The French capital is perhaps the ultimate city for romance, but Paris impresses travelers for reasons that stretch beyond its cozy cafés and amorous air. There’s always an undiscovered secret waiting for you in Paris and no other city can match Paris’ soul.
The next time you’re visiting Paris, to really get the feel of the place, we think the best way to feel the soul of the city is on a walking tour? This allows you to see bits of Paris that only the locals know about, to hear inside info and fascinating history, and to skip the usual tourist queues. Whether you are taking a romantic break or bringing your entire family for a dose of culture, a walking tour will help you find those hidden secrets.
1. Montmartre tour
The ‘real’ Paris can’t be found in guidebooks, instead, you need to discover Paris by wandering the Parisian streets, eating in lesser-known cafés, observing the locals and looking through windows and doors (in the most inconspicuous manner possible!).
But fear not, you don’t have to go-it-alone, instead, book an April in Paris Tour and you are guaranteed to get an insider’s view of this magnificent city’s history, uncover examples of Parisian art and architecture and discover the true treasures of Paris. Perfect for a first visit to Paris or even if you have been before; all April in Paris Tours are tailor-made to suit your needs and desires.
If there is one place in Paris that speaks about famous French charm, it is definitely Montmartre! April in Paris offers a brilliant Montmartre tour. The “village atop the hill” is where the history of modern art started, where windmills stood tall and where wine was once made.
Today, you can enjoy its cobbled streets, stunning Basilica, artists, bistros. Perched on the top of a small hill in the 18th arrondissement, this Parisian district has lost none of its village atmosphere that appealed so much to the artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. This melting pot has been an inspiration for art and cinema and is a great place to stroll around, high above most of in Paris.
Join local artist, Sonja Bajic, as she makes Montmartre come to life! You will visit the homes of the most important artists from your school books, see a local vineyard and taste French wine and learn everything you can imagine about this important part of Paris and more! From the cabaret shows of the famous Moulin Rouge to the beautiful white church Sacre Coeur and the view in front of it – we hope you will love it as much as she does!
2. Christmas Illuminations Tour
If you are planning to travel to Paris before or during Christmas, you must take the Christmas Illuminations Tour. Paris lights up like no other place in the world! Get into the holiday spirit with this magical evening tour around the City of Light. Visit elaborate window displays and Christmas markets, sip on vin chaud and experience Paris as a true winter wonderland on this special 4-hour tour.
Finally, relax and enjoy breathtaking views on a Seine River Cruise – the perfect way to end the evening as Paris’ most famous monuments and bridges illuminate the winter sky.
3. Fashion Tour
Discover designers unique to the fashion capital, get a French fashion fix, and pick up a bargain in lesser-known designer boutiques. Join Kasia Dietz, a local handbag designer, for a custom fashion tour in one of Paris’s most fashionable neighbourhoods.
You’ll meet local artisans and you’ll fall in love with their bespoke Parisien creations. You will even have the chance to visit their ateliers. Some of these designers will create clothing that is made-to-measure, so you can get something unique created, just for you! Each tour is customizable for women, men, and children, and can also include luxury labels and beauty products. Discover your new favorite fashions in Paris!
4. Palace of Versailles Tour
For over 3 centuries, the Palace of Versailles and the splendor of its gardens have been renowned for their utmost extravagance, prestige, and scandal. They were not the cleanest places to be back then. At about the time of Louis XIV’s death in 1715, a new rule was put in place requiring that the corridors in the palace at Versailles be cleaned of faeces once a week. Wow!
Now you can step back in time, minus the smells, and take the Palace of Versailles tour to experience the history and opulence of the Royal Palace with a guided tour followed by a waterfront lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a visit through the Royal Gardens and discover the breathtaking fountains and Grand Canal. And, of course, no trip to Versailles would be complete without a glimpse into the life of Marie Antoinette and her Peasant’s Village.
5. Paris Off the Beaten Path Tour
Discover some of the lesser-known treasures that Paris has to offer. On the April in Paris Off the Beaten Path Tour, you will explore the little nook and crannies that make Paris such a delight. Book this tour with April in Paris Tours and discover Paris through the eyes of a local!
This tour is perfect for the Paris veteran or anyone wondering what could be around that little cobblestone corner.
Wander down the lesser-known paths, awe over beautiful gardens and courtyards, and stop to admire the art of French pâtisserie. This tour ends at Ile St. Louis, which is the perfect place to cool down with a Berthillon Ice Cream or unwind with a wine tasting at L’Étiquette Wine Bar.
5. Paris Kids Tour
If you think walking tours are the domain of adults and not of interest to children, think again! Paris is home to many magnificent historical sites, legendary French food, and some of France’s most beautiful gardens, with attractions for adults and kids alike.
A visit to the City of Light is an exciting destination that the whole family, including the kids, can tour! On the April in Paris for Kids Tour, you will visit some of Paris’ most dazzling parks, discover ancient Roman ruins and be charmed by Paris’ most exotic animals.
