The Historic Heart of Paris: Private Walking Tour & River Cruise

Audrey Hepburn famously said, “Paris is always a good idea”, and we couldn’t agree more. On our three-hour private walking tour, you will have the chance to explore some of the most iconic corners of the French capital, from Montmartre to Notre Dame, in the company of an expert guide, followed by an idyllic river cruise along the Seine. 

On your private tour, you will: 

• Experience the best of Paris from Montmartre to Notre Dame;
• Enjoy the undivided attention of your expert guide, well-versed in Parisian history and culture;
• Follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s great artists as you wander the streets of bohemian Montmartre;
• Stroll past the iconic Moulin Rouge, the world-famous cabaret that inspired painters, performers, and filmmakers alike;
• Discover the former Montmartre apartment where Van Gogh lived with his brother Theo, and see a studio once frequented by Picasso and Matisse; 
• Uncover hidden details and learn what makes this neighbourhood so inspiring;
• Visit the stunning Sacré-Cœur basilica, and take in spectacular views over Paris;
• Travel like a local as you hop on the metro to make your way down to Île de la Cité, where Paris was founded in the 3rd century;
• Get a closer look at the breathtaking Notre Dame Cathedral and hear about the efforts to restore it following the devastating fire in 2019;
• Pass by a wealth of historic landmarks, including the Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie and the Palais de Justice;
• End at the majestic Pont Neuf, one of the oldest bridges over the Seine, where you will receive your river cruise tickets to use at the end of your tour.

Step into the soul of Paris on this immersive private tour that beautifully blends art, history, and iconic cityscapes. With your expert local guide leading the way, you'll begin your journey in the enchanting hills of Montmartre, the epicentre of Paris’ bohemian spirit. As you wander cobbled lanes and charming squares, you’ll uncover the artistic legacy of this famed neighbourhood, passing by the legendary Moulin Rouge, the Van Gogh brothers’ former home, and the hidden courtyards that once echoed with the footsteps of Picasso, Matisse, and other revolutionary artists. You will also have the chance to visit the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, where sweeping views of Paris provide the perfect backdrop for tales of love, revolution, and artistic rebellion.

From Montmartre, you’ll travel like a true Parisian by metro to the historic Île de la Cité, the birthplace of the city. Here, you will explore centuries of French history through the facades of awe-inspiring monuments: the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the radiant stained glass jewel of Sainte-Chapelle, the formidable Conciergerie (the medieval home of the French royals that would later become their prison), and the grand Palais de Justice. Though viewed from the outside, each building holds dramatic stories of kings, prisoners, and visionaries brought vividly to life through your guide’s rich storytelling.

Your walking tour concludes with a peaceful stroll through the elegant Place Dauphine to the Pont Neuf, Paris' oldest standing bridge. Before bidding you adieu, your guide will give you tickets to join a one-hour river cruise that will take you past the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower and many other stunning monuments that line the Seine, an ideal way to end your voyage of discovery and see Paris from a new perspective.

This tour is perfect for independent travellers who want to delve deeper into Paris’ most legendary neighbourhoods while enjoying a curated and personal experience led by a passionate local guide.

Tour duration
3 hours

Type of tour
Walking tour: including 1 single metro ride

Attractions along this route:

Le Sacré-Coeur
The Sacré-Coeur is a white basilica perched atop Montmartre, with a stunning view of Paris below.

Montmartre
A vibrant and artistic neighbourhood once home to Renoir and Gauguin, offering spectacular views over the city.

Moulin Rouge
An iconic venue opened in the late 19th century, credited with the invention of the can-can dance.

Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre Dame, perched on an island in the heart of Paris, is one of the finest cathedrals in the world.

Pont Neuf
Built to ease traffic congestion in the early 17th century, this iconic five-arch bridge is Paris' oldest bridge.

La Conciergerie
Once a royal residence, the Conciergerie became a prison during the French revolution, a notable prisoner being Marie-Antoinette.

Place-Dauphine
One of the prettiest, most peaceful locations in Paris, the square is a hot-spot for families, dog walkers and petanque players.

Seine River Cruise
Get delighted with the magnificent views of the city along the Seine River, on board the Bateaux Mouches.