Private Paris tour in a 1976 Volkswagen van with guide

Two hours in a convertible van, hitting iconic monuments and the streets locals know

A private guided tour of Paris in a restored 1976 Volkswagen van or 1977 Citroën 2CV, both with roll-back sunroofs, driven by a local guide who speaks English. You'll pass the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre and Notre-Dame, then veer into neighborhoods most tours skip. Pickup is included; the tour runs two hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private guided Paris tour in classic van

• Board classic 1976 Volkswagen van
• Visit Eiffel Tower
• See Arc de Triomphe
• Drive along Champs Elysées
• Explore Sacré Coeur church
• View the Louvre
• Visit Notre Dame de Paris
• Discover hidden gems in Paris
• Learn about French culture and history

The Experience

What makes this different is the vehicle itself. A 1976 Volkswagen van or 1977 Citroën 2CV isn't just transport—it's a rolling landmark, convertible top rolled back so you're shooting photos of monuments while the city shoots photos of you. The guide is a Parisian who speaks fluent English and knows which streets matter and which ones don't, so you're not just passing landmarks, you're learning why they're there and what the neighborhoods around them actually are.

The route covers the obvious first: Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre, Notre-Dame. But the tour doesn't stop there. Between those monuments, the guide takes you off the main drag to find the places that don't make the guidebook—the courtyards, the cafés, the blocks where Parisians live instead of where they pose. Bois de Boulogne anchors one stretch of the route, a park most visitors never reach because it's easier to stay central. The van gets you there and back without the logistics of figuring out the Metro.

Two hours is tight enough that the day doesn't sprawl, but long enough to move through the city instead of just hitting checkboxes. The convertible roof means you're not watching Paris through glass; you're in it, and the light changes as you move through different arrondissements. Bring a camera that works from a moving vehicle—the whole point is that you're riding, not walking, so the sightlines are different from what you'd get on foot.

What’s included

• Guided tour in a private classic 1976 Volkswagen van or 1977 Citroën 2CV with a live English-speaking guide.
• pickup included.
• two hours of driving through central Paris, iconic monuments and hidden neighborhoods.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Christopher's Paris

Is this one for you?The tour is driven, not walked, so there's no hiking or standing around—you're riding the whole time with the convertible roof open. This works well if you want to cover ground and see a lot of Paris without the fatigue of a walking tour, or if you're traveling with small children or anyone who can't manage hours on foot.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the 1976 van and the 1977 Citroën 2CV?

Both are convertible classics with roll-back sunroofs, so either one gives you the open-air sightseeing and the photo opportunity. The operator offers both; you'll ride in whichever is available for your date.

Does the tour stop at any of the major monuments, or is it all driving?

The tour is driven—you're seeing the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre and Notre-Dame from the van, not getting out at each one. The guide points them out and explains them as you pass, and the convertible roof means you can stand and shoot photos without leaving the vehicle.

Can I bring a baby or small child?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks fluent English and French, so you'll get the tour in English with a local's perspective on the city.

Is pickup included, or do I meet the van somewhere?

Pickup is included in the tour price. The operator will arrange where and when the van collects you.

How much of the tour is in Bois de Boulogne?

Bois de Boulogne is one stop on the route, not the whole tour. The two-hour drive covers iconic central Paris monuments and neighborhoods, with Bois de Boulogne as part of the journey to show you parks and green spaces most visitors miss.