The 9 Best Paris History Tours

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.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

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

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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3.History of Paris City Center w/ Notre Dame Semi-Private 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Start at Cité Métro and walk through Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, Pont Neuf, the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and Place de la Concorde. Your English-speaking guide leads a group of no more than 12. Notre-Dame entry is included, but the interior visit is unguided.

“Jill was very knowledgeable and she did her very best to accommodate our requests. The tour was just perfect!”

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4.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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5.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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6.Explore the Marais: History, Art & Local Culture

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 105 reviews · 2 hours · from $49

Spend two hours walking 2 km through the Marais with an English-speaking guide such as Sarah, Paloma, or Camila. See medieval lanes, LGBTQIA+ landmarks, Saint Gervais, Rue des Rosiers, Place des Vosges, and the Bastille area, with a merveilleux pastry tasting along the way.

“We had an incredible experience with Camilla as our guide. We learned a lot about the area and enjoyed wonderful food.”

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7.Private Half Day Historic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Start at 9:30 a.m. with a private guide in central Paris and walk from Île de la Cité through the Latin Quarter, Sainte-Chapelle, Hôtel de Ville, Le Marais, and the Jewish Quarter. April, Eden, or Simone may lead the outing, though guide assignment is not guaranteed. Water, a map, and dining help are included.

“This was our second time coming to Paris and April was our first call! She is the most lovely, energetic, knowledgeable woman we have ever met! We have done multiple tours with her! On this trip, we did the food tour and not only did we get to try all kinds of new Parisian items, we learned about the history of eclairs and baguettes and more! In a world where traveling to new cities can be very stressful trying to choose what to do to make the most of your time, April should be your first call too! Any of the tours she does will be well worth it and…”

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8.The History of Paris: Historical Le Marais Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $106

Walk through historic Le Marais with a private English-speaking guide for about two hours. Visit Place des Vosges, see Victor Hugo’s former home, explore Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church, and finish near Pont Marie. Guides such as Isabelle, Carlos, Paolo, Murilo, and Maxime have tailored routes for history, architecture, food, shopping, and local life.

“Six stars Paolo, you're the best!! Had a great afternoon with a kind and extremely knowledgeable guide named Paolo. Great tour of a beautiful part of Paris. Saw places and learned history that would have gone otherwise unnoticed during our walks. Paolo pointed out so many amazing places and was truly a great host and guide. Merci Paolo!!!”

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9.Arc de Triomphe Rooftop: Unveil History & Breathtaking Views

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 23 reviews · from $36

Start with an optional 30-minute English introduction outside the Arc de Triomphe, then enter independently and climb to the rooftop. You will have time to study the monument, photograph the Champs-Élysées and Eiffel Tower, and take in Paris at your own pace. The group is limited to 10 people, but the rooftop has no guide.

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