those who don’t have loads of time to explore the city and do some sightseeing there. You can choose to take Paris day tours with a single-day pass or 2- and 3-day Open Tour passes . You are free to visit the city at your own leisure, getting on and off the bus when you want at any of the 50 stops on its various circuits. It is the best way to discover the top things to do and activities in Paris. Getting around the city at your own pace , in the function of your interests and time, with audio commentaries  in hand (ten available languages), is a thrilling experience allowing you to fully discover the City of Lights. Another option is to book a Paris private tour .

By choosing a ticket that combines a Paris city tour and a visit of the Eiffel Tower, you’ll get priority access and won’t have to wait in line to make the most of your time and enjoy a great view over Paris. Other offers include lunching at Madame Brasserie, a restaurant on the 1st level of the Iron Lady.

If you’d like to see Paris from a different angle, Paris City Vision also offers  Paris tours and cruises on the Seine . It’s an original way to admire the monuments along the Seine like the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, and even the Conciergerie. A romantic outing for two or a fun trip for families, visiting Paris by boat is a fantastic way to admire the capital. Thanks to audio commentaries available in several languages , you’ll uncover all of Paris’s secrets!

Don’t forget about Paris at night! If you’d like to see Paris illuminated, night tours in a panoramic bus and night cruises on the Seine are also available at night. An atypical and magical evening in the City of Lights awaits you at the end of a wonderful day touring Paris!  Book your tickets online on pariscityvision.com!

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Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

See the mona lisa, sacre-coeur, and moulin rouge with organized transportation and an expert guide.

Want to see the best of Paris in just one day? With long entry lines and attractions spread out over the city, this can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, this day tour makes it easy! Join a local guide to see the city’s iconic highlights, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Cœur, Notre Dame, and a Seine River Cruise (Eiffel Tower entry times might fall outside of tour time). With a small group, skip-the-line Louvre tickets, and transport, there’s no better way to see Paris in a day!

Meet your guide at Place des Abbesses

Skip the Line

  • Meet your guide at Place des Abbesses
  • Basilica of Sacré Coeur
  • Ile de la Cite
  • Lunch break
  • Louvre Museum

Eiffel Tower

*IMPORTANT* This Paris in a Day tour includes a self-guided Eiffel Tower ticket. Your tour will end around 4pm, but the Eiffel Tower entry could be from 4pm to 10pm. Don't worry, we will contact you in advance with your unique entry time so you can plan. If the time doesn't work for you, you can modify your tour booking up to 24 hours before the tour! The Eiffel Tower comes alive at night-- it's even home to bars and restaurants! For later tickets, we recommend you Eiffel Tower Restaurants: Guide to Elevated Eating" title="half day city tour of paris"> book a table, which may be a highlight of your trip!

You'll meet your guide this morning in the famous art district of Montmartre for a walking tour of this historic part of Paris, including a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Sacre-Cœur. Along with your small group, you'll continue to the city's literary heartland, the Latin Quarter, where your guide will tell stories of the famous writers who once called this place home. Here, you can also see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside—it's still undergoing repairs from the recent devastating fire, so entry isn't currently allowed.

Next, you'll catch the metro to the famous Louvre museum, home to the Mona Lisa and countless other iconic works. You'll skip the line at the Louvre so your super knowledgeable guide can show you the museum's highlights without the famously long wait. Finally, you'll cruise down the River Seine by boat, and finish you tour at France's most recognizable landmark : the Eiffel Tower. Learn the fascinating stories about the most iconic monument in Paris, before parting ways with your guide and using your entry ticket to ascend to the second floor, or enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Seine.

