Top 15 Unforgettable Tours to Experience in Paris

The French capital of Paris is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations globally. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, centuries of architectural wonders, and the distinct Parisian lifestyle, millions of visitors flock to this vibrant city each year.

Whether your interests lie in museums and cathedrals or in contemporary creative scenes and gastronomic delights, Paris affords an array of experiences to please every palate.

However, amidst this vast assortment of options, selecting the best activities during your visit to the City of Lights can be a challenging task. Below are 15 premier tours and experiences available in Paris.

1. Paris Illuminations 1 Hour Cruise

Recognized as the City of Lights, a nocturnal boat ride along the Seine can prove to be an exceptionally romantic and fulfilling experience, allowing you to appreciate the iconic sights illuminated beautifully.

Atmospheric music accompanies your journey as you smoothly pass notable landmarks such as Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and numerous bridges that grace the Seine, uniting the city.

The boat features traditional Bateaux Parisiens design, thereby enhancing the romantic ambiance.

2. Paris Catacombs Skip the Line Ticket

If you prefer a dimmer atmosphere, embark on a journey into the Paris catacombs to uncover a more somber aspect of the French capital.

The skeletal remains of over 6 million Parisians adorn the catacomb walls, featuring extensive collections of skulls. This tour is equipped with an audio guide, enabling you to explore the subterranean medieval chambers at your own pace.

This experience also allows for expedited entry to this increasingly popular attraction. Enter at your own discretion.

3. Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne

The Moulin Rouge has long represented the vibrant nightlife of Paris, showcasing a diverse array of cabaret performances. The Montmartre district has been an artistic haven for centuries, continuously attracting the city’s creative minds.

This experience enables you to witness one of the most renowned shows at the Moulin Rouge: Féerique. Featuring over 100 performers, this critically acclaimed production is a dazzling spectacle of Doris Girls, rhinestone-studded costumes, and radiant lights.

A complimentary half bottle of champagne will also be provided.

4. Opera Garnier Tour with Expert Guides in Paris

The Opera Garnier, recognized as Europe’s largest opera house, has hosted some of the most significant opera performances worldwide over the centuries. Visitors will appreciate the opportunity to explore the musical heritage of Paris, alongside appreciating the stunning architecture of the opera house itself. This 90-minute tour features a dedicated guide from the Opera de Paris, the city’s official authority for this art form. You will gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insight typically reserved for regular patrons of the opera house.

5. Versailles and Gardens Skip The Line Ticket and Audio Guide

The expansive Palace of Versailles once served as the residence of French royalty. It has endured revolutions, two World Wars, and continues to stand as a significant tourist destination in Paris today.

The palace’s walls are adorned with exceptional artworks, while its grand architecture and decor offer profound insights into the history of European royalty.

The most lauded attraction, the Hall of Mirrors, serves as a popular photo opportunity for many visitors to Paris. This tour comes with an audio guide, enabling you to discover the palace and gardens at your leisure.

6. Orangerie Museum Small Group Guided Visit

The Musée de L’Orangerie is one of the most distinctive of Paris’ cultural institutions. It exclusively houses impressionist and post-impressionist artworks, ranging from traditional impressionist paintings to murals and interactive installations.

This museum frequently draws large crowds, and this ticket allows you to bypass the lines, granting quicker entry and allowing more time to explore the rest of Paris.

You will receive access to both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

7. Paris: 1, 2, or 3-Day Hop-on Hop-off Ticket

For those with limited time in Paris seeking an efficient way to navigate the city’s key attractions, hop-on-hop-off buses represent an excellent choice.

These services can also serve as a fantastic introduction to the city on your first day, providing an overview of the primary attractions. This ticket grants access to four different bus routes, showcasing up to 40 notable sights within the city.

Purchasing passes for one, two, or three days is possible, and you also receive an audio guide that delivers insights into each site, enriching your understanding of the locations you may not have the opportunity to explore thoroughly.

8. Notre Dame Cathedral Guided Tour

The stunning Gothic architecture of Notre Dame constitutes one of the most remarkable landmarks in Paris. While access to the main cathedral is complimentary, there is a fee to ascend one of the towers.

This guided tour encompasses the tower climb within your ticket price and features detailed commentary about the cathedral, delivered by a knowledgeable local guide.

The one-hour tour includes discussions on the architectural details, the religious significance, and legends surrounding the cathedral, along with explorations of the immediate vicinity.

9. Panthéon Admission Ticket and Self-Guided Tour

A pantheon serves as a monument honoring distinguished individuals within a specific location, and the Panthéon in Paris memorializes some of the most influential figures in French history, spanning from the Revolution to contemporary times.

This hour-long self-guided experience allows you to investigate the building at your own pace while learning about the notable figures commemorated within its walls and the history of the structure.

You will also have access to the upper levels for a unique perspective over the city.

10. Paris 90-Minute Street Art Tour

Although not as widely recognized as more prominent street art venues in Berlin and Melbourne, Paris boasts its own vibrant street art ecosystem. Knowing where to look is key to uncovering its hidden gems.

This tour pairs you with a local street art expert, who possesses in-depth knowledge of the city’s prime locations, along with insights about the artists themselves.

You will also have the chance to discover the various techniques utilized by these artists to create their works.

11. Eiffel Tower Guided Climb with Optional Summit Access

The Eiffel Tower stands as perhaps the most iconic representation of Paris and, indeed, of France as a whole.

This landmark attracts thousands of visitors daily, the majority of whom opt for the elevator. This tour encourages you to ascend the tower using the network of stairs gracefully adorning its structure.

A guide accompanies you, ensuring your safety as you ascend whilst imparting fascinating insights about the tower and notable structures visible from the viewpoints.

Additionally, you have the option to pay slightly more for summit access, allowing you to boast about having ascended the tower using only your own strength.

12. Behind the Scenes of the Grand Rex: 50-Minute Studio Tour

Owing to the global acclaim of French New Wave cinema, Paris has risen to prominence as a key destination for film enthusiasts.

The Grand Rex Studios have been central to the production of numerous films, both domestic and international, and this tour grants exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into these cinematic endeavors.

Interactive features enhance the experience, immersing you into the rich film culture of Paris.

13. Ultimate Versailles: 90-Minute Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

This magnificent palace boasts exquisite artwork and architecture, rendering it impossible to fully appreciate in a single visit.

Fortunately, this guided tour allows you to bypass the extensive queues at the Palace of Versailles while simultaneously providing a 90-minute guided experience.

The guides possess extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for French history, revealing numerous intriguing facts about the French monarchy. Following the guided portion, you are free to continue exploring the palace at your own speed.

14. Père Lachaise Cemetery Guided Tour

Although it may initially appear somewhat morbid, the Père Lachaise Cemetery is one of the most enchanting sites in Paris, captivating a diverse array of visitors.

Prominent figures from France and across the globe rest within this cemetery, and this guided tour unravels the stories behind one of the world’s most exclusive burial grounds.

You will hear anecdotes regarding the renowned individuals interred here and learn about the diverse death rituals practiced within these grounds.

15. Paris: Entrance Ticket to the Chocolate Museum

France presents a genuine delight for culinary enthusiasts, and this chocolate museum imparts critical insights into the rich history of this beloved treat worldwide.

From the Aztec origins to contemporary chocolatiers, this comprehensive exploration captures the essence of what makes cocoa-based confections universally cherished.

Chocolate tastings are, of course, included and visitors can conclude their experience with a custom hot chocolate selected from among six delicious recipes. Additional features for children, such as a chocolate treasure hunt, can also be incorporated.