Sightsee some of the best spots in town with the chance to watch a traditional Parisian puppet show, take a ride on the horse of an old-fashioned carousel and pose with a life-sized mammoth on this off the beaten path tour – it is fun for everyone!
6. Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour
Discover the renowned landmarks that make Paris so special: the Louvre, Place de la Concorde, Hôtel des Invalides, and Eiffel Tower.
This half day highlights walking tour will take you up the Champs-Élysées and to window shop in the fashion capital of the world. Stop for a macaron at the famed Ladurée before continuing to the Arc de Triomphe, looming over the busy avenue.
Before standing at its feet, Trocadéro provides an incredible view to take cherished photos of the Eiffel Tower. This is a great introduction to the city and will allow you to discover the places you may want to spend more time exploring during your stay.
7. Half-Day Historical Walking Tour
If you like to experience history, this is the tour for you. Experience old Parisian charm as you walk through the historic districts of Paris. Learn about the city’s medieval roots as you explore the cobblestoned streets of Latin Quarter and the left bank.
As you cross over the Seine River, notice the difference in architecture as you make your way into the heart of Renaissance Paris, highlighting Hôtel de Ville and the grand residences of the Marais district. From here, you will discover quaint gardens and the hidden treasures of St. Paul before reaching the prestigious Île Saint Louis, home to Berthillon Ice Cream, perfect for cooling down after a stroll through Paris’ extraordinary past.
This is a great introduction to the city and will allow you to discover the places you may want to spend more time exploring during your stay.
8. Paris Art Walks
Paris Art Walks connects you with art insiders excited to share their passion for Paris’s hidden treasures. Visit the museums and galleries with your guide, Naomi Cook, a knowledgeable local, artist and art aficionado. Learn what inspires artists, curators, and enthusiasts living in Paris.
You can enjoy walking tours of three Parisian neighborhoods:
The Marais gallery walk explores Paris’s vibrant contemporary art scene with a walk through a selection of Marais galleries. Your visit will include the top Parisian international galleries, alongside the lesser-known art spaces.
Your guide, Naomi, will share with you insights on the history of the galleries, artists, and areas you will be visiting. Refine your taste, define your opinions, and expand your knowledge into what you like with a member of the Parisian arts community.
Along the way, you will learn about the history of the neighborhood, its hidden spots, and local treasures. Get to know the Marais like a local.
The Belleville gallery walk explores a creative district that lies at the crossroads of the 10th, 11th, 19th and 20th arrondissements in the North East of Paris which is packed full of artists, artisans, and galleries that have transformed this neighborhood.
Your visit through Belleville is with your guide, Naomi, who will give you an introduction to the up and coming galleries, the artists that have brought this neighborhood to life, and the studios they work in. We will also explore the history of the neighborhood, and wander through the street among the many cafés, bars, and restaurants in this vibrant part of Paris.
The Beaux-Arts gallery walk on the left bank explores an area also known for its famous cafés and numerous bookshops. It’s home to the 350-year-old school of fine arts – École des Beaux-Arts. Historically the neighborhood gave refuge to a number of Paris’s cultural past including Eugène Delacroix and Oscar Wilde. In the 1940s it was the center for the existentialist movement.
Today it’s blessed with a high-end cultural environment and picturesque streets. Take a walk with your guide, Naomi, and visit the many galleries in this area, while learning about several key historical locations including the school, a key hotel, and cafés.
9. Paris Gourmet Tour
Take a Paris Gourmet Tour which will help you discover the treasures of Les Halles district which has been home to Paris’ leading restaurants and food suppliers for over 800 years. Guests will have the opportunity to taste the finest French delicacies from vendors who have been feeding locals for generations.
Visit a selection of specialty shops where you will choose a variety of meats, cheeses, bread and hors d’œuvres in order to create your own apéro platter. Once your shopping baskets are full, your guide will accompany you to the celebrated Au Rocher de Cancale restaurant. Here you will assemble your apéro over a wine tasting and finish the tour with a five-star lunch. The ultimate Parisian food and cultural experience.
10. Walking Jazz Tour in Paris
For more than a century, the beautiful city of Paris had been known as the Mecca of jazz. Cafés-concerts, restaurants, live scenes, legendary jazz clubs. Many jazz, blues, and bebop artists have lived and performed there, contributing to the development of an electric musical atmosphere which made famous numerous clubs, especially in the Saint -Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you will dive into the history of jazz during this walking tour and feel the jazz and rhythm that lies at the heart of Paris.
Explore the neighborhoods and nightspots that inspired the Jazz Age writers and artists of Paris and stroll the streets of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, and Les Halles. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Parisian jazz; you will visit jazz cafes, see the sights of former club cellars where late-night jam sessions were held and hear stories of the jazz greats.
You will discover the trendy atmosphere in the Rue de la Huchette and the jazz clubs in the Rue Saint Benoit. Then, you will pass through some small streets populated by bars with live music, where you can also enjoy dinner with wine, beer, or a soft drink.
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