Paris in a Day Tour Description

Your 7-hour Paris tour includes: 

Guided walking tour of the Latin Quarter and Montmartre neighborhoods

Visit Sacre-Cœur and see Notre Dame Cathedral (from the outside)

Skip-the-line Louvre ticket and guided tour

Free time in Paris for lunch (not included)

Ticket for a 1-hour river cruise on the Seine

Entry tickets to the Eiffel Tower

Metro tickets included

A fun, professional English-speaking guide

A maximum group size of 18 people

Please note that the order of this tour could be different based on ticket times for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre, Sacre-Cœur and the Latin Quarter

Home of the Moulin Rouge, Montmartre is Paris' famous art district. Your guide will show you the best of the neighborhood this morning, and you'll learn the best spots to return to if you're planning a big night out in the city. In addition to the nightlife of the neighborhood, Montmartre was also the epicenter of the Belle Époque.

Once home to Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Modigliani, the neighborhood produced countless famous pieces of art between the 1870s and 1920s. You will pass the café where Van Gogh painted one his most scandalous works—he dared to paint a woman reading!

After visiting the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur, you'll follow your guide to the Latin Quarter. Montmartre is the center of art, but the Latin Quarter is the center of literature. You will see the café and bookstore where Hemingway and Joyce spent their ex-pat lives in Paris. Then, you can take photos of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral from the outside—sadly, the cathedral suffered a terrible fire in 2019 and is still being reconstructed.

Louvre Museum Tour

Skip past the famously long lines at the Louvre and see the museum's most influential works on a 90-minute tour of the Louvre. These works include the two of the most important Greek statues still standing: the Venus of Milo and The Winged Victory of Samothrace . These two famous statues are full of mystery and history, and you guide will bring them to life with stories of their meanings and origins. 

You'll also see Eugene Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People. A symbol of French independence, strength and culture, it is the most politically important work at the Louvre. The painting is the most famous artistic depiction of the French Revolution and is often compared to the Washington Crossing the Delaware piece found in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Mystery Behind the Mona Lisa

Why is the Mona Lisa so famous? For starters, Mona Lisa’s expression has been often debated since its creation in the 16th century. Is she happy or sad or playful? Another intriguing thing about Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is that it's the highest insured work of art at a whopping $800 million.

Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece (called La Gioconda in Italian), portrays the wife of a Tuscan aristocrat named Francesco del Giacondo. Though she has been in the Louvre for over 200 years, the portrait became famous when it was stolen in 1911 in a global scandal. Now she is protected with bulletproof glass and personal body guards.

Finally, led by your professional guide, you'll head to the pièce de résistance of this Paris in a Day Tour. The guide will regale you with tales of the tower's construction, its significance to the City of Light, and the initial public reactions to this daring design. After saying goodbye to your guide, with your tickets in hand, you will have the opportunity to savor the magic of the Eiffel Tower.

Paris by Boat

With your tickets in hand, sit back and relax with beautiful views along the Seine. Paris river cruises are a great way to take in the ambiance of the city and get a taste of the luxury that Paris is known for. Cruise around the city and get a new perspective on the iconic landmarks, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, and of course, the Eiffel Tower in all its glory.

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What you get with this tour

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Our tour guide was great! She was very knowledgeable and provided detailed history of every site. I highly recommend her.

The best thing we did in Paris! We saw all the highlights and learned so much history. Our tour guide, Ida , was amazing! She was thorough, knowledgable and so engaging. We highly recommend this tour, this company...and Ida!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

This tour is primarily a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Is the Eiffel tower summit (top level) included on this tour?

Eiffel Tower second floor tickets are included in this tour. If you'd like to head to the coveted summit (with a stop at the second floor), check out our Eiffel Tower Summit Evening Tour .

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Private Paris in a Day Tour so your needs can be better accommodated in terms of navigating attractions and the pace of the tour. Please note, Montmartre includes stairs and steep inclines, which may not be ideal for strollers or wheelchairs.

Can I use my Paris Museum Pass to get a discount on the Louvre tour?

We pre-book all of our reservations and tickets for the Louvre Museum in advance, so personal museum passes are not valid for entry or a discount.

How do we get around the city?

Your guided tour includes metro tickets to travel the longer distances between attractions. Other areas will be explored on foot, particularly Montmartre.

Will we enter Notre Dame?

