Private Tour of Central Paris: Icons, Secrets & Hidden Gems
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This private walking tour goes far beyond the typical highlights. You’ll explore iconic landmarks and hidden corners with a local guide who brings Paris to life through stories, legends, old photographs, and surprising secrets missed by most visitors.
Instead of dates and dry facts, you’ll get a lively, insider’s perspective on how Paris grew, transformed, and reinvented itself - from royal scandals and architectural rivalries to fashion shows, stolen treasures, and quirky mysteries.
It’s a personalized, relaxed experience designed to feel like discovering the city with a knowledgeable Parisian friend.
What truly sets this tour apart is the way each place connects to a bigger story - how bridges reveal political alliances, how museums hide forgotten train stations, how palaces shape today’s Paris, and how everyday corners hold extraordinary secrets. You won’t just see Paris - you’ll understand it, feel it, and experience it through the eyes of someone who knows and loves the city.
Available options
Private Tour of Central Paris: Icons, Secrets & Hidden Gems
What's included
Personalized recommendations at the end of the tour
Insider tips on cafés, restaurants, neighborhoods, and avoiding tourist traps
Historic visuals and vintage photos to bring the past to life
25+ major sights in central Paris — icons and hidden gems
Private walking tour — just for you (no other guests)
Fun, engaging local guide with real stories and legends
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Where Chanel hosts its legendary fashion shows and where a hidden free museum surprises most visitors.
2
Stop 2
The most elegant bridge in Paris — and the only one dedicated to a Russian emperor. Discover the unlikely story behind it.
3
Stop 3
Admire the Iron Lady from the city's best viewpoint and learn why Parisians once hated it.
4
Stop 4
The resting place of Napoleon — and a monument whose name doesn’t mean what most people think.
5
Stop 5
A square of revolutions, royal executions, movie scenes, and one of Paris' wildest historical legends.
6
Stop 6
Once accessible only with an invitation — today one of Paris’ most beautiful open-air salons.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
A former train station turned into a temple of Impressionism — with surprising stories from its past.
8
Built with treasures Napoleon took from Venice — discover the drama behind this small yet symbolic arch.
9
Stop 9
Hear how the Mona Lisa became a global icon and the unbelievable stories of thefts that shaped the museum.
10
Stop 10
A secret underground space where the medieval castle still hides beneath the Louvre.
11
Stop 11
The “New Bridge” that became Paris’ oldest — and one of its most ironic landmarks.
12
Stop 12
A peaceful triangular square where Parisians escape the crowds — a true hidden gem.
13
Stop 13
A Gothic jewel that once guarded the Crown of Thorns — one of Paris’ most breathtaking interiors.
14
Stop 14
Discover how this iconic cathedral was once painted in bright colors and nearly destroyed forever.
What's not included
Entry tickets to museums or monuments (outdoor tour)
Meals and drinks
Transportation to/from the meeting point
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Personal expenses or shopping
Available languages
Guide guide
RU
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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2 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Our tour is a walking experience, and we do not enter any museums or attractions during the itinerary.
Meeting point
I'll wait for you at the Statue of General Charles de Gaulle
About Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
€17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Museum
3-4 hours
€17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)
Montmartre
Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Cultural
Half-day
Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.
Historical
Full day
€18-€28 (depending on the pass)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Croissant
A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.
Breakfast
Contains gluten and dairy
Baguette
A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains gluten
Steak Frites
A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat
Crêpes
Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.
Snack/Dessert
Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hot air balloon rides
Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest
Kayaking on the Seine
Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden
Boat tours on the Seine
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a cabaret show
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
- Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center
By train
Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon
By bus
Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot
Getting around
Public transport
The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, G7
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Le Marais
Montmartre
Latin Quarter
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Champs-Élysées
Day trips
Versailles
17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.
Giverny
75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day
Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.
Château de Fontainebleau
55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.
Festivals
Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual)
Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual)
Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
- Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
- Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
- Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
- Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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