The Essentials of Paris in a Classic Open Top Car Citroën DS

Exploring Paris in a classic open-top Citroën DS offers a unique way to see the city’s most famous sights with personalized attention. For $436.76 per group, up to four people enjoy a three-hour private tour that takes you through iconic locations like the Champs-Elysées, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre. This tour is ideal for small groups seeking a stylish, intimate experience with expert local guides who provide engaging narration along the way.

The vintage car offers a charming ride, especially with the open roof that allows unobstructed views of Paris’s landmarks. The tour includes pickup at a central meeting point and covers an extensive list of stops, many of which feature free or included photo opportunities. It’s a great choice for those wanting a personalized, leisurely overview of the city’s highlights in a luxurious setting.

While the experience shines for its personalized route, knowledgeable guides, and historic vehicle, it’s worth considering the traffic-heavy streets of Paris, which can sometimes slow the pace and impact the audio narration. This tour suits visitors who appreciate a comfortable, stylish ride and enjoy learning about Paris’s sights from a passionate guide.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience for up to four guests, ensuring tailored attention.
• Three-hour tour covering major Paris landmarks, from the Champs-Elysées to Montmartre.
• Vintage Citroën DS with an open-top design enhances sightseeing and photo opportunities.
• Knowledgeable local guide shares insights and stories at each stop.
• Includes bottled water and easy pickup at a central location.
• Stops at iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur.

Exploring Paris in a Vintage Car: The Unique Charm

This tour offers a stylish ride through Paris in a classic 60’s Citroën DS. The open-top design makes it perfect for enjoying the city’s architecture and bustling streets. The private nature of the tour ensures that your group gets the full attention of the guide, making the experience both relaxed and informative.

The luxury vintage vehicle is highlighted as very comfortable, with the open roof providing excellent views of landmarks like the Grand Palais and Pont Alexandre III. This setting creates a sense of traveling back in time while exploring the modern city, making it especially appealing for fans of vintage cars and French design.

The pickup service at 10 Pl. de la Concorde simplifies the start of your journey, and the small group size offers a more intimate experience than bus or large group tours. This is perfect for travelers who prefer a luxury, private adventure through Paris’s historic districts.

From the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe

The tour begins with a drive along the famous Champs-Elysées, which many consider the world’s most beautiful avenue. The guide provides commentary on its history and architecture during the 5-minute stop, allowing for some initial photos and orientation.

Next, the vehicle circles the Arc de Triomphe, where a brief stop offers a chance to admire its detailed sculptures and take pictures. The guide points out interesting facts about the monument and the bustling roundabout surrounding it. This stop is both a visual highlight and an educational moment.

The driving route around these landmarks immerses you in the core of Paris’s grand boulevards, setting the tone for the rest of the tour. The short stops ensure just enough time to enjoy the views without feeling rushed, making for a balanced sightseeing experience.

Visiting the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides

An essential part of the tour is the Eiffel Tower, where the guide explains its architectural significance and history. Although entry tickets are not included, the stop allows ample time for photos and souvenir buying at the nearby Champ de Mars.

Passing by the Invalides offers a chance to see Napoleon’s tomb and learn about France’s military history. The 5-minute drive-by provides a quick but meaningful look at this impressive complex, with commentary from the guide helping to bring the site to life.

Since the tour includes stops at prominent landmarks, it’s an efficient way to get an overview of Paris’s most famous monuments, especially for visitors who might be short on time or prefer to see sights from the comfort of a vintage car.

The Grandeur of the Palais Garnier and Place de la Concorde

The Palais Garnier stands out with its ornate architecture, and the guide offers insights into its design and history. Though there’s no dedicated stop, the vehicle passes by for a brief view, and additional commentary enriches the experience.

A highlight is the Place de la Concorde, where the Luxor Obelisk and surrounding fountains are explained. The stop here is a 5-minute photo opportunity, giving guests a chance to capture images of Paris’s historic square, which has hosted many notable events and celebrations.

These stops emphasize the blend of history and architecture that define Paris’s urban landscape, all while enjoying the comfort of your private vintage ride.

The Luxury of the Pont Alexandre III and Place-Vendôme

The Pont Alexandre III bridge is renowned for its elaborate design and gilded sculptures. The tour includes a 5-minute stop to admire its ornate details and take photos. Crossing this bridge offers a scenic view of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Next, the vehicle proceeds to Place-Vendôme, where the guide explains its neoclassical architecture, the significance of Napoleon’s Vendôme Column, and the square’s history as a hub of luxury and fashion. Guests have a chance to capture pictures during the brief stop.

