Explore Paris’ Old Town and Savor French Cuisine in a Private Tour

This private tour in Paris offers a delicious journey through the city’s historic Old Town, combining sightseeing with a full-course French meal. Priced at $372 per person, it lasts between 2.5 to 5 hours, making it flexible for different schedules. Led by a food expert guide, this experience promises a deep dive into French gastronomy alongside visits to iconic landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic regional flavors and local culinary traditions. It’s ideal for those eager to sample full portions of classic dishes, discover hidden culinary gems, and enjoy guided sightseeing in the historic heart of Paris. However, it’s worth noting that the menu varies depending on the visited venues, and additional food or drinks are not included outside the tastings.

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Key Points

Private, guided experience with a knowledgeable food expert
Includes a full-course French meal, desserts, and drinks
Options for 2.5 hours, 3.5 hours, or 5 hours with increasing food and beverage offerings
Visits to 1, 2, or 4 venues, including restaurants and a patisserie
Sightseeing of Paris Old Town highlights such as Notre Dame, Hôtel de Ville, and Saint-Jacques Tower
Focus on traditional French dishes like Lobster Bisque, Ratatouille, Crêpes, and Croissants

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Starting Point and Tour Duration

The tour begins at Britannique Hotel – Paris Centre, 20 Av. Victoria. Travelers should arrive promptly, as late arrivals may result in the cancellation of the reservation. Tours are flexible, running from 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on the selected option, with the longer options offering more venues, dishes, and drinks.

The 2.5-hour option involves visiting 1 restaurant and 1 patisserie, offering a satisfying full meal along with tea, coffee, and soda. The 3.5-hour version adds another venue, with more dishes like Truffade or Boeuf Bourguignon, and a French beer to pair with cheeses. The 5-hour tour is the most comprehensive, featuring 4 venues, 8 beers, and a variety of hot dishes, soups, desserts, and local delicacies.

Discovering Paris’ Old Town Highlights

Throughout the tour, the guide takes you through notable Old Town landmarks such as the Saint-Jacques Tower, Hôtel de Ville, and Notre Dame Cathedral. These stops offer a chance to appreciate Paris’ historic architecture and cultural atmosphere, all while enjoying explanations from the guide about the city’s history and significance.

This combination of sightseeing and tasting makes the experience engaging without feeling rushed. The tour balances visual delights with the sensory pleasure of French cuisine, providing a well-rounded introduction to Paris’ historic core.

The French Food Experience: Full Meals and Desserts

Instead of small samples, the tour emphasizes serving enough food for a full meal. Participants get to try famous dishes like Lobster Bisque and Ratatouille, alongside delicious desserts such as Crêpes, Croissants, and Palmiers. The guide explains the origins, ingredients, and cooking methods behind each dish, helping to deepen appreciation for French culinary traditions.

In the longer options, the menu expands to include Truffade (a potato and cheese pancake) or Boeuf Bourguignon (beef stewed in Burgundy wine). These dishes showcase regional flavors and cooking techniques that highlight France’s gastronomic heritage.

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Beers, Beverages, and Additional Tastings

The 3.5-hour tour includes one beer, ideally paired with cheese for an authentic tasting experience. The 5-hour version ups the ante with eight different beers, including French craft beers, which are served alongside hot dishes, desserts, and appetizers.

Participants enjoy soft drinks, coffee or tea during the meal, with the longer options offering a broader beverage selection to complement the culinary experience.

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Visiting Iconic Landmarks in the Heart of Paris

The tour covers key landmarks in the Île de la Cité, including the impressive Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows, the historic Conciergerie, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. While the focus remains on food and culture, the provided sightseeing enriches the experience, offering context for the culinary discoveries.

The guide’s commentary brings these historic sites to life, making the tour a combination of history, architecture, and gastronomy.

Food Venues and Menu Variability

Participants visit 1, 2, or 3 venues depending on the selected duration. Venues include restaurants and a patisserie, chosen for their authenticity and quality. The menu is not fixed and varies based on venue availability, but will always feature classic French dishes and desserts.

The guide ensures the best food options are selected, making each visit a satisfying culinary experience. The focus is on serving substantial portions rather than small samples, emphasizing the generosity of French cuisine.

Logistics, Flexibility, and Practical Tips

The tour is private, with a private group, and is guided by a multilingual expert fluent in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, or Polish. Travelers should arrive on time at the meeting point to avoid missing out on reservations.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later provides flexibility for planning. Dietary requirements such as food allergies or vegetarian options should be communicated in advance.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This French cuisine-focused tour suits foodies who want more than just small tastings and prefer full meals paired with local drinks. It works well for those interested in historic sights but who prefer a culinary emphasis over extensive sightseeing. The private nature makes it a good choice for couples, families, or small groups seeking an intimate experience.

The longer options are perfect for gourmets eager to explore regional dishes and beer pairings, while the shorter tour offers a taste of Paris’ culinary and historic highlights in a more condensed format.

Final Thoughts on the Paris Old Town Food Tour

This tour offers a well-balanced combination of sightseeing and culinary discovery in Paris’ historic Old Town. The full-course meals and variety of dishes highlight the generosity and richness of French cuisine, making it a satisfying experience for food lovers.

The private guide ensures personalized attention and insightful explanations, elevating the experience beyond just tasting food. The inclusion of landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame provides a cultural backdrop that enhances the overall value.

While the menu varies and additional food or drinks are not included outside the tastings, the quality and authenticity of the offerings make this a memorable way to explore Paris’ culinary and historic heart.

Ready to Book?

Paris: Old Town and French Food Private Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers private guiding, full-course meals, desserts, soft drinks, coffee or tea, and beer depending on the selected option.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is in front of the Britannique Hotel – Paris Centre, at 20 Av. Victoria. No entry to the hotel is necessary.

Can I customize or request specific dietary options?
Yes, dietary requirements like food allergies or vegetarian options should be notified in advance.

How long does each tour option last?
The 2.5-hour tour visits 1 venue, the 3.5-hour option includes 2 venues, and the 5-hour tour visits 4 venues with more food and drinks.

What landmarks will I see during the tour?
You will see Sainte-Chapelle, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame, and other Old Town highlights.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
While menus vary, vegetarian options may be available; it’s advised to inform the provider in advance.

Are drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and beer are included depending on the tour length.

Can children join this tour?
This tour is designed for adults of legal drinking age; children may not be suitable, especially for the beer portions.

Is there an option to cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What makes this tour different from others?
It combines comprehensive full meals with sightseeing in Paris’ Old Town, all through a private guided experience focused on authentic French cuisine.