Sadly, no. The cathedral is still undergoing extensive renovations following the 2019 fire, so no one is allowed inside yet. You'll be taken to it to see its progress up close though! And you can see it during your river cruise.

Do we enter the Eiffel Tower?

Yes, Eiffel Tower Tickets are included in this tour. Please note, entry times vary based on availability, meaning that the time of entry could be in the evening or the afternoon of the tour based on the day.

When can I take my Seine River Cruise?

Your tickets will be sent to you via email within 24 hours of your tour departure time. To redeem the boat tickets, please bring them to the Bateaux Parisiens boarding line. This is located below the Carousel at the Eiffel Tower, under the bridge to your right on the river. These tickets are valid for any date for boats between 10:30 am and 10:00 pm so you have lots of flexibility to enjoy this cruise during your time in Paris.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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City Walking Tour: See the Top 5 Paris Highlights in a Day

Versailles Palace and Gardens: Half-Day Trip From Paris

  • Visit the opulent Grand Apartments , the State Rooms , and the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors inside Versailles while our passionate English-speaking guide marvels you with stories of the excesses of royal life, peaking under the Sun King , Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette .
  • The gardens are just as impressive and far larger than the palace itself, after the tour wander them leisurely in a self-guided experience, discovering their elegant statues, fountains, and secret groves. The Musical Fountain Show will bring the fountains to life with classical music when available from April to October.
  • With round trip transportation by bus, Skip the Line Access  and headsets we make the trip to Versailles comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy the unique experience of a Versailles Day Trip

What's included.

  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Round trip transfers by private air-conditioned coach
  • Entrance tickets and reservation fee for the Château de Versailles
  • Headsets when appropriate, so you can always hear your guide

Sites Visited

  • Palace of Versailles
  • Gardens of the Palace of Versailles (Self-Guided)

Indulge in the beauty and excess of the French monarchy's most extravagant palace. Counting some 700 rooms and 2,000 acres of gardens, this dazzling chateau still evokes the same sense of awe that it did over 300 years ago when it reached its apex under the Sun King, Louis XIV. Our Versailles tours from Paris cover the top sights at this famed UNESCO World Heritage Site on a half day visit, including the Grand Apartments, State Rooms and Hall of Mirrors, as well as the most exemplary parts of the Gardens of Versailles.

City Wonders will personally escort you by a private air-conditioned coach from Paris to Versailles, where you will head straight past the long lines to enter the palace. Be mesmerized by its spectacular adornment as you enjoy captivating stories on its history and inhabitants including Louis XIV, XV, and XVI, their queens, and mistresses. Walk in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette and other historical figures to discover the moments that defined their lives, spanning the 'golden age' from the rise of France as one of Europe's most influential powers to the dramatic events of the French Revolution.

Considered among the highest achievements of 17th and 18th century art and architecture, this palace par excellence started with humbler beginnings as Louis XIII's hunting lodge in the early 1600s. Over the century that followed it became an extravagant show of power as the court's official seat from 1682 to 1789.

You’ll also explore, in a self-guided experience, the equally sumptuous Gardens of Versailles. Designed by master gardener André Le Nôtre and court painter Charles Le Brun in the 1660s, this vast French formal garden originally stretched as far as the eye could see. Admire the statues, secret groves and numerous fountains that were designed to extend the palace's interior into nature itself. 

Between April and October, when you visit Versailles, you'll get to experience captivating musical events. These enchanting shows feature fountains choreographed to classical music and delightful tunes playing as you explore some of the most picturesque spots on the grounds. If these events are not scheduled, feel free to wander and enjoy the gardens at your leisure. Afterward, hop on your return coach to Paris.

This tour has been carefully planned so you get in-depth perspective into both must-see sides of Versailles with convenient transportation from Paris. See the top sights of the palace and gardens with an expert guide by your side. Check out our full list of Paris tours.

