Secrets of Paris Tours
Looking for a different kind of travel experience? More than just a cookie-cutter tour that leaves you in a fog of dates and a dozen kings named Louis, Heather and her team will make you feel like you’re being shown around the city by an old friend. There’s no memorized commentary, no boring recitation of facts and dates. Think of it as more of a conversation with a knowledgeable local who will not only bring out the best and most interesting aspects of the city’s fascinating history, but also share insights into what makes Paris tick today. Because, admit it, you’re just as curious about the 35-hour work week and how Parisian ladies really stay thin as you are about Medieval architecture and the causes of the French Revolution.
Walking Tours
Join a Secrets of Paris small group tour to get a taste of the city’s fabulous markets, boutiques, neighborhoods and cafés with a Parisian insider. With a maximum of five people on each tour, it’s a great way to experience the many hidden aspects of the city in a sociable, interactive setting.
Orientation Walk & Cruise
Whether it’s your first time in Paris or you simply would like to get oriented with the different areas of the city, this is the perfect tour to get your bearings. We will begin at the center of Paris on the Ile-de-la-Cité with a brief history primer and a peek at Notre Dame Cathedral. Then we’ll hop on the Batobus for a leisurely boat tour on the Seine. Your guide will use maps and images to point out and describe the different Parisian districts as you cruise past some of the city’s major monuments including the Eiffel Tower. The tour continues with a walking tour through the St-Germain-des-Prés district on the Left Bank. This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available Tuesday through Sunday except in January.
Price: €75 per person (includes Batobus Day Pass).
Paris Islands Tour
Paris – and the country of France itself – was born on the Ile-de-la-Cité . Although virtually wiped clear of its winding medieval streets during Haussmann’s reconstruction in the late 1800s, the island is still an intriguing showcase of Paris history, and still serves as the central administrative headquarters for the French justice system. We’ll visit the charming Place Dauphine, discover the gargoyles of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and stroll through the tiny Ile-Saint-Louis, with its gourmet food shops, art galleries, gift boutiques and famous Berthillon ice cream store. We finish at the Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie, which you can discover the famous stained glass windows and peek into Marie-Antoinette’s jail cell at your leisure (unguided). This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available Wednesday through Sunday.
Price: €75 per person (includes Ste-Chapelle/Conciergerie entrance fees).
History of the Marais Tour
The Marais is one of the most fascinating districts of Paris, where avant-garde fashion boutiques and trendy cafés intermingle with Medieval towers and 17th-century mansions. As we weave through the narrow winding streets your guide will describe the evolution of the area from its aristocratic glory days to its descent into a Jewish ghetto and finally its rebirth as one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Paris. We’ll visit the Village St-Paul, see one of the 12th-century ramparts, enjoy a break in the Place des Vosges, peek at the gardens of the History of Paris museum, and stroll through the lively Jewish quarter. The tour ends on a café-lined street with some of the best people-watching in town. This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available Tuesday-Friday and Sunday.
Price: €75 per person (includes café break).
Booking
Contact Heather to reserve your Secrets of Paris tour up to two months in advance. Questions? Look here first.
Custom Tours
Would you like Heather to create a custom tour for you? Look here.
