Where the concierge points people first
- City Sightseeing Paris — The open-top hop-on hop-off buses looping the big sights. Large groups by definition, and best as a first-day orientation rather than a way to see anything closely. (48.8652, 2.3345)
- Discover Walks Paris — Walking tours by neighborhood on a pay-what-you-like basis, where you tip the guide at the end. Groups can be sizeable in summer, so arrive early and stand near the front. (48.8657, 2.3364)
- 2CVPrivateParis — Tours in a vintage Citroën 2CV with a driver, the car seating only a few passengers. Private, slow and very photogenic, for a couple or a small family. (48.8900, 2.3380)
- Txango Tours - Paris Sidecar Tours — A seat in a motorbike sidecar with a driver-guide. One or two passengers per machine, so it is the most personal option here. (48.8524, 2.2873)
- Free Tour París Español — Walking tours in Spanish, on a tip basis. Worth knowing for Spanish-speaking travelers who would rather not follow a tour in English or French. (48.8568, 2.3517)
The rest of the tour operators in Paris — every one we hold
- Colorado (France) (48.8929, 2.2808)
- Escudo Rojo (48.8856, 2.3237)
- Eurobusexpress (48.8662, 2.3576)
- From Paris Tour (48.8836, 2.2910)
- Jet tours Gobelins (48.8376, 2.3518)
- L'Univers Tours Paris (48.8268, 2.3305)
- La Cachette de Paris (48.8913, 2.3385)
- Les Canards de Paris (48.8559, 2.2971)
- Memories France (48.8563, 2.3504)
- Paris Authentic (48.8629, 2.3410)
- Paris Notre Dame Cathedral (48.8683, 2.3511)
- Regencia Transfert (48.8287, 2.2403)
- SeeWay Tour (48.8402, 2.3070)
- The Curiosity Collective (48.8578, 2.3009)
- Tour Totem (48.8503, 2.2838)
- Versailles Tourisme et Transport (48.8923, 2.3307)
Inside museums, only a licensed guide may lead you
In France, guiding a group inside national museums and historic monuments is restricted to holders of the professional guide-conférencier card. Outdoor walking tours, bus tours and drives do not need it, which is why the street is full of tip-based walks while tours inside the Louvre or Versailles use licensed guides. If a tour includes entry to a monument, ask whether the guide holds the card and whether entry tickets are included in the price or extra.
Questions people ask
What are the best tour operators in Paris?
For a first overview, City Sightseeing Paris. On foot and on a budget, Discover Walks Paris. For something private and memorable, 2CVPrivateParis or Txango Tours - Paris Sidecar Tours.
How many tour operators are there in Paris?
Num's directory maps 21 tour operators in Paris, a category that also includes a few coach and transfer companies.
Are free walking tours in Paris really free?
There is no set price, but the guide expects a tip at the end, and that tip is how they are paid. Give what the tour was worth to you.
Ask Num which kind of Paris tour suits your group
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