Paris: Private Custom Day Tour with Metro & Flexible Stops

Summary

Wander Paris your way from Notre Dame to Montmartre with a local

You’ll shape your own day in Paris with a private guide who meets you at your hotel, helps you navigate metro rides, and brings you close to landmarks like Notre Dame or Sacré-Coeur. Expect unscripted moments—local cafés, side streets you’d never find alone—and stories that make Paris feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, we nearly missed our first metro because I couldn’t figure out which direction the line was running — classic me. Our guide, Camille, just grinned and said, “Bienvenue à Paris!” and somehow made my confusion feel like part of the experience. We started in the 5th Arrondissement, right outside our hotel, and the city felt both huge and oddly familiar as we stepped into that old tiled station (the faint smell of metal and croissants mixing together — only in Paris). The tour was private, so it really was just us moving at our own weird pace.

Camille let us pick what we wanted — so we did a bit of everything. She led us through Le Marais where I tried (and failed) to pronounce ‘falafel’ properly at L’As du Fallafel (she laughed, I blushed). We walked past Notre Dame — or as close as you can get now — and she pointed out a tiny side street where locals still slip through after the fire. That moment stuck with me; seeing Parisians quietly weaving around scaffolding like it’s nothing. For lunch we ducked into some café she liked near the Seine, not fancy but honestly better than anything I’d have found on my own.

Montmartre was next, all steep steps and that weird mix of tourists and artists. Camille told us stories about Sacré-Coeur that didn’t sound rehearsed — more like things she’d heard from her grandmother. The wind up there was sharp, carrying smells of roasting chestnuts (or maybe that’s just what I wanted it to be). We could’ve taken a taxi but decided to stick with the metro for the full Paris effect — even when it meant squeezing in beside someone’s accordion case. And yeah, by then my feet were tired but I didn’t really care anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Custom private tour of Paris highlights

• Choose preferred attractions
• Visit 7th Arrondissement sights
• Approach Notre Dame Cathedral area
• Explore 4th Arrondissement nearby
• Tour 1st Arrondissement landmarks
• Discover Le Marais neighborhood
• See Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
• Walk around Montmartre area
• Visit 8th Arrondissement attractions
• Explore 5th Arrondissement sites
• Use public transport or taxi as needed

Top questions

How long is the private custom Paris day tour?

You can choose between a half-day (3.5 hours) or full-day (7 hours) tour.

Does this tour include pickup at my accommodation?

Yes, your guide meets you right at your hotel or apartment in Paris.

Are entry tickets to museums included?

Museum tickets are available on request for an extra fee; entry isn’t automatically included.

Can I choose which neighborhoods or landmarks to visit?

Yes, you decide exactly which sights or areas—like Montmartre or Le Marais—you want to see.

Is public transport included in the price?

Yes, all public transport costs—including metro rides—are covered during your tour.

Is this private tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour uses public transport and walking; it may not suit those with poor cardiovascular health.

Can I request a private car instead of using metro?

A private car is available on request for an extra fee if preferred over public transport.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your private guide at your accommodation in Paris, all public transport costs using the historic metro system (or taxi/private car if requested for an extra fee), plus help booking museum tickets if you want them. You set the pace and stops—from Montmartre to Le Marais—while your guide handles logistics along the way.