These locations exemplify Paris’s blend of art, history, and grandeur, all experienced from the comfort of a classic car.

The Cultural Heart: Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame

The tour stops briefly outside the Louvre Museum, offering a 15-minute window for photos and the chance to hear about its history, from fortress to royal palace, and now, a world-famous museum. Since tickets are not included, visitors can plan a separate visit to explore inside.

Driving along the Île de la Cité, the guide points out the Notre-Dame Cathedral, highlighting its Gothic architecture and significance. The 15-minute stop allows for photos and a narrative about its construction and restoration efforts.

Both sites are central to Paris’s cultural identity, and this tour provides an accessible way to appreciate their grandeur from the street.

Montmartre: From Sacré-Cœur to Place du Tertre

One of the most lively parts of Paris, Montmartre, is explored with a 5-minute stop at Sacré-Cœur, where the guide discusses its architecture and history. This high point in Paris offers panoramic city views and photo opportunities.

Driving through the narrow streets of Montmartre, the tour passes Rue de l’Abreuvoir, La Petite Maison Rose, and Rue Lepic, all known for their artistic heritage and charming facades. The explanation of Montmartre’s artistic past highlights its importance in modern art history, with former residents like Picasso and Modigliani.

Guests can walk briefly inside Sacré-Cœur during the stop, enjoying views of Paris from its steps. The vibrant neighborhood’s colorful streets and history of art and entertainment make it a memorable segment of the tour.

Discovering the Historic Bridges and the Moulin Rouge

The route includes passing under the Pont des Arts, famous for its “love locks,” and the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, with a quick photo stop. These crossings provide classic Parisian views along the Seine.

A highlight is the passing of the Moulin Rouge, symbol of Parisian entertainment in the 60s. While there’s no stop here, the guide shares stories about its history and cultural significance.

This segment captures Paris’s romantic and artistic vibe, with the vintage car providing a comfortable vantage point.

Exploring Montmartre’s Artistic and Nightlife Charm

The Place du Tertre is renowned for its street artists and vibrant atmosphere. The tour includes a 5-minute stop where guests can observe artists at work and imagine the district’s artistic roots.

Nearby, Rue de l’Abreuvoir and La Maison Rose are appreciated for their picture-perfect streets and historical associations with renowned artists and personalities like Picasso and Edith Piaf.

Finally, the tour passes Pigalle, historically known as Paris’s red-light district, offering a glimpse into the city’s more provocative side. This part of the tour emphasizes Montmartre’s reputation as a creative and bohemian hub.

The Final Stops: Government Buildings and Museums

The route concludes with passing the Élysée Palace, the residence of the French President, and the Petit Palais, known for its exhibitions from the 1900 World’s Fair. Both locations are explained for their historical importance.

The Luxembourg Gardens close out the tour, where the guide narrates the gardens’ history and their connection to Marie de Medici. This peaceful park provides a scenic finale to the journey.

The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving guests with a broad overview of Paris’s rich architecture and lively neighborhoods from a luxurious vintage ride.

Authentic Paris in Style with a Personal Touch

This private tour in a vintage Citroën DS offers a blend of style, comfort, and personalized insights. The small group size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, allowing the guide to tailor commentary and answer questions. The lasting impression comes from the combination of beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, and the luxury of riding in a classic car.

While traffic can sometimes slow the pace, the expert narration and selective stops make this an engaging way to see Paris in a few hours. It particularly appeals to those who love vintage design, history, and a more intimate sightseeing experience.

This tour represents excellent value for those wanting a stylish and informative overview of Paris’s most celebrated sites, all from the comfort of a charming, open-top vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering a wide range of Paris’s major landmarks.

What is included in the price?
The private transportation, local guide, bottled water, and pickup service are included. Admission tickets to sites like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre are not included.

How many people can participate?
This tour is designed for up to four guests, providing a personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for all weather?
The tour requires good weather; in case of poor weather, it may be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs and ends at 10 Pl. de la Concorde in central Paris.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since this is a private tour, guides can offer insights and possibly tailor the experience, but the stops listed are fixed.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves minimal walking, mainly limited to brief stops for photos and explanations.

How do I book and confirm?
The tour is confirmed upon booking, with a mobile ticket provided. It is advisable to book at least 61 days in advance for availability.