Paris: Private city tour with local guide & tasting

Summary

Wander Paris’s grand boulevards & secret passages with a local

You’ll stroll through Paris’s iconic landmarks and tucked-away arcades with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect spontaneous moments — maybe a taste of something sweet, or an unexpected view of the Louvre — plus real conversation along grand boulevards and quieter squares you might miss alone. This is the kind of day in Paris you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in his pockets, our guide Michel paused by a bakery window near Palais Royal and asked if we’d ever tried chouquettes. I hadn’t — and honestly, I was still thinking about the buttery smell drifting out onto the street when he started telling us about the old royal residence just around the corner. There’s something about walking through Paris with someone who grew up here; he knew which alley had the best morning light and which café owner would wave even if you didn’t buy anything.

We zigzagged from the 8th arrondissement’s grand buildings to quieter arcades like Galerie Colbert, where the marble floors echoed under our shoes. Michel pointed out a statue in Place des Victoires — apparently King Louis XIV, though I’ll admit I was more distracted by a dog trotting past in a tiny raincoat (Parisian dogs are on another level). The weather kept shifting between drizzle and sun, but nobody seemed to mind. It felt like everyone had somewhere to be except us.

The Louvre loomed up suddenly — bigger than I expected, honestly — and Michel shared a story about his grandmother seeing it before all the crowds came. We didn’t go inside (this tour is more about seeing than queuing), but standing outside, you could hear snippets of every language under the sun. At one point, Michel handed us a little paper bag with something sweet inside (the promised treat) and grinned when I tried to pronounce it. Not even close.

I keep thinking about that walk — how we slipped between famous sights and quiet corners, how Michel greeted people by name or nodded at familiar faces. It wasn’t rushed or rehearsed; just felt like wandering with someone who loves their city enough to share its quirks as well as its postcard views.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Historic Paris Neighborhoods

• Visit 8th Arrondissement historic quartier
• See Palais-Royal and Galerie Colbert arcades
• Tour Louvre Museum masterpieces

Top questions

Is this Paris city tour private?

Yes, this is a private tour for just you and your group with a local guide.

What main sights are included on this tour?

You’ll see highlights like Musée du Louvre, Palais Royal, Place des Victoires, and walk through historic passages such as Galerie Colbert.

Does the tour include any food or drink?

Yes, there’s a local treat included during your walk.

How much walking is involved?

You’ll be walking between several neighborhoods in central Paris; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is pickup included for this Paris private city tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet your guide at an agreed spot in central Paris.

Are children or infants allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation used during the tour?

The tour takes place on foot; public transportation options are nearby if needed before or after.

What’s included

Your day includes a private guided walk through central Paris with stops at major landmarks and hidden gems, plus one local drink or tasting along the way — all led by your own knowledgeable local guide.