Top Île-de-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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Feast your senses on the vibrant color and charisma of the ‘Féerie’ show at Paris’ iconic Moulin Rouge during an extravagant evening in the City of Light. Take a seat in the atmospheric theater and prepare for a dazzling spectacle of drama, dance and music. See elaborately dressed show girls dominate the stage; marvel at dancers as they perform compelling choreography; and opt to upgrade to include a French feast and fine Champagne before the show starts.

Most visitors ride the elevator at the Eiffel Tower, but travelers with a sense of adventure can save time by taking the stairs. Climb the 704 steps to the second viewing platform of the Eiffel Tower on this guided tour and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Champs-Élysées. Opt for a ticket to the summit and take the lift to the very top.

See the major sights of Paris from the water on a hop-on hop-off Seine boat cruise. With either a 1- or 2-day ticket, glide leisurely along the river, hopping off and on when you wish to visit the attractions that most interest you, such as Musée d'Orsay and the Louvre. Or simply stay on the boat to admire Paris’ World Heritage-listed riverbanks.

For a twist on the typical Versailles tour, book this experience that starts with breakfast at Ore, an Alain Ducasse restaurant at the palace. After your meal, explore the palace at your own pace with a skip-the-line ticket and audio guide.

Venture beneath the City of Light to explore the dark underworld of the Paris Catacombs. Skip the entrance lines and head inside this fantastically macabre tunnel system filled with the skeletal remains of more than 6 million Parisians. Hear about the remarkable construction of the catacombs from an expert guide as you walk past ornate chambers piled with decorative arrangements of bones, and gain special access to chapels and chambers closed to the general public. Group size is limited to 19.

Fans of French Impressionism don’t want to miss this half-day trip by luxury coach to the village of Giverny, where Claude Monet and other artists lived and painted. Enjoy priority access to Monet's exquisite 19th-century home, then, with an art historian as your guide, tour the flowerbeds, Japanese bridge, and water lily pond that served as inspiration for Monet's paintings, including the Nymphéas series.

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.

Finding your way around Paris doesn't need to be challenging, thanks to this sustainable hop-on hop-off bus tour. You have the option of one, two, or three days of double-decker bus access, covering various routes with stops at most of Paris’s most important museums, attractions, and shopping areas. And with your ticket, get all sorts of freebies, including walking tours and on-board audio guides with narration in multiple languages.