The 8 History Tours in Paris That Earn Their Price

1.Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour

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

Walk central Paris after dark with an English-speaking guide such as Morgan, Catherine, or Leo. Hear grim tales at the Conciergerie, Pont Neuf, Notre Dame, and nearby landmarks, mixing documented history, ghost stories, Templar legends, and Parisian folklore.

“Definitely worth it- very interesting and a great variety of information, our guide Katherine was lovely. Worth our time when we were visiting, would recommend!”

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2.Le Marais/Paris – The Historic, Trendy, Jewish, LGBT district

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $48Top rated

Walk through Le Marais with an English-speaking guide, usually Jill or Eric, on a 1.5 to 2-hour tour linking Place des Vosges, aristocratic mansions, Jewish history, LGBT culture, food shops, gardens, and lesser-known corners. Groups are limited to 10 people.

“Our tour guide Eric was lovely and a fount of information about all things Marais -- and of Paris and more. He managed to teach us about the French kings and revolutions and establishment of the Republic by tying the tour to so many historic events while also highlighting the best sights and tastes in the Marais. We spent just half a day in that section of the city but could have spent days, between the shopping and the great variety of foods -- falafel! pastries! crepes! traditional French fare! -- and museums and architecture. We had a great time exploring with Eric and on our own with Eric's suggestions…”

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3.Le Marais & Montmartre Jewish History Walking Tour

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

Spend 210 minutes with an English-speaking local guide in a group of up to nine, tracing Jewish life from medieval Le Marais to Montmartre’s artists and writers. Expect the Hector Guimard synagogue exterior, the Shoah Memorial, public transport, Sacré-Cœur, and a final view over Paris.

“JP was our guide for the Jewish history tour. He spoke wonderful English and I would definitely go on his food tour too.”

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4.Historic Paris Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 78 reviews · 2h 30m · from $31

Spend 150 minutes walking through central Paris with guides such as Tom, Harry, Thomas, and Yazid. Expect stories of the Louvre, Notre Dame, Napoleon, Quasimodo, art theft, revolution, and Parisian life, with exterior views of major sights rather than museum entry.

“Harry was an amazing tour guide very knowledgeable about the history of Paris .”

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

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 23 reviews · from $36

Meet an English-speaking guide for a 30-minute outdoor introduction to the Arc de Triomphe, then enter on your own and climb to the rooftop. You get open-air views of Paris, the Champs-Élysées, and the Eiffel Tower, with a small group of up to 10.

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6.Fashion History Walking Tour in the Heart of Paris

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 2 hours · from $104

Meet fashion professional Ivo at La Comédie-Française for a two-hour small-group walk through Paris couture. Visit Palais-Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Rue Cambon while learning how Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Goyard, and others shaped French style.

“Ivo was terrific. Very friendly but also very knowledgeable. The walk was comfortable. Not strenuous. We went by some historic places for Paris fashion and learned some history. He also pointed out high fashion shopping areas and talked some about the economics of haute couture. Ivo also gave us tips on things to see such as the Fashion Museum and the Louvre fashion exhibition.”

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7.Montmartre Walking Tour: A Journey Through Art and History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2h 40m · from $34

Join Arthur of Parisian Tales for a 160-minute English walking tour through Montmartre. Limited to 10 people, the route links Moulin Rouge, Picasso’s former haunts, windmills, La Maison Rose, the vineyard, and Sacre-Coeur with art, politics, religion, and tablet illustrations.

“Arthur shared great stories about the artists who have lived in Montmarte. This tour is definitely suited for people who are interested in the lives of known and some lesser known artists. I also appreciate that he shared women artists too, to shed light on great women that were not given attention to in the past.”

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8.Guided Heritage Tour of Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 3 reviews · from $21Best value

Meet your English- or French-speaking guide at Porte Lafayette for a 90-minute after-hours tour of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. You’ll trace the store’s early history, admire its Art Nouveau architecture and stained-glass dome, and see areas normally closed to shoppers.

“Was super interesting. You can definitely take it with you 🙂👍”

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