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Important Notes

  • Please note that Paris will host the 2024 Olympics from July 26th to August 11th, followed by the Paralympics from August 28th to September 8th. This may have an impact on our travel plans. While we are committed to minimizing any sort of inconvenience, please be aware that unforeseen issues may arise. We will make every effort to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth experience for you.
  • Please note that on some occasions, return transportation to and from Versailles will be provided using a comfortable and modern train, allowing you to travel like a local!
  • Entry to the gardens is free of charge from November to March; no ticket is required during this period.
  • From April to October, the ticket to the gardens is automatically included in the price, and your representative will provide it on the day of the tour.
  • Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access. Please note that Musical Gardens and Fountain show may be subject to last minute schedule changes that are not under our control.
  • The Music Show is running inside the Versailles Gardens only from April to October.
  • We strongly recommend all clients who are traveling with infants to bring their own infant or child seat. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure the safety of their child.

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

All our half day tours from Paris to Versailles travel by either by train or bus. 

The journey by train or bus takes approximately 35-40 minutes. The train station in Versailles is located 5 minutes by walk from the castle.

Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the start time of the tour.

  • Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
  • Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
  • No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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A wide shot picture of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding landscapes.

How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics

With all eyes on the French capital this summer for the Olympics, there’s never been a better time to visit.

Pinned by the Eiffel Tower, threaded by the Seine and punctuated by grand gardens that are multiplying as part of the city’s bid to become one of Europe’s greenest, Paris is among the world’s most impressive destinations. Here are 17 ways to discover the City of Lights this summer.

1. Go electric on a classic city tour

Battery-powered cars have become an increasingly popular sight in Paris over the last decade – all part of the city’s plan to outlaw all but e-vehicles by 2030. In a vintage Renault 4L, retrofitted by tour company 4 Roues Sous 1 Parapluie with a specially designed battery, you can slip silently between the honey-coloured apartments and cast iron balconies of the eighth arrondissement, the vast alabaster arch of the Arc de Triomphe and the broad, latticed feet of the Eiffel Tower, close enough to see the cogs rotating. This year, it will have been 100 years since Paris last hosted the Olympics in 1924, and the tower is being repainted gold – closer to the colour Gustave Eiffel originally chose – to mark the occasion.

A view of a floating hotel on the Seine in Paris.

( Paris is going electric — for a new perspective on the city, take a low-carbon car tour . )

2. Hop around the Paris Plages

July to September, Paris embraces beach mode, carving out waterfront stretches of its emblematic river and canals for temporary urban beaches - complete with deckchairs, potted palm trees, ice-cream sellers and entertainment. At Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), quays along the Seine between Pont d’Arcole and Pont Neuf buzz with outdoor, family-friendly action such as a mini via ferrata, football, giant chess, plus sun-loungers between potted palm trees and pétanque. Across the water on the left bank, soak up urban beach life on the stretch of ‘beach’ between Pont d’Alma and Pont de la Concorde. The Paris Plages’ prime swimming hub is Bassin de la Villette - until 2025, when three open-water swimming spots will open for summers in the Seine: at Bras Marie beneath Pont Marie (4e), by the Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir footbridge in Bercy (12e), and at Port de Grenelle (15e).

3. Sleep in a floating hotel on the Seine

Moored at the foot of the Gare d’Austerlitz in central Paris, bobbing gently in the wake of each passing barge, Off Paris Seine offers one of the very few ways in the city to live the life aquatic. Lying low on the surface of the water — low enough for the river’s waves to wash against the walls — the 58 floating rooms here face the city or the Seine, taking inspiration from the natural setting with plenty of warm woods, and accenting them with bright pops of gold and neon orange. The latter takes a maximalist turn in the designer Sunset suite, where everything, from the four-poster bed to the bathtub, is the same vibrant tangerine hue. Come the evening, enjoy a plate of roast octopus with pepper cream beside the pool on the sheltered restaurant terrace, close enough to the water to see shoals of tiny fish rippling across the surface, and watch the tales of the riverbank unfold. From €230 (£197) for a quay-view double, B & B.

People taking a boat trip down a lake. It is a sunny day and the water is calm. People on the bridge above are stopping to look out at the water.

