Top France Half-day Tours

Experience culture and art through the ages with a small-group tour of Paris’ epic Louvre Museum. Jump the queue and learn about some of the museum’s 35,000 artworks across eight themed galleries from your art historian guide. Then enjoy time on your own to explore, viewing paintings, sculpture, and architecture from 450 BC to the 19th century. Numbers are limited to 25 on this small-group tour or upgrade your ticket to a private tour exclusive to just your group. 

Embark on a culinary tour of Paris's Montmartre neighborhood, one of the city's most charming neighborhoods. Sample delicacies like croissants and éclairs at a local patisserie, enjoy a guided tasting of various cheeses at a fromagerie and satisfy your sweet tooth at a classic chocolaterie. Of course, no gourmet tour of Paris would be complete without a stop at a boulangerie, where you learn the proper way to eat a baguette in France. And at the end, you'll enjoy a delicious Secret Dish, that will be revealed only on the day of the tour.

Indulge your inner romantic on an atmospheric evening cruise down the Seine and see the City of Lights at its most magical. Dine on a decadent 4-course dinner, accompanied by live music on-board, as you float past illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

Gain a unique anglophone perspective of Paris as you explore the city with an English guide. Explore the City of Lights' most memorable attractions on a comprehensive tour that visits more than 30 sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Moulin Rouge. Stop to pick up some snacks (own expense) in the Latin Quarter, stroll through atmospheric Montmartre, and admire the views from the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

This exclusive gastronomic tour puts the tastiest treats of Paris—from gourmet cheeses to delicate pastries— at your fingertips. Get insider knowledge on the most happening hotspots in Montmartre, the city’s cobblestoned arts district, and meet some of the most talented food artisans in the capital. Enjoy up to 10 pre-selected food stops, and get a peek at landmarks along the way, from Moulin Rouge to the Sacré Coeur.

Immerse yourself in the opulence and drama of Versailles Palace and Gardens on a fully guided small-group tour from Paris to Versailles. With your skip-the-line ticket, breeze past the queue and join your expert guide for a fun and informative walk through the castle and gardens. Witness the extravagance of Louis XIV—the Sun King—who built up the massive 700-room complex, adorning the space with luxuries fit for the French monarchy.

Spend a half-day in the charming medieval town of Saint-Emilion on a  trip from Bordeaux. Explore the best of this UNESCO-listed village, including a wine tasting at a grand cru wine estate, a walk along the historic city walls, and visits to unique artist galleries and studios. Enjoy some free time in Saint-Emilion, too.

Celebrate 65 years of folly and glamour at Crazy Horse Paris with its new show, Totally Crazy. This 90-minute performance includes a selection of magnificent acts created by Philippe Decouflé, Christian Louboutin, Chantal Thomass, and more. Upgrade your experience to include Champagne and appetizers.

See Paris like a local as you pedal around its vibrant neighborhoods, lively markets and hidden sights on this small-group bike tour. Explore the famous Latin Quarter, the Jewish communities of Le Marais and the historic Place de la Bastille, as well as enjoying views of iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral. With plenty of rest stops and photo opportunities, this tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Spin through the city streets like a local and explore the French capital in style on this fat tire bike tour in Paris. Follow your guide through the city to top attractions such as Napoleon’s tomb and Les Invalides, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Cycle along the UNESCO World Heritage–listed banks of the Seine River and stop for a break among the trees in the pretty Tuileries Gardens. Admire the Grand Palais, the Orsay Museum and more, and learn of their history from your guide.

Bypass the long lines at the Eiffel Tower with this tour that includes summit access. After fast track, skip-the-line access, proceed to the second level to survey the city from the viewing platforms while listening to commentary about Paris culture, traditions, and history. Then, proceed to the summit to see Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and sip Champagne from the onsite bar (own expense).

Enhance your experience of Normandy and its intriguing historical heritage on a half-day tour of Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach from Bayeux. Delve into the turbulent past of the region with a knowledgeable guide and visit renowned D-Day battlefield sites situated on Normandy’s picturesque coastline. Pay tribute to fallen soldiers at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and browse the exhibitions in the informative visitor center.

