Best Bits of Paris – 40 Favourites – Walking Tour

If you’re looking to see the best sights of Paris in about five hours, the Best Bits of Paris – 40 Favourites – Walking Tour offers a comprehensive and lively way to explore the City of Light. Priced at $71.15 per person, this small-group experience is perfect for travelers who want to cover over 40 sites, from historic neighborhoods to famous landmarks, all with an engaging local guide. The tour lasts approximately five hours and emphasizes walking and metro transit, making it a dynamic way to get acquainted with the city’s highlights.

This tour is especially suited for those comfortable with several hours of walking, and it is designed to maximize sightseeing in a manageable timeframe. While metro tickets are not included, the experience offers an excellent overview of Paris’s most celebrated locations, with plenty of opportunities for photos and learning along the way. The overall high ratings—a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from 18 reviews—reflect strong satisfaction with the knowledgeable guides and well-planned itinerary.

Key Points

• Visits over 40 must-see sites within approximately five hours, providing a broad overview of Paris.
• Led by experienced local guides who share interesting stories and insights about each location.
• Includes a lunch break on a charming food street, offering the chance to try local dishes (own expense).
• Combines walking and public transport (metro), with metro tickets at €14.00 per person.
• Tour is suitable for those comfortable with walking and with moderate physical fitness.
• Limited to 10 travelers, creating a more relaxed, small-group atmosphere.

Meeting and Ending Points in the Heart of Paris

The tour begins at 147 Bd Saint-Germain, right outside the Saint Germain des Pres metro station. This neighborhood is known for its artistic history and lively cafes. The journey concludes at Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, offering a prime viewing spot of the Eiffel Tower. This makes it easy to continue exploring or head to nearby attractions after the tour.

Exploring the Saint Germain des Pres Quarter

The first stop is at Saint Germain des Pres, a neighborhood once famed for its bohemian vibe and artistic residents. Here, you’ll walk through charming streets and soak in the atmosphere of iconic cafes and galleries. The guide shares stories about the area’s history, giving context to its current chic reputation. This stop lasts about 25 minutes and is free of charge, serving as a perfect introduction to Paris’s historic neighborhoods.

Inside and Outside the Eglise Saint-Sulpice

Next, the tour visits Eglise Saint-Sulpice, an impressive church known for its architecture and historical significance. Visitors get an inside look during a 15-minute stop, where the guide discusses its fascinating history. While there is no admission fee, the focus is on appreciating the church’s architecture and cultural role in Paris.

Strolling Through Luxembourg Gardens and Passersby

A highlight of the tour is the Luxembourg Gardens, a beautifully maintained public space with lush greenery and a grand palace. The 25-minute walk includes a passing view of the Luxembourg Palace, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets. The gardens are perfect for photos and relaxing, and the guide points out notable features along the way.

Admiring the Panthéon from Outside

The Pantheon is an architectural marvel that the tour views from the outside during a 25-minute stop. While inside visits are not part of this experience, the guide explains its history and significance as a mausoleum for France’s notable figures. The panoramic view from the hill offers a great photo opportunity.

Walking the Roman Streets of Quartier Latin

The Quartier Latin is the historic heart of Paris’s academic and literary life. During a one-hour visit, the group strolls through its lively streets and passes by traditional bookstores, cafes, and shops. The tour includes a 30-minute break on a food street, where guests can sample French crepes or other local dishes at their own expense. This is a perfect chance to experience authentic Parisian cuisine.

Exterior Views of Notre-Dame Cathedral

While the inside of Notre-Dame is currently closed for reconstruction, the tour allows time to admire its exterior and learn about its history. The 30-minute stop provides a photo moment at one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, emphasizing its architectural and cultural importance.

Crossing the Seine River and Viewing the Hôtel de Ville

Guests enjoy a 15-minute crossing of the Seine River, capturing photos of the waterway and Parisian bridges. The next stop is Hôtel de Ville, the seat of Paris’s city council since the 14th century. The 15-minute outside visit showcases its neo-renaissance design and historical role in Paris politics.

Seeing the Louvre’s Exterior and the Arc de Triomphe

The Louvre Museum is viewed from the outside, with the guide sharing its history during a 30-minute stop. The focus on the building’s façade allows for photo opportunities without entering. Just afterward, the group visits the Arc de Triomphe, where a 30-minute stop includes gazing down the Champs Elysées from the arch’s vantage point.

Ending at the Trocadéro with a Classic Eiffel Tower View

The tour concludes at Place du Trocadéro, offering the best photo spot of the Eiffel Tower. Visitors have about 25 minutes to take pictures and soak in the iconic view before ending the experience. The tour’s small size (maximum 10 travelers) ensures a relaxed pace and personalized attention.

Practical Details and Tips for Participants

• The tour includes a guide, whose local knowledge and storytelling receive high praise, with guides like Claire, Saxon, Johann, and Luciana noted for their professionalism and expertise.
• Metro tickets are not included in the price but can be purchased separately for €14.00 per person for the day.
• The tour is accessible with strollers, but be aware that metro stations have stairs only, which may affect guests with limited mobility.
• Comfortable footwear is essential, as the tour involves several hours of walking.
• The experience is perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed, informative pace in a small group setting.

Why Choose This Paris Tour

This tour stands out for its comprehensive coverage of Paris’s top sites in five hours, with experienced guides bringing each location to life through stories and context. The combination of walking and metro rides allows efficient navigation across the city, providing a true taste of Paris’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks.

The lunch stop adds a chance to try local dishes, and the small group size ensures a more personal experience. Review feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides and amazing views, particularly of the Eiffel Tower, as key strengths.

However, the intense itinerary and multiple metro transitions require guests to be comfortable with walking and public transport. The tour does not go inside major landmarks, focusing instead on exterior views and history, which may limit those seeking extensive interior visits.

Best Bits of Paris – 40 Favourites: Is It Worth It?

This small-group walking tour offers a robust introduction to Paris’s most famous sites. Its value lies in covering many locations in a single day, guided by local experts who enrich the experience with engaging stories. The high ratings and positive reviews speak to its reliability and quality.

Travelers who enjoy walking tours with a mix of sightseeing and local flavor will find this experience rewarding. Its focus on major landmarks, neighborhood strolls, and photo moments makes it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Paris.

The only notable consideration is the physical requirement for substantial walking and metro use. Guests who prefer inside visits or a more leisurely pace might find this tour a bit fast-paced but will still benefit from the wide-ranging overview of Paris’s best bits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
A professional local guide leads the tour, providing commentary at each site. The tour includes over 40 sites, a lunch stop, and public metro rides.

Are metro tickets included in the price?
No, metro tickets are not included but can be purchased separately for €14.00 per person.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately five hours, covering multiple neighborhoods and landmarks.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the several hours of walking involved.

Is the tour accessible with strollers?
Yes, the tour is accessible with strollers, but metro stations have stairs only, which may be a consideration for some guests.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.

Does the tour include inside visits to landmarks?
No, most landmarks are viewed from the outside or from designated vantage points, including Notre-Dame and Louvre.

What makes this tour stand out?
Its extensive site coverage, expert guides, and efficient metro navigation make it a popular choice for a full-day overview of Paris.