Paris First Time Private Tour with Notre Dame, Montmartre & Arc de Triomphe

Key Points

• Private, customizable Paris tour designed for first-time visitors
• 7-hour experience that covers six top attractions with flexible timing
• All logistics handled: tickets, schedules, and transport arranged
• Highlights include skip-the-line access to the Arc de Triomphe and close proximity to Notre-Dame after recent repairs
• Cost per person is approximately $392.43, with group discounts available
• Most activities are free or include skip-the-line tickets, but some sites like Sacré-Cœur and Musée d’Orsay require separate admission

Explore a Fully Customizable Paris Experience

This private 7-hour tour in Paris offers a flexible, tailored approach to discovering the city’s most iconic sights. Designed primarily for first-time visitors, it allows guests to craft their own itinerary from six key attractions. The tour includes full logistical support—tickets, schedules, and transportation—so you can focus on enjoying your day without worrying about the details.

A standout feature is the ability to spend as much or as little time at each site, making this a highly personalized experience. The guide plays a central role, helping you access sites like Notre-Dame from nearby passages, and providing insightful commentary at each stop. The price of around $392.43 per person includes full-day guiding, public transport costs, and skip-the-line access to the Arc de Triomphe.

Visiting Notre-Dame Amid Post-Fire Access Restrictions

While access to Notre-Dame has been closed since the April 2019 fire, this tour’s guides are well-versed in bringing you close to Notre-Dame through the passage left open for local residents. This means you’ll experience the impressive exterior and the surrounding areas, getting a sense of the cathedral’s grandeur despite the ongoing restoration.

The admission here is free, and the tour emphasizes the importance of customization. You can decide how long to spend near Notre-Dame and explore the vicinity comfortably. The guides’ knowledge ensures you’ll learn about the cathedral’s significance while respecting current access limitations.

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: The Artistic Heart of Paris

Next, the tour visits Montmartre, a lively neighborhood famous for its artistic history. The tour allows 30 minutes to explore Montmartre’s streets and ambiance, with no additional admission costs.

From there, the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is a highlight. While tickets are not included, the tour offers ample time to enjoy the basilica’s stunning architecture and panoramic views of Paris. You can choose to spend more or less time here, soaking in the spiritual and scenic atmosphere.

Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur are perfect for those who appreciate arts, views, and a bohemian vibe, even if the basilica’s interior requires separate entry.

A Stroll Along the Seine River

Your itinerary includes a 30-minute visit to the Seine River, which can be customized to suit your interests. The guide helps you access the riverbank, offering commentary on the sights along the water, including bridges, historic quays, and notable landmarks visible from the river.

This stop is free, and the flexible schedule means you can enjoy a leisurely walk or focus on specific points of interest. Given Paris’s scenic beauty along the Seine, this part of the tour provides a relaxing, photo-worthy experience.

Musée d’Orsay: Art at Your Pace

The Musée d’Orsay is included in the itinerary with 30 minutes allocated for exploration. Admission is not included, so you can choose whether to visit or skip this museum, depending on your interest. The guide can help you access the museum if you decide to go and provide curated commentary tailored to your interests.

This flexibility allows visitors to balance art viewing with other experiences, making it suitable for those who want a quick overview or a guided, personalized tour of one of Paris’s premier art museums.

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe with Priority Access

The Arc de Triomphe is a key highlight of this tour. The skip-the-line admission ensures you avoid long queues, saving valuable sightseeing time. The 30-minute visit offers incredible views over Paris’s famous avenues from the monument’s terrace.

The guide assists with access and shares stories about the monument’s history, adding depth to the experience. This site’s combination of history and panoramic views makes it a must-see, especially with the convenience of priority entry.

Logistics and Convenience

This private tour includes pickup options, making it easy to start your day smoothly. The group discounts and mobile tickets add to the convenience, allowing for easy access and flexibility.

Most activities are designed to maximize sightseeing while respecting your pace. The tour covers public transportation costs—including taxis and the historic Paris metro—so transportation between sites is seamless.

Since the tour is private, only your group participates, offering a more personalized and flexible experience. It’s suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation for easy access.

Who Should Choose This Tour?

This customized private tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a flexible, all-in-one overview of Paris. It’s well-suited for those who prefer to tailor their itinerary, spend time at sites they find most compelling, and skip long lines at popular attractions like the Arc de Triomphe.

While the tour offers ample walking, it’s suitable for most physical abilities, and the private format ensures you can adjust the schedule as needed. It’s a smart choice for travelers seeking personalized service and a comprehensive introduction to the city’s top sights.

The Sum Up: A Flexible, Personal Paris Introduction

The Paris First Time Private Tour by Discover Walks offers an excellent value for those who want a personalized, guided experience in the city. The 7-hour format covers major locations such as Notre-Dame, Montmartre, Seine, Musée d’Orsay, and Arc de Triomphe, with all logistics handled for you.

Most notably, guides are praised for their knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to adapt to your preferences. The tour’s customization makes it a versatile choice, suitable for those who want control over which attractions they visit and how long to stay.

However, keep in mind that Notre-Dame’s interior remains inaccessible, and some sites like Musée d’Orsay require additional admission. This tour provides a comprehensive, flexible way to see Paris’s highlights with the comfort of private guiding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with near public transportation and service animal allowances.

Can I skip certain attractions?
Absolutely. The tour is customizable, so you can decide how much time to spend at each stop or exclude sites you’re less interested in.

What’s included in the price?
The full-day guiding, public transport costs, and skip-the-line access to the Arc de Triomphe are included. Entrance fees for sites like Musée d’Orsay and Sacré-Cœur are not included.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 76 days in advance on average, ensuring availability for your preferred dates.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so travelers can plan meals separately.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.