Private tour Paris Little-known places 2 hours in Citroën 2CV

A 2-hour private tour of Paris in a vintage Citroën 2CV offers a fresh perspective on the city’s lesser-known charms. Priced at $115.53 per person, this experience is ideal for those eager to explore beyond the typical tourist highlights in a stylish, convertible classic. The tour departs from central Paris, with pickup options available, and is limited to small groups, ensuring a personalized adventure through streets that often remain hidden from larger buses or typical city tours.

The tour stands out with its emphasis on off-beat Paris, taking visitors through charming neighborhoods like Le Marais and showcasing unique sites such as street art, private mansions, and quirky fountains. While the overall experience lasts around 2 hours, it offers a relaxed pace that balances sightseeing with storytelling. The tour’s popularity is reflected in its booking window—most reservations are made 84 days in advance—and it has earned a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from 70 reviews, with 91% recommending it to others.

Key Points

• Private 2-hour tour in a vintage Citroën 2CV with a private guide
• Focus on lesser-known sights and hidden corners of Paris
• Stops include street art, historic mansions, and unique squares like Place Vendôme and Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine
• Pickup options available, with tours limited to three people per car for comfort
• Large group options available with multiple cars traveling together
• Well-rated, with a 4.6/5 review score and positive remarks about guides’ knowledge and fun storytelling

The Vintage Citroën 2CV Experience in Paris

Traveling in a vintage Citroën 2CV makes this tour a standout choice among Paris excursions. These cars, first introduced in the 1940s, are small, charming, and instantly recognizable. Their open roof design allows for unobstructed views of the city’s streets, making it a fun and intimate way to explore hidden corners that are difficult to access with larger vehicles.

The driver-guides are knowledgeable and aim to make the journey entertaining. Several reviews praise the driver’s English skills and their ability to share quirky stories about Paris’s neighborhoods, adding personality to each stop. The small size of the cars means that the tour can navigate narrow streets and tiny alleys, giving access to spots that buses simply cannot reach.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations in the Heart of Paris

The tour begins at Petit Palais on Avenue Winston Churchill or at a nearby hotel in central Paris, making it convenient for guests staying in the city. After the tour, guides typically return guests to the same meeting point or a nearby location, offering flexibility.

For larger groups, the tour can be booked with multiple cars traveling in a convoy, each carrying up to three people, ensuring everyone gets a comfortable seat. The private nature of the tour guarantees personalized attention, with guides tailoring commentary and stops to suit interests.

Exploring Off-Beat Paris in a 2CV

This tour specifically avoids the busiest, most crowded landmarks, instead focusing on lesser-known sites. Visitors drive past the Place Vendôme, a chic square lined with jewelry shops, and admire the Kiosque des Noctambules, a piece of modern street art. The Stravinsky Fountain, decorated with sculptures mimicking flowing water, is a prime photo stop.

The Le Marais neighborhood features prominently, with stops at the Hôtel de Sully and Hôtel de Sens, two ornate private mansions. The guide shares stories about local street performers and artists working in this bohemian quarter, providing a lively and authentic sense of Parisian life beyond the typical tourist routes.

Unique Street Art and Artistic Highlights

One of the standout features of this tour is the focus on modern street art. The Kiosque des Noctambules mural offers a vibrant splash of color and creativity, contrasting with Paris’s historic architecture. The Stravinsky Fountain with its sculptural water-like forms is another eye-catching stop, showcasing the city’s embrace of contemporary art in public spaces.

These sites provide a different perspective on Paris, emphasizing the city’s ongoing artistic vibrancy. The guide’s commentary helps contextualize the street art, making it accessible and meaningful to visitors.

The Itinerary Details and Specific Stop Highlights

The tour’s itinerary includes several interesting stops:

• Rue François Miron: a charming street passing through Le Marais, filled with boutiques and cafes.
• Hôtel de Sens: a medieval-style mansion offering a glimpse into Paris’s historic private residences.
• Arenes de Lutece: an ancient Roman amphitheater, free to visit, offering a taste of historical layers beneath the city.
• Panthéon: visible from the outside, this iconic monument pays homage to France’s notable figures.
• Jardin du Luxembourg: a lush garden, though the tour emphasizes its external views rather than visiting inside.
• Église Saint-Sulpice: a grand church with notable architecture and history.
• Pont des Arts: a scenic pedestrian bridge famous for its love locks, with a brief photo stop.
• Place des États-Unis and Place Gérard-Oury: quiet squares that showcase Paris’s charming and overlooked urban spaces.
• Pont Bir-Hakeim: a picturesque bridge with views of the Eiffel Tower, often featured in movies.

Each stop is designed to give a sense of Paris’s hidden and authentic facets, making the tour especially appealing for those who have already seen the major sights or want a different view of the city.

Group Size, Booking, and Personalization

The tour primarily caters to small groups of up to three people per car for maximum comfort, but larger groups can be accommodated with multiple cars traveling together. Booking in advance is recommended, as most reservations are made around 84 days ahead.

Guides are happy to customize the experience, including pick-up and drop-off locations, and can advise on the best start times to suit individual schedules. The mobile ticket feature adds convenience, allowing for easy reservation management.

The Balance of Fun and Insightful Commentary

Guests often highlight the entertaining stories told by guides and their expertise in explaining Parisian architecture, art, and local culture. The driver’s personality often enhances the experience, making the ride both informative and enjoyable.

The small size of the cars and the open roof create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for photography and enjoying the sights in good weather. Many reviews mention that people point and take pictures of the car as it passes, adding a sense of fun and excitement to the ride.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Since the Citroën 2CVs are smaller than modern vehicles, the tour is limited to three guests per car to ensure comfort. For larger groups, multiple cars are available, but each operates independently. The tour can be booked for groups as large as nine.

Guests should plan for weather conditions—the open car is best suited for pleasant days, although most stops are outdoors. The tour’s pace is relaxed, but it’s helpful to wear comfortable shoes if planning to walk around stops afterward.

The Sum Up: A Quirky and Authentic Parisian Adventure

This private 2-hour tour in a vintage 2CV offers a distinctive way to see lesser-known parts of Paris with the comfort of a private guide. It’s ideal for those interested in quirky sights, street art, and hidden neighborhoods that often escape larger tour groups. The small car size allows access to narrow streets and tiny alleys, providing a genuine feel for local life.

While the experience is generally informative and fun, it’s important to note that comfort may vary for larger groups beyond three per car, and the open roof is weather-dependent. This tour suits history buffs, art lovers, and anyone seeking a playful, offbeat way to explore Paris.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for large groups?
Yes, larger groups can book multiple cars, each accommodating up to three people, traveling together in a convoy.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Petit Palais or a nearby hotel in central Paris. The guide usually returns guests to the same or a nearby meeting point.

Can I customize the pick-up location?
Yes, pick-up options from hotels in central Paris are available, and guides can often tailor the start time.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include street art, private mansions like Hôtel de Sens, and stops at Place Vendôme, Stravinsky Fountain, and Le Marais.

How does the guide enhance the experience?
Guides share informative anecdotes about local sites, artist stories, and Parisian life, making the ride both fun and educational.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
Since the roof is open, rainy or cold days may impact comfort; checking weather before booking is advisable.

What is the cost per person?
The tour costs approximately $115.53 per participant, with some variability based on group size and booking details.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves minimal walking but requires comfort with small, open vehicles and outdoor stops.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations are made through Viator, and early booking is recommended given the tour’s popularity.

What makes this tour different from other Paris tours?
Its focus on hidden sites and street art, combined with the authentic vintage 2CV experience, offers a playful, personalized twist on Paris exploration.