France · HISTORICAL TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 history tours that hold up, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Meet a host at 162 Rue de Rivoli, enter the Louvre through a priority access point, and hear a short introduction to the museum and Mona Lisa. Guides such as Jade, Emma, Sophia, and Rebecca have helped visitors find the painting and plan their own route inside.
“I would suggest to the museum straight lines for Mona Lisa… that line was crazy. The guy was great but couldn’t hear her very well.”
Follow an English-speaking guide through Île de la Cité, Pont Neuf, and the Conciergerie for two hours of Parisian murders, spirits, Templars, and dark legends. Guides such as Morgan, Catherine, Leo, and Jade bring the stories to life. Choose a shared or private walk, and wear shoes for rain or shine.
“I would have given 6 stars, but the app doesn't allow me to! The guide was amazing, we learned so much from him! Didn't even feel the 2 hours go by. He has such great energy, very funny jokes, and vast knowledge. Totally recommend it!”
Meet guide Paul at Place Saint-Jean for a two-hour English walk through Vieux Lyon. See the cathedral clock, secret traboules, silk-making history, the Klaus Barbie courthouse, Théâtre des Célestins, and Hôtel Dieu. Expect a small listed group, useful food tips, and a nominal fee plus tip.
“Paul was a very good guide and engaging speaker. It was a great introduction to the city and its history. Lots of restaurant suggestions and further sightseeing suggestions.”
Ride 13 kilometers through Bordeaux with a local guide such as Mika, Flavi, Dovi, or Angus. Expect major sights, Chartrons streets, both sides of the Garonne, a Darwin break, comfortable Dutch bikes or e-bikes, and an artisan canelée tasting.
“Such a wonderful way to see the city !! Innovate a day stop over and wanted to see as much as could in the little time we had .this did not disappoint .. we covered the majority do the city in the 3 hours - including hidden gems that you wouldn’t see on your own unless with a local . Would thoroughly recommend !!”
Travel from Strasbourg by convertible, air-conditioned bus to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar. French-speaking drivers such as Sebastian, Martin, and Guillaume provide help along the way, while audio guides offer commentary in 12 languages. Expect a full 10.5-hour day with free time in each town.
“The region is beautiful. Each stop is unique and lots to do. I went in early October, off the peak tourist season. The trip is essentially a taxi service with little to no tour guides. Without a car, it would have not been possible to count on public transportation to move around these places in one day. So it was perfect to self explore to what you like, scenery, shops, food, or wine.”
Join trained chef Alejandro in central Toulouse for a four-hour English walking tour pairing seven local tastings with memorable stories. He prepares and plates food from a mobile cart at landmarks including Place du Capitole, the Garonne, Marché Victor Hugo, and Basilique Saint-Sernin.
“Alex is an outstanding host and chef while providing a history of the food and neighborhoods. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about the 7 tastings and learning about the history at the same time. Alex is a charming and engaging chef and encouraged the tour participants to be the same. One of the best food tours I’ve been on!”
Travel from Dijon in a minivan for two tastings of Burgundy wines, including Premier Cru bottles, scenic stops through famous vineyard villages, and free time in Beaune. Guides such as Max, Stefan, Alex, and Anne have led this English and French experience, limited to eight people.
“This was an excellent way to experience the Burgundy wine region. Thomas was a fun guide and has an insane knowledge of wine. I had little knowledge of French wine and I learned a lot on the tour and now we have some keepsake bottles that we look forward to opening on a special occasion. Take this tour!”
Ride through Bordeaux with guides such as Jean-Christophe or Suzanna on comfortable French beach cruisers or an e-bike. Cover the Grosse Cloche, Saint-Michel, Pont de Pierre, Darwin, Chartrons, Jardin Public, cathedral, old town, Miroir d’eau, and Porte Cailhau in a small group of up to 10.
“We really enjoyed this tour. It is great to learn about local areas/history of Bordeaux and our guide was charming, interesting and excellent at imparting information. Would highly recommend. Thank you so much!”
Walk Le Marais with English-speaking guides Jill or Eric on a small-group tour lasting about 90 minutes to two hours. See Place des Vosges, Victor Hugo’s former home, aristocratic mansions, Jewish shops, courtyards, and LGBT landmarks. The route can be shaped around your interests.
“Jill Andres, Paris Always Walk Cultural Tour, our tour guide was fantastic. She explained in detail the LGBT/ Jewish and the France history dated back to 600AD. I will definately recommend friends to engage her as their guide.”
Spend 150 minutes walking from Place de la République through Neustadt, Place Kléber, Grand’Rue, Petite France, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Davide, an Italian guide who leads tours in English and Italian, mixes Strasbourg’s long political story with humor, coffee tips, and restaurant advice.
“We have arrived late, but still were able to join the group. Tour was funny and good. totally recommend”
Walk Paris’s fashion quarter with Ivo, an industry professional with advanced fashion study. In two private hours, connect Palais Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Chanel’s Rue Cambon through stories about designers, style, art, and shopping.
“Interesting stroll through the district of Chanel, Versace, McQueen and others. Ivo is very knowledgeable about history of fashion and the evolution from haute couture to today’s ready to wear. He uses the window displays and history to create a picture of the industry that influences women’s clothing choices even today.”
Walk historic Bayeux with guides such as Christèle and Marie-Noëlle, stopping at more than 20 sites tied to medieval trades, the cathedral, Roman origins, the famous 11th-century embroidery, and D-Day history. The tour runs in English, lasts about two hours, and stays outdoors.
“Great tour with Marie-Noëlle, as an inhabitant of 35years of Bayeux, she knows it's history by heart. Very kind and funny, we recommand 100%”
Start at Bordeaux’s Tourist Office at 10:30 a.m. and walk with a licensed guide through the city center, from the Monument aux Girondins to Place de la Bourse. Expect English and French commentary, landmark history, a maximum group of 25, and a route that can change with weather and group size.
“Easy walking thru the streets. Guide was very good. He was able to proudly explain the history of Bordeaux”
Join Elodie, a Rouen resident, for a 90-minute, 3-kilometer walk through the city’s old center. See Joan of Arc’s final square, the Gros-Horloge, Rouen Cathedral, Saint-Maclou Church, and medieval Martainville. Tours run in English or French, rain or shine.
“We are very satisfied by the tour. The guide was knowledgeable and open to share.”
Walk Bordeaux for about three hours with guides such as Joshua, Nikesh, Daisy, or Veronica, stopping at bakeries for breads, pastries, sweets, and savory bites. Along the way, visit Saint-Michel, the Grosse Cloche, Old Bordeaux, Saint-Seurin, Chartrons, and major monuments.
“Wonderful French bakery walking tour with stops for wonderful samples and interesting history. Our guide Josh was a perfect host. Learned so much about Bordeaux's history as well.”
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