The 12 Best History Walking Tours in France

1.Paris: Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,000 reviews · 2 hours · from $35Our pick

Walk central Paris at night with an English-speaking guide such as Morgan, Catherine, Leo, or Joris. Over two hours, hear grim tales at Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, and the Conciergerie, from executions and Templar secrets to haunted theaters and a Parisian vampire. Choose a shared or private tour, and wear shoes suited to cobblestones.

“Absolutely fantastic and informative walking tour, really enjoyed walking around the near the Notre Dame hearing the darker stories of Paris. Well worth the time and money! :)”

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2.Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Meet guide Paul at Place Saint-Jean for a two-hour English walk through Vieux Lyon. You’ll see the cathedral clock, secret traboules, Tour Rose, silk-making traditions, Lyon’s courthouses, Théâtre des Célestins, and Hôtel Dieu. It is a small-group tour with a nominal fee, though tips are expected.

“Paul was a very good guide and engaging speaker. It was a great introduction to the city and its history. Lots of restaurant suggestions and further sightseeing suggestions.”

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3.Strasbourg: Guided Historical Neighborhoods Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Spend 150 minutes walking through Strasbourg with a local guide, usually Davide or David, in English or Italian. Begin at Place de la République, pass through Neustadt, Place Broglie, Place Kléber, Grand’Rue, and Petite France, then finish at Notre Dame Cathedral. Expect clear history, funny anecdotes, café and restaurant tips, and a group limited to 10 people.

“David provided an interesting and fun tour of Strasbourg. He was animated and kept the group moving along at a good pace.”

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4.Strasbourg on Foot: Historic Center and Petite France with a Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 223 reviews · 2 hours · from $34

Spend two hours walking from Place Kléber through Strasbourg’s cathedral quarter, Rohan Palace, Gutenberg Square, Saint-Thomas, the Covered Bridges, and Petite France. Guides including Stefania, Leila, Stef, Maya, and Javier lead in English or Spanish, adding local food tips, historical stories, a city map, and a small Alsatian sweet tasting.

“Maya was an entertaining, enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. She had great tips on what and where to eat, and what to see and do. Great introduction to Strasbourg!”

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5.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $107

Walk through Paris’s fashion quarter with Ivo, a private guide with fashion design training and industry experience. In about two hours, you’ll connect Palais-Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Rue Cambon with the stories of Chanel, Dior, Poiret, and today’s fashion houses. Expect an outdoor tour tailored to your interests, plus practical shopping advice.

“This tour was so much fun!! Ivo was fantastic- so entertaining and informational! Would definitely recommend this tour!!”

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6.Paris City Center w/ Notre Dame interior | Exclusive Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.) · from $59

This 2-hour-40-minute English walking tour begins at Notre-Dame and crosses Île de la Cité, Pont Neuf, the Louvre area, Palais-Royal, and the Tuileries Gardens before ending at Place de la Concorde. Guides such as Eden, Adrien, Jay, and Maria explain Paris history in a lively, personal way. Notre-Dame entry is included, but the cathedral visit is unguided.

“It was pouring rain during this tour.. however Adrien was excellent! Super knowledgeable and friendly. A perfect Guide!”

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7.Paris: Le Marais & Montmartre Jewish History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 170 reviews · 3h 30m · from $80

Spend 210 minutes with an English-speaking local guide exploring Jewish Paris in Le Marais and Montmartre. See Guimard’s synagogue, the Shoah Memorial, artists’ haunts, and Sacré-Cœur. Guides such as Benjamin, Benoit, Pierre-Louis, and Achilles bring French and Jewish history together in a small group of up to nine people.

“Benoit was a great tour guide. He made the Marais history relevant and interest ng. Additionally, he gave great advice about other Paris tourist stuff. Highly recommend!!”

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8.Avignon: History and Legend Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 122 reviews · 2 hours · from $23Best value

Walk Avignon’s old center with Ana Maria, a warm local guide who brings the city’s popes, legends, churches, and medieval streets to life. In two hours, you’ll see the Pont Saint-Bénézet, Popes’ Palace, cathedral, Place de l’Horloge, and more. Paid monument entry is not included.

“Super nice, friendly, funny and witty personality. Went through the history of Avignon putting it into a historical perspective to the rest of Europe in an easy and pedagogical way without getting boring on any occasion. We enjoyed every minute of the 2 hours well spent in this fantastic medieval city. Well recommended!”

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9.Strasbourg: Private Walking Tour of the Historical Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 107 reviews · 2 hours · from $235

Meet your private guide at Place du Quartier Blanc for a two-hour walk through Strasbourg’s Grand Island. See the Cathedral of Notre-Dame from outside, 13th-century covered bridges, Place Broglie, medieval churches, canals, and lesser-known corners. Tours are offered in seven languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese.

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10.Avignon: Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

Spend 3.5 hours walking Avignon’s old town with a guide such as Zahra or Clara, stopping at Les Halles, local shops, and eateries for at least four tastings. Expect Provençal specialties, one alcoholic drink, water, and plenty of stories about the city. Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and leave large bags behind.

“Great tour with Laur! A nice small good and a great variety of tastings. Particularly enjoyed the wine and cheese stop. Thankyou”

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11.Bordeaux: Walking Tour of the City’s Best Bakeries

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 69 reviews · 3 hours · from $68

Meet Nikesh, Josh, Joshua, or Desi by the green-door entrance of Saint Michel Basilica for a three-hour pastry walk through Bordeaux. You’ll visit several boulangeries and patisseries, taste French baked goods with a drink, hear local history, and explore both famous sights and quieter neighborhoods. The group is limited to 10 people.

“Our tour with Joshua was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and congenial, sharing a lot about regional traditions on food and history, including how the city has transformed over the centuries and in recent years. We had some excellent delicacies along the way too. A solid choice.”

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12.Avignon: Private Walking Tour – Discover History & Heritage

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 45 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $235

Walk through Avignon with a private blue badge guide in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. Choose two hours for the main sights and palace exterior, or three hours with Palace of the Popes admission and a walk on St. Bénezet Bridge. Guides include Marc, Alexia, and Marie Josée.

“Alexia was great. Would def use her for another tour.”

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