Spend an afternoon wine tasting in the French countryside in one of two famous wine regions – St-Emilion or Medoc – during a tour from Bordeaux. On this half-day tour, stop at two charming châteaux to sample the local wines. Nibble on French cheese and cured meats with fresh bread as you sip. Cap off the small-group tour with a mini-class, during which you'll learn some wine-tasting tips from an expert.

Breeze past the large crowds at Versailles on this 4-hour tour, including skip-the-line access. Follow your guide through the palace and gardens of Louis XIV, including all entrance fees and round-trip transportation from central Paris.

Gain entry to the famous Palace of Versailles without waiting in line with this 5-hour skip the line tour from Central Paris. With priority access to the UNESCO World Heritage site, don your audio tour (available in eleven languages) to listen as you walk through the legendary State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Stroll through the lush gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, and learn about Louis XIV, the flashy king who once inhabited this opulent residence. Round-trip transportation from 3 departure points in Paris via air-conditioned bus is included.

Venture into the heart of the Champagne region—and step off the crowded tourist trail—on this immersive, small-group tour. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and set off from central Reims. Venture first to the village of Hautvillers—where Dom Pérignon is buried—before visiting two independent Grand or Premier Cru producers. Enjoy in-depth tours, taste numerous Champagnes, and learn all about the wine’s rich heritage.

See a different side of Paris’s ‘Iron Lady’ on a guided climbing tour of the Eiffel Tower. Take the slow and scenic route and climb the stairs! Learn all about the construction, controversies, and mystique surrounding the iconic tower from a guide as you ascend to the first and second levels, admiring Gustave Eiffel’s intricate design from angles and viewpoints that most visitors miss. It’s an adventurous way to go behind the scenes—and under the beams—of one of the world’s most popular attractions.

Take in some of Paris's most iconic sights and enjoy a three-course dinner with this Seine River cruise and dinner experience combo. You'll sit down for a three-course meal in a glassed-in bistro with great views of the Eiffel Tower. You'll also get the chance to take an hour-long sightseeing cruise down the river, either before or after your meal.

Short on time in Bayeux but keen to see Normandy’s World War II US D-Day sites? Visit some key 1944 American locations on this half-day tour from Bayeux. Journey by air-conditioned minivan to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where US troops landed on June 6th. Gaze at the cliffs and beaches as your expert guide shares detail and stories of the landings and forces involved. Finish at the American Cemetery to pay homage to those who lost their lives. Numbers are limited to 15 for a more personalized experience.

Breeze past the crowds outside the Eiffel Tower with this skip-the-line pass and 1.5-hour tour. In the company of your local guide, you'll gain priority access to the tower's second level. Delve into the history of one of the world's most famous monuments and soak up the exhibits and maps on display. Then bid adieu to your guide and head to the tower's summit for stellar views of the City of Lights. Toast your travels with a glass of bubbly from the Champagne bar (own expense).

Get to know the Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais on a food walking tour with a guide who introduces you to local food vendors and artisans. You'll see sights like Hôtel de Ville and visit the oldest covered market in Paris, Marche des Enfants Rouges, as you learn about and taste the fine products found in this historical yet trendy district.

Save time with this Viator skip-the-line Eiffel Tower ticket. This priority access admission ticket allows for a relaxing visit to one of the world’s busiest monuments, accompanied by a host. Listen as your host adds colorful history and facts to the sights below as you look over Les Invalides, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other city landmarks.

Medieval Èze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo are widely considered the jewels in the French Riviera’s crown—but organizing transportation to reach them independently from Nice takes up valuable sightseeing time. On this tour, begin with pickup at your Nice hotel and visit all three destinations in one adventurous day. Discover top attractions like the Grand Casino and the Fragonard Perfumery, and admire uninterrupted views over Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Discover the few remaining family-run eateries in the Marais neighborhood of Paris with the insights of your local guide. Try classic French dishes, innovative pastries (patisserie), Jewish delicacies, and more as you visit both historical and modern-style eateries in this historical neighborhood. Learn about the stories behind French foods and the people who live and work in the district. Expect 11 tastings from eight dining establishments with enough samples to make a full meal.