4. Sail the waterways in an e-boat

Life moves slowly on the banks of the Bassin de la Villette. The largest artificial lake in Paris — a former industrial port 20 minutes’ walk northeast of the Gare de l’Est — is a place where cormorants bob atop yellow buoys and pet dogs trot in the shade of tall trees. Parisians come here to practice their pétanque and picnic on crusty baguette, legs dangling over the edge of the water. One of the best ways to take it all in is out on the water in an electric boat. From Marin D’Eau Douce’s marina on its southern end, you can journey north at barely walking pace, your soundtrack the lapping of the waves, the distant clinking of glasses and the tinny music of the carousel that sometimes appears on its banks. You’ll know when you’ve reached the Parc de la Villette, with its metallic orb-shaped cinema, and the Canal de L’Ourcq, the banks of which form an al fresco gallery for street artists. Three hours’ e-boat rental for five from €110 (£94); no licence required.

5. Claim a deckchair at the Molitor, birthplace of the bikini

It’s late summer and the sun is filtering through the clouds, spotlighting the bathers snoozing in their deckchairs in fluffy, white bathrobes, as swimmers paddle languidly back and forth.The frenetic pace of the city slows in the 16th arrondissement beside the pool of the Molitor, sheltered from the street on all sides by its tall, canary-yellow walls. When it opened in 1929, it was much as it is now: a place where Parisians could escape and sip glasses of Chablis between the palms — part urban oasis, part social club.

All sorts of events, from artists’ galas to beauty contests, were held here. At one time, a tobacconist and even a hair salon fringed its borders. It was known for being an avant-garde place. Perhaps most famously, French designer Louis Réard unveiled the first bikini here in 1946. His design was considered so scandalous that no model would wear it, so he had to turn to an exotic dancer for its poolside debut.

A swimming pools in Paris, some people in in the water, whilst some dangle their legs in from the side.

But by the 1970s, cracks began to show — literally, with chlorine eroding the concrete. The pool closed in 1989, no longer able to fund its vision of extravagant lifestyle, and graffiti artists washed in as its waters drained away. For years, the Molitor lay derelict — a landmark transformed into a backdrop for underground raves. But its story didn’t end there.  

By 2014, it was restored and reopened its doors as a hotel. Those same artists that had instilled beauty into its earlier neglect were invited back, this time to add the finishing touches to the lobby — where a graffiti-splashed Rolls-Royce now sits — and wall murals.  

There are 124 rooms, designed to emulate the feel of an ocean liner; portholes overlook the watery scene below, with the swimmers, snoozers and croque monsieur-ers. After the piscine was rebuilt, it made its Hollywood debut in The Life of Pi . And with bikinis back at the Molitor , the Parisians flooded back, too. Doubles from €330 (£283), B & B. Day pass, including room access, from €290 (£248) for two.

6. Cool off in an al fresco pool

Piscine Joséphine Baker

Swim on the river — rather than in it — at this pool, named after the legendary Jazz Age performer. It’s set on a permanently moored barge, floating on the Seine in the 13th arrondissement not far from the Bastille. The glass roof retracts in good weather, allowing for sunbathing on deck. Alongside the main pool, there’s a paddling pool for children, as well as solariums, saunas, a gym and changing rooms.

Piscine Roger le Gall

To the east of the capital, in the 12th arrondissement, the 164ft Roger Le Gall pool is part of a sports complex, with a retractable roof so that swimming becomes al fresco on sunny summer days. It’s named after a French resistance fighter, and has rolling lawns for sunbathing and dedicated sessions each month for naturists.

Piscine de la Butte-aux-Cailles

One of Paris’s rare listed pool complexes, Butte-aux-Cailles in the southern 13th arrondissement opened its doors in 1924. The main indoor pool still has its art deco arches, while there are also two outdoor ones. They’re all open year-round, kept warm at a toasty 28C thanks to the complex’s natural sulphur spring.

