Paris Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre and Montmartre Guided Tour

Explore the Best of Paris in One Day for $138.38

This full-day guided tour in Paris offers a comprehensive experience of the city’s most iconic sights. Priced at $138.38 per person, it includes visits to Montmartre, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and a Seine River cruise, all within approximately 8 hours. The tour features skip-the-line tickets for the Louvre, saving valuable time and allowing guests to focus on the art and history.

Starting at a centrally located meeting point, this tour is ideal for visitors who want to see multiple landmarks in a single day without the hassle of planning logistics. While it requires moderate physical activity and walking, the pace is praised for being well-managed, with plenty of stops for rest and photos. It’s best suited for those eager to maximize their sightseeing in Paris, especially first-time visitors or those short on time.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $138.38 covers transportation, guides, entrance fees, and a Seine cruise.
• Guided walking experience through Montmartre and Île de la Cité neighborhoods.
• Skip-the-line access to the Louvre and photos outside Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower.
• Expert guides like Felix, Joakim, and Mohammed, known for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness.
• Flexible sightseeing with opportunities for free time, lunch, and optional activities.
• Group size limited to 18 for a more personalized experience.

Discover Montmartre and its Artistic Past

The tour begins in Montmartre, the city’s historic art district. Visitors meet the guide at Pl. des Abbesses and explore this vibrant neighborhood famous for its winding streets, bohemian atmosphere, and artistic legacy. Montmartre was home to Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Modigliani between the 1870s and 1920s.

Highlights include passing Le Mur des Je t’aime, the “Wall of Love,” and visiting La Maison Rose, a charming pink café once frequented by Picasso. The group also explores Le Moulin de la Galette, a windmill turned lively gathering spot of artists and dancers, and walks through Place du Tertre, an open-air gallery filled with street artists and portrait painters. The guide shares stories about Montmartre’s bohemian past and its role as a creative hub.

The visit concludes with an exterior view of Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, perched at the highest point in Paris. From the steps, visitors enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the city, making this a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the neighborhood’s spiritual and architectural grandeur.

Skip-the-Line Access to the Louvre’s Masterpieces

After exploring Montmartre, the tour takes a quick metro ride to the Louvre Museum. At the museum, guests benefit from skip-the-line tickets, enabling immediate entry to view its most famous works. The guide leads a 90-minute tour highlighting masterpieces like the Venus of Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David.

The Louvre experience includes insightful stories behind each piece, helping visitors appreciate the art’s historical and cultural significance. The guide emphasizes the importance of these works and provides context that enhances viewing pleasure. The group then proceeds to see the Mona Lisa, the museum’s most celebrated painting.

The Mona Lisa, valued at $800 million and known for her mysterious smile, remains the highlight of the Louvre. The guide ensures everyone gets a good view and shares interesting facts about her history and the art world’s fascination with her.

Visiting Paris Landmarks: Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame

The tour continues with a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower, which originally debuted at the 1889 World’s Fair. The guide shares fun facts about the tower’s construction and transformation from a temporary exhibit to a global symbol of Paris. Photos are taken from the outside as visitors learn about its unique iron structure and historical significance.

Next, the guide strolls past Notre-Dame Cathedral, focusing on its exterior, since the interior is still undergoing restoration after the 2019 fire. Visitors admire the Gothic architecture, gargoyles, and rose windows, with stories about its enduring resilience and cultural importance. The outside visit provides ample photo opportunities and appreciation of this iconic monument.

Exploring Île de la Cité and Its Historic Sites

Following Notre-Dame, the tour explores Île de la Cité, the heart of Paris. Travelers walk along the ancient oldest standing bridge, enjoying views of the Seine and learning about its centuries-old history. The bridge once served as a bustling marketplace and connected notable figures like Henri IV.

On the island, the group visits Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning Gothic arches and stained glass windows, and Conciergerie, the former royal palace and prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. While the interior visits are not included, the exterior views and stories enrich the experience, revealing the area’s royal and revolutionary past.

Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise: The Final Highlights

The tour concludes with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, where the guide discusses its interesting origins and how it became an icon of Paris. While the ticket to go up the tower is not included, plenty of photo opportunities and storytelling happen outside.

Finally, the Seine River cruise offers a relaxing hour-long journey past Paris’s most renowned landmarks, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame. From the water, travelers enjoy views of the city’s illuminated monuments and bridges, with commentary that highlights their significance. The cruise is flexible in timing, and guests often find it a peaceful way to end the busy day of sightseeing.

Practical Details and Group Size

This tour operates with a maximum of 18 participants, ensuring a comfortable, engaging experience. The meeting point is Au Petit Poulbot at 16 Pl. des Abbesses, close to public transportation options. The tour includes transportation during the day, guided walking tours, and headsets for groups larger than six, allowing everyone to hear the guide clearly.

Guests should be prepared for moderate physical activity, including walking and standing, and wear comfortable shoes. The tour’s duration is approximately 8 hours, with some flexibility depending on crowd levels and timing.

Is This Tour Worth It?

With skip-the-line tickets, expert guides like Felix, Joakim, and Mohammed, and visits to Paris’s top landmarks, this tour offers excellent value for those eager to cover a lot in one day. The inclusion of a Seine River cruise adds a relaxing element after a busy day of sightseeing.

The tour’s success relies heavily on the guides’ knowledge and the well-paced schedule. It suits visitors who want a rundown and are comfortable with walking. However, those with mobility issues or seeking a more leisurely experience might find the walking-intensive approach challenging.

Final Thoughts on the Paris in a Day Guided Tour

This tour provides a thorough and efficient way to see Paris’s highlights, especially for first-time visitors or short-stay travelers. The combination of guided walks, skip-the-line access, and a Seine cruise makes it a good value at $138.38.

While it involves considerable walking and outdoor time, the experienced guides ensure that each stop is engaging and informative. The flexibility of the cruise and the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower up close make this experience memorable. The tour is particularly recommended for those who want to maximize their Paris sightseeing without the stress of planning individual tickets and routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this tour include?
It includes guided walking tours of Montmartre and Île de la Cité, skip-the-line tickets to the Louvre, visits to Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower exterior, and a 1-hour Seine River cruise.

Are tickets to the Eiffel Tower included?
No, tickets to ascend the Eiffel Tower are not included. The visit is outside only, but plenty of photo opportunities are available.

What is the tour duration?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, covering multiple landmarks and neighborhood explorations.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves moderate walking and standing, so those with mobility issues should consider the physical demands before booking.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Au Petit Poulbot, 16 Pl. des Abbesses, and ends at Vedettes de Paris, Port de Suffren.

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

Is food or drinks included?
No, guests are responsible for their own lunch and beverages, though local restaurant recommendations are provided.

How many participants are on this tour?
The maximum group size is 18, ensuring attentive guides and a personalized experience.

Is it worth booking in advance?
Yes, as the tour is often booked about 58 days in advance due to its popularity and comprehensive itinerary.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of major landmarks, expert guides, skip-the-line access, and a Seine cruise creates a balanced, efficient way to enjoy Paris in a single day.