Paris Private Tour with Seine River Cruise

Imagine wandering through Paris’s iconic streets, guided by a knowledgeable local, with the chance to see both famous landmarