France · Europe

Custom tours to Paris

The city that invented the art of walking.

From 2,200/person·Best: April–June, September–October
Photo by Mo Eid on Pexels

What is a custom tour to Paris?

A custom tour to Paris is a private, fully personalized itinerary built around your dates, interests, and budget. Instead of following a fixed group schedule, you work with a local expert to choose experiences like Private Louvre morning with an art historian, Seine evening cruise with champagne, and Belleville street art and local bistros. Travelers typically spend 7–10 days in Paris, visiting in April–June, September–October, with custom tours starting from around €2,200 per person.

A custom tour to Paris is not the same trip as a package. It's designed around you — your pace, your interests, your dates — with a local partner who lives there and knows which streets are worth the walk and which are worth skipping. Paris rewards the unhurried. A custom Paris tour means skipping the hop-on-hop-off circuit and spending a morning in a single Marais courtyard, then ending the day with wine on a barge under the Pont des Arts.

Paris sits in France in Europe, and rewards travelers who go beyond the highlights. Our custom itineraries start with the icons — Private Louvre morning with an art historian and Marais hidden-courtyard walking tour — then pivot to the kind of local moments that make a trip memorable: a morning with a private guide, a quiet hour at Versailles garden tour before the crowds arrive, and an evening chosen just for you.

Plan for April–June, September–October as the best window to visit. A one-week custom trip starts from €2,200 per person, including private guides, curated hotels, and flexible transport — peak weeks cost more, shoulder months less. Paris sits in the comfortable mid-range of our destinations for price.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

Our recommended months are April–June, September–October. Here's a month-by-month view with planning notes.

Jan
Low season — best availability and value.
Feb
Low season; quiet and often cheaper.
Mar
Shoulder; weather improves.
Apr
Recommended
Shoulder; ideal weather begins.
May
High shoulder; book early.
Jun
Recommended
Peak; great weather, higher prices.
Jul
Peak; crowded but vibrant.
Aug
Peak; holiday month in much of Europe.
Sep
Recommended
High shoulder; our favorite month.
Oct
Recommended
Shoulder; lovely light and smaller crowds.
Nov
Low shoulder; quiet and atmospheric.
Dec
Low season except Christmas and NYE.

Top experiences in Paris

Hand-picked moments from our local operators. Every custom tour includes a selection of these, or something better if we find it.

Experience 1
Private Louvre morning with an art historian
Reserved, not shared. A private expert guide, a pace that matches you, and access that group tours can't book.
Experience 2
Marais hidden-courtyard walking tour
Reserved, not shared. A private expert guide, a pace that matches you, and access that group tours can't book.
Experience 3
Seine evening cruise with champagne
The best version of this experience happens after the day-trippers leave. Booked at the golden hour with a local.
Experience 4
Versailles garden tour before the crowds
Beat the crowds with private early access. Your guide meets you at first light — fewer people, better photos, and a calmer pace.
Experience 5
Belleville street art and local bistros
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Paris. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.
Experience 6
Opera Garnier backstage access
A curated experience at the heart of why travelers choose Paris. Tailored to your interests, led by a local expert.

Sample itineraries

Two starting points — your real itinerary is custom. We build from here.

7-day classic

  1. 1
    Arrive in Paris
    Airport meet-and-greet, check-in, and a relaxed orientation walk in the evening. Welcome dinner at a local favourite.
  2. 2
    Private Louvre morning with an art historian
    Morning focus: Private Louvre morning with an art historian. Afternoon free — we'll suggest the best coffee spots, bookshops, or a spa slot nearby.
  3. 3
    Marais hidden-courtyard walking tour
    A half-day on Marais hidden-courtyard walking tour, with a long lunch stop built in and the rest of the afternoon yours.
  4. 4
    Seine evening cruise with champagne
    Full-day experience: Seine evening cruise with champagne. Evening at leisure — or we can arrange an off-menu dinner.
  5. 5
    Versailles garden tour before the crowds
    Versailles garden tour before the crowds — often the highlight day for most travelers. Private guide and transport throughout.
  6. 6
    Belleville street art and local bistros
    Belleville street art and local bistros, with an optional food- or culture-focused evening to round things off.
  7. 7
    Departure
    Late check-out, farewell breakfast, and a private transfer to the airport.

14-day deep dive

  1. 1
    Arrive in Paris
    Private airport transfer, check-in, welcome dinner at a curated restaurant.
  2. 2
    Private Louvre morning with an art historian
    Half-day on Private Louvre morning with an art historian. Afternoon free to settle in.
  3. 3
    Marais hidden-courtyard walking tour
    Full day: Marais hidden-courtyard walking tour, with a long lunch in a neighbourhood you'd never have found alone.
  4. 4
    Local pace day
    A slower day — coffee, markets, a cooking class, or a spa afternoon. Your call.
  5. 5
    Seine evening cruise with champagne
    Seine evening cruise with champagne, with time built in for photos and a leisurely stop.
  6. 6
    Half-day leisure
    Sleep in, breakfast slowly, and pick one short activity in the afternoon.
  7. 7
    Versailles garden tour before the crowds
    A full day centred on Versailles garden tour before the crowds.
  8. 8
    Regional extension — travel day
    Transfer to a nearby area chosen for your interests (coast, countryside, or another city).
  9. 9
    Regional extension — highlight
    The signature experience of your extension, with a local guide.
  10. 10
    Regional extension — free
    An open day in the extension — beach, hike, market, or just rest.
  11. 11
    Return to base
    Travel back to Paris. Afternoon free.
  12. 12
    Belleville street art and local bistros
    Belleville street art and local bistros — saved for later in the trip, now that you know the city.
  13. 13
    Opera Garnier backstage access
    Opera Garnier backstage access on your last full day, with a farewell dinner to match.
  14. 14
    Departure
    Private transfer to the airport. We stay in touch after you return.

Practical information

Visa
Schengen visa (most travelers); 90 days visa-free for US/UK/CA
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
French
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Paris?+

The best time to visit Paris is April–June, September–October. These months offer the best balance of weather, availability, and pricing. Peak holiday weeks cost more and get crowded; shoulder months are often our favorite.

How many days do I need in Paris?+

Most travelers spend 5–8 days in Paris as a single destination, or 10–14 days when combining with nearby regions. A custom tour lets you stretch or compress based on what you want to see.

Do I need a visa to visit Paris?+

Schengen visa (most travelers); 90 days visa-free for US/UK/CA. Requirements change — always check with the local consulate or your country's travel advisory before booking flights.

How much does a custom tour to Paris cost?+

Mid-range custom tours to Paris start from around €2,200 per person for a 7-day trip including accommodation, private guides, and transport. Luxury and adventure packages scale from there.

What should I pack for Paris?+

Packing depends on season and activities, but always include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing for temperature shifts, a universal adapter, and respectful clothing for religious sites. Your custom itinerary comes with a tailored packing list.

People also ask

  • Is Paris safe for tourists?
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  • What is the local language in Paris?
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  • How do I get around in Paris?
  • What is the time difference with Paris?
  • Can I combine Paris with another destination?

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