Top Île-de-France Historical 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. 

Paris’ Louvre is one of the world’s largest art museums, so don't waste your time waiting in line. Head straight inside, with your priority access admission, to see three of its biggest crowd-pleasers, including the unavoidable gaze and wry smile of Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa." On this guided tour, hear fascinating tales and tidbits about these unmissable masterpieces. After coming face to face with several artworks by great masters, you’re free to explore the Louvre independently.

Experience Paris’ of eras past on this walking tour of the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery. A knowledgable local guide will lead you through a maze of haunting yet romantic headstones and tombs including those of Jim Morrison, Balzac and Oscar Wilde – bedecked in vibrant kisses from hundreds of admirers. Learn about some of Paris’ most famous figures and iconic stories on this small-group excursion.

Discover the charms of one of Paris' most popular neighborhoods on a walking tour of Montmartre, a district known for its artists and historically bohemian vibe. Start at the Moulin Rouge and see where artists like Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pissarro lived and worked. See sights like the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, and get insights from your guide about the art, music, food, and history of Montmartre.

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).

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.

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.

Visit the Palace of Versailles with skip-the-line admission, and avoid standing in the entrance queue before touring this royal chateau. On this 90-minute tour, follow a knowledgeable guide around the palace to see the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors. Then head outside independently to explore the expansive gardens at your leisure (note: an additional fee for the garden is required on days when the fountain show or musical show take place).

Spend a half-day exploring the unforgettable attractions of Versailles, the extraordinary gardens and opulent palace that are both on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Follow a knowledgeable guide through the historic buildings and monuments of King Louis XIV's 17th-century residence, imagining the ornately-decorated Baroque rooms as a private home for the royal family and the nobility they entertained. Enjoy it all without waiting in the long queues, thanks to this skip-the-line admission ticket.

Explore one of the world's most important collections of impressionist and post-impressionist art on this guided tour of the Musée d'Orsay. Instead of trying to navigate the museum on your own, you'll enjoy insight from a guide to make sure you see the top pieces and learn about the artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Renoir.

Discover the darker side of the City of Lights with this skip-the-line tour of the famed catacombs of Paris. Explore these fascinating underground passageways lined with the bones of thousands of former Parisians and learn the history of the mesmerizing and macabre labyrinth. Bypass the long lines for this popular attraction and enjoy personalized attention in a small group limited to 19 people.

Hit all the Paris highlights, starting with a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower including standard access to the tower's summit. Follow up with a narrated cruise along the Seine River, a tour of Ile de la Cité home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and a guided walk through the Louvre Museum. Enjoy skip-the-line access so you can bypass the Louvre's outdoor crowds and tour the artworks with your guide. 

Make the most of your visit to one of the world’s most popular landmarks on a guided Eiffel Tower tour. Hear the history and legends behind the Paris icon as a guide accompanies you up to the second level, where panoramic views of the city await. Get help identifying the monuments below, and upgrade for summit access to go even higher.

Maximize your time at the Louvre with skip-the-line entrance and a private guided tour for you and your party. Take all the hassle out of exploring the world’s largest museum, as your guide whisks you to star attractions like the ‘Mona Lisa’, ‘Raft of the Medusa’ and ‘Venus de Milo’, and points out lesser-known gems among the vast exhibitions. Best of all: your private tour can be tailored to your preferences and you can stay at the museum as long as you like after the tour ends.

Discover the Roland-Garros stadium exclusively, during a guided tour of the legendary temple of tennis in Paris. During this unusual guided tour, you will gain access to the press rooms, changing rooms, the presidential stand and the corridor that leads the players to the clay court. An exceptional career in the footsteps of the essential winners of the Roland-Garros tournament, such as Björn Borg, Chris Evert, Steffi Graff and of course Rafael Nadal. Your guide will tell you a thousand and one anecdotes, from the historic Four Musketeers to contemporary winners, and will reveal the secrets of the majestic new Philippe-Chatrier court, a technological and architectural feat.

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.

Head to the coast of Normandy to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on this day tour from Paris. You'll receive an orientation from a guide, and then enjoy time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site independently with an audio guide or by wandering the hilly streets at your leisure. Transportation is by coach from Paris.

Discover the cultural highlights and delectable bites of France’s capital on a culinary tour of Paris. Spend the afternoon strolling past the city’s iconic monuments with a guide and enjoy intermittent samples of pastries, chocolate and freshly baked bread. Listen to commentary of Paris’ rich heritage and receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only eight people.

Prepare to be inspired by some of the world’s most famous artists as you step inside the iconic Louvre Museum. Head straight to the front of the queue with skip-the-line entrance, then journey through art history on a private tour. With the help of your expert guide, see masterpieces like the 'Venus de Milo' and the 'Mona Lisa,' learn about the evolution of art around the world, and discover little-known gems that many visitors miss.

Discover the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on a private tour of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Bypass the long entrance queues with skip-the-line access (admission tickets not included), and let an art historian guide lead you straight to masterworks by Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas and more. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and learn the history behind the art for a truly immersive experience.

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.

Travel back in time to the site of France’s most extravagant monarch with this 2.5 hours of the Palace of Versailles. Fast-track entry allows you to skip the lines at this UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll arrive in style in a fully air-conditioned coach. Spend time exploring one of France's most famous and impressive landmarks.

Travel through scenic Normandy en route to the medieval Mont-St-Michel on a full-day trip from Paris. Discover the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed island and its iconic Gothic abbey, with a guide, and listen to fascinating history and legendary stories about the site. Enjoy ample time to explore the island, and admire views of the surrounding bay before traveling back to the French capital.

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).