A woman dressed in similar clothing to that worn of Parisian women in during the 1900s

7.   Discover Paris’s belle epoque on foot

It’s easy to slip back in time in Paris; pockets of the gilded belle epoque have been preserved throughout the city centre, casting a spell on most who walk the capital’s streets. This golden age of bohemia, optimism and technological progress flourished in the peaceful years between 1871 and the start of the Second World War. To find its legacy, you need only pay a visit to restaurants like Bouillon Chartier , a timewarp ‘workers’ bistro built with breathtaking flamboyance in 1896, where tables are shared and uniformed waiters still tally the bill on the tablecloth. The Grand Palais, Alexandre III Bridge, Musée d’Orsay and Galeries Lafayette are products of this period, too.

  Many walking tours cater for those wanting to immerse themselves in the era; family-friendly guide Ana Gimena dresses for the era on her tours around the galleries of the Petit Palais and the esplanades around the Seine. Or try the ‘Visit Montmartre with Hysterical Feminists’ tour by Feminists in the City to learn the stories of embattled and half-forgotten female figures from the gilded period.

( Does Paris's belle époque appeal live up to the hype? )

8. Learn to paint like an Impressionist

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism in the city where it all began. Monet, Cézanne, Bonnard and many more ventured to the French capital to find inspiration in its skies and landscapes. A stroll along the Seine, along with a visit to the Gardens of Versailles, Tuileries Garden and Luxembourg Gardens will provide great backgrounds for a painting session with Rola Cusson , a tour guide and art teacher with a studio on La Grande Jatte — the setting of Seurat’s 1884 painting A Sunday on La Grande Jatte. For contemporary art, 59 Rivoli is a former artists’ squat-turned-gallery and exhibition space that hosts free concerts every Saturday and Sunday.

A runner wearing a white tee, blakc shorts and sneakers looking up at an outdoor stone sculpture.

9. Take a street-art treasure hunt

Tracking down mosaics by Paris’s anonymous street artist, Invader, means ducking and diving around streets, squares and courtyards off travellers’ usual radar. To add to the 23 million ‘flashes’ validated since 2014, download the FlashInvaders app and snap each pixelated piece you find: space aliens inspired by the 1978 arcade game, but also pop culture figures such as Bugs Bunny, Cinderella, Mario, Picasso, Nina Simone. Score 100 points apiece with Paris’s highest (on the Eiffel Tower), biggest (at Place Igor Stravinsky) and most recent (Invader’s 1500th Parisian mosaic, atop a blue rooftop pipe at Centre Pompidou), which was erected in February 2024.

10. Spot sculptures by the Seine

Stroll along the Seine’s Left Bank, between the Pont de Sully and Pont d’Austerlitz bridges, and you’ll encounter an outdoor gallery stretching for almost half a mile along the waterfront. Opened in 1980, within the Jardin Tino Rossi, the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air is still in immaculate shape, displaying remarkably graffiti-free works by 20th-century artists including César, Constantin Brancusi, Nicolas Schöffer and Émile Gilioli. Some pieces are set proudly along the quayside, like oversized mooring posts, while others are weathering gently among the prettily planted gardens patchworked along the riverside, bothered only by the occasional jogger, dog walker and pedestrian commuter, plus a rare tourist or two.  

Standout pieces include Demeurre 1, a bold, blackened bronze gathering of totemic structures created by Etienne Martin in the 1950s, and La Grande Fenetre, by Cuban artist Augustin Cardenas. The latter creates a gleaming white marble waterfront ‘window’ through which to watch the open-roof bateaux mouche tourist boats chug by. On weekend evenings during the summer months, the sculptures become a backdrop for couples practising tango in the small amphitheatres carved into the Quai Saint-Bernard promenade.

