With the recent, sad news of Notre Dame and accompanying images of a resilient, proud Paris still fresh in our minds, there has never been a better time to show the City of Love even more. Not only is it one of the most convenient city breaks around, taking little over an hour from A to B, but it’s also one of the most delicious, historical, artistic and romantic. The words ‘something for everyone’ never sounded so succinct.
But with so much out there to entertain and enthrall, in order to get the most from the city, you’re going to need some guidance; a helpful hand to show you the insider tips and tricks to get you truly enlightened in the la Ville des Lumières. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Localers, who offer these 7 IDEAL unique private tours in Paris, to explore further.
IDEAL FOR THE PASSIONATE FOODIE: 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT GOURMET PRIVATE FOOD TOUR
From a plethora of patisseries, boulangeries and delicatessens to cute cafes by the dozen, when it comes to food in Paris, there’s so much to see and do. Step off the Eurostar at Gare du Nord or on to the runway at Charles de Gaulle and you’ll immediately be tempted with shops selling cheeses, charcuterie and pastries at every turn. Traditional French Bistro fare like coq au vin and tarte tatin will be endlessly inviting.
Indeed, the sheer enormity of options can turn the streets of the French Capital into a culinary minefield; a Parisdox of Choice, if you will. It’s important in such cases to narrow your options down to a single neighbourhood, and there is no better place for indulging than the 7th arrondissement, home to some of Paris’ finest restaurants.
IDEAL FOR THE SWEET TOOTHED: SWEET SIDE FOOD TOUR OF PARIS
Even if your top button’s undone and your belly bursting, there’s always room for dessert, right? In the suave and swanky Saint Germain des Pres, a two hour walking tour and marathon six(!) sweet treats later, your urge for a taste of the best of French desserts will be sated. On the menu are macaroons, cream puffs, intricate chocolate creations and more. Be sure to bring your camera for this one, the food is so pretty you won’t know whether to eat, photograph or hang it on your wall!
IDEAL FOR THE BUDDING PASTRY CHEFS: PARIS MACARON BAKING CLASS
Still not full?! Well, Paris is one of the world’s great foodie cities after all, so there’s no shame in wanting to keep the focus on food. A macaron class next, then. This session will have you baking the delicious French treats at superstar chef level in no time, complete with so many to take home you’ll be tempted to gift them away to every passerby on Champs Elysee once you’re done.
With Paris private tours on Localers.com, you’ll get access to guides who are proficient in English and French, as well as the global culinary language, meaning no nuance will be missed in the detailed recipes and chef’s tips.
IDEAL FOR THE MORBIDLY CURIOUS: WALK ON THE DARK SIDE OF PARIS – NIGHT TOUR
There’s something about nightfall in Paris, when the City of Light becomes something altogether more mysterious, exciting and, shall we say, a little dangerous. This tour explores the darker side of the city, with macabre tales of murder and mayhem helping you to dig up as many skeletons in Paris’ closet as you can manage in two hours. Not one for the faint hearted, this!
IDEAL FOR THE ART FANS: ORSAY MUSEUM IMPRESSIONISTS PRIVATE TOUR
Paris’ Musée d’Orsay houses some of the world’s most famous paintings, and that’s great, but if you really want to dig deep into the hidden meanings and undiscovered gems of this amazing museum and gallery, a private tour is the only way to go. With the stories provided by expert guides, new life will be breathed into pieces of work already analysed and devoured by the public for hundreds of years. What’s more, you’ll be able to skip the notoriously snaking line, helping you get up close and personal with these great works of art in record time. Lovely stuff.
IDEAL FOR THE REBEL HEARTS: FRENCH REVOLUTION TOUR – ROBESPIERRE & FRIENDS
Vive la révolution! One for the history buffs and rebel hearts, the French Revolution Tour takes you deep into the blood soaked days of the revolution when the country and continent changed forever. Led by a professional storyteller who spins their yarns with skill, the three hour trip is hands on and immersive, with objects and places associated with this ferocious fight for freedom unearthed at every turn.
IDEAL FOR INSTAGRAM ADDICTS: PARIS PRIVATE PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SHOOT
One of the most picturesque cities on the planet, an overactive Instagram habit and a professional photographer? That’s some menage a trois, right there. With so many iconic, romantic backdrops available in Paris, this tour is particularly suited to those engaged and wanting some amazing wedding photos, as well as honeymooners wanting to capture their first flushes on married life. Equally, eager influencers and budding models will find much to cherish with this tour.
