Private History Tours in France: Our Top 8

1.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

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

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

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

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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3.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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4.Private Guided History tour of Lourdes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend about three hours walking Lourdes with an English-speaking guide such as Laure, Jodine, or Sandrine. Visit the grotto, basilicas, Bernadette’s birthplace, her family’s former home, and choose between the castle or extra sanctuary time. The route adapts to your interests and walking pace.

“Sandrine was so nice and patient with us. We really enjoyed the guided tour with her. We would definitely recommend her to anyone. Thank you”

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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.Arles: Private Guide Tour – Explore History & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 22 reviews · 2 hours · from $235

Spend two hours walking Arles with a private English, French, German, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide. See the Roman amphitheatre, Antique Theatre, Place de la République, Arles Obelisk, and Hotel Dieu, linked to Van Gogh. Entrance tickets and transport are not included, and the route can be adjusted to your interests.

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