A woman in a black outfit is riding a bike in Paris, the wall beside her has an abstract graffiti design

11. Embrace two-wheeled Paris

With just over 250 miles of cycleways, including 75 miles of brand new lanes, linking the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and other soon-to-be Olympic venues, exploring Paris by bike has never been so easy. Dedicated bike tracks link up with shared bike-bus lanes and car-free trails for use by both cyclists and pedestrians. The best routes include a loop along the Seine, taking in landmarks like the Louvre and Notre-Dame; a spin along Canal St-Martin, passing 19th-century locks and lift bridges; and an exhilarating urban route along ‘Street Art Avenue’ to France’s national stadium in Saint-Denis.

12. Party with the Pari Rollers

The Friday Night Fever skate tour organised by the Pari Rollers association is one of the largest meetups of its kind in the world, offering rollerbladers a fun and fast-paced tour of the capital after dark. The weekly, 13-mile urban skate kicks off at Place Raoul Dautry, regularly attracting upwards of 800 participants, and is geared towards confident skaters rather than first-timers. The atmosphere is like a carnival: as well as impressive feats of skating by seasoned pros, there’s music blaring from portable speakers, participants in fancy dress and even parents in the mix with off-road prams. Those who aren’t confident with rollerblading can join the cyclists, e-scooters and longboarders bringing up the rear of the procession – or simply come to watch participants career along the Parisian streets.

( What it's like to party in the French capital with the Pari Rollers. )

13. Stroll reimagined city railways

The original High Line isn’t in New York – it’s in Paris. The Coulée Verte René-Dumont, or Promenade Plantée as it’s become known, was the world’s first elevated urban park when it opened in the late 1980s, transforming a disused railway viaduct into a linear garden of swaying trees, starlings and reflecting pools. Paris is planning to – quite literally – become one of Europe’s greenest capitals, with current mayor Anne Hidalgo promising a “massive greening” when she was elected, and the plan to plant 170,000 trees by 2026 underway. Simultaneously, attention has turned to La Petite Ceinture, another train line that was abandoned in the 20 th century and still circles the city, with some very short stretches open to urban hikers. Parisians are divided on what to do with this ghost line, with some calling to preserve its biodiversity and open up the entire stretch to pedestrians – though most of its length is still closed, in part due to still-active electrical lines. For now, while the authorities decide, the ‘Little Belt’ runs in a broken circle, some of it used for flourishing community gardens and craft fairs, and the rest left to be reclaimed by nature.

( The 'original' High Line is in Paris — here's why you should walk it. )

Travellers pausing for photos outside the pink building of La Maison Rose restaurant in Montmartre, Paris.

14. Climb Lafayette’s summer terrace

The eighth-floor terrace of Paris’s most venerable department store is where the capital’s beautiful young things come to pose with cocktails in summer, backed by Galeries Lafayette’s landmark cathedral-like glass dome. Among the sweeping city views, there are other knockouts, too: the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Coeur and Notre-Dame can all be seen from up here. The terrace’s pop-up restaurant usually opens for the season around May and runs until the end of September. In previous years, it’s been hosted by socialite French chef Julien Sebbag, whose vegetarian small plates menu celebrates eastern-Med salads and focaccias such as the courgette-starring Summertime Sadness — best paired with a spritz of prosecco, orange blossom, cognac and apricot liqueur.

15. Drink farm-fresh cocktails

Tuck into summer’s bounty of berries, beets and all other manner of fruits and veggies, freshly harvested from Europe’s largest urban rooftop farm, at Le Perchoir (‘The Perch’) — a plant-filled conservatory dining spot crowning Pavilion 6 of the exhibition centre Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The restaurant overlooks Nature Urbaine, a high-tech farm that provides fresh produce to the surrounding 15th arrondissement and some nearby hotels. Produce is grown using aeroponics — a soil-free cultivation technique that can minimise irrigation — creating an edible Eden in a sky-scraping urban space. What’s grown here enriches the menus at Le Perchoir , which is a hot ticket for DJ-led weekend brunches and cocktail-infused evenings. Order la haut (‘the top’) with gin, citrus shrub, rosemary, Peychaud’s bitters and house tonic, alongside a summer vegetable vol au vent, and breathe in the heady scent of rooftop-grown herbs.

A rooftop terrace with an Eiffel Tower view. A small round orange table with a single rattan chair has a two cocktails on it.

16. Explore urban wine in Montmartre

Once home to Dali, Degas and Van Gough, Paris’s bohemian hilltop Montmartre neighbourhood is also the site of the French capital’s oldest vineyard. Wine production dwindled in the Île-de-France after industrialisation in the 19 th century and by the 1950s, Paris was all but shunned by viticulturalists. Today, however, the area’s vines are seeing a resurgence. Free from additives, Montmartre’s grapes are harvested to great fanfare every October during the Fete du Vendanges, and are just one of a booming number of low-intervention wines now being made across the Île-de-France. A walking tour of Montmartre with Paris Wine Walks can take vinophiles on a historical romp through the cobbled backstreets around the Sacre Coeur, with a finale tasting session of wines from independent vineyards in Paris and beyond.

( Winemaking in Paris is back, and you can discover its history in Montmartre. )

17. Eat in the Eiffel Tower

Book a meal at two-Michelin-starred   Le Jules Verne , helmed by French chef Frédéric Anton. The second-floor salon sits 410ft above ground, with five- and seven-course tasting menus that include indulgences like souffle of scallops with shellfish butter sauce, caviar and caramelised calf sweetbread.  

Bite into the ‘Jardin sur la Seine’ macaron, a raspberry confection laced with single-origin Millot Plantation Madagascar dark chocolate. It’s an exclusive creation for Paris’s Iron Lady, by chocolatier-patissiere Pierre Hermé, available at the second floor’s lower-level macaron bar.  

Celebrate Paris’s seasonal produce, plucked from farms and kitchen gardens around the French capital, with chef Thierry Marx’s informal menus at Madame Brasserie, on the tower’s first floor.  

Have a chocolate ice cream, cocktail and more in the open-air Ferrié Pavilion terrace on the first floor. Garden seating-style armchairs and sofas create a relaxed space with breezy views across the capital and classic French bistro food.  

Get a glass of finest French fizz almost 1,000ft above Paris’s streets in the tower’s little Champagne Bar. It’s a bijou dispensary rather than a place to sit; the tipples can be paired with caviar if desired.

Related Topics

  • CITY GUIDES
  • EXPLORATION
  • FAMILY TRAVEL

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    The cost of the Paris half-day private city tour starts from $419.43 per person. Check availability for accurate pricing as it may vary based on factors such as the number of participants and specific requirements. The pricing includes all the mentioned activities and services, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the city's highlights. ...

  16. Paris in a Day Tour with Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Seine River Cruise

    Lunch break. Pont Neuf. Louvre Museum. Mona Lisa. Eiffel Tower. *IMPORTANT* This Paris in a Day tour includes a self-guided Eiffel Tower ticket. Your tour will end around 4pm, but the Eiffel Tower entry could be from 4pm to 10pm. Don't worry, we will contact you in advance with your unique entry time so you can plan.

  17. City Walking Tour: See the Top 5 Paris Highlights in a Day

    Half-Day, Full-Day & by night tours of Paris with a private chauffeur. Travel Guides. Menu. City Walking Tour: See the Top 5 Paris Highlights in a Day. Home / Things to do / City Walking Tour: See the Top 5 Paris Highlights in a Day. Recommended by Les Frenchies. Classes & workshops ...

  18. Versailles Tour from Paris

    Versailles Palace and Gardens: Half-Day Trip From Paris. 4.83. (404 Reviews) 5h. English. Tue to Sun. Several Departure Times. Visit the opulent Grand Apartments, the State Rooms, and the breathtaking Hall of Mirrors inside Versailles while our passionate English-speaking guide marvels you with stories of the excesses of royal life, peaking ...

  19. Paris beyond the Olympics: 17 things to do in the French capital

    11. Embrace two-wheeled Paris. With just over 250 miles of cycleways, including 75 miles of brand new lanes, linking the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde and other soon-to-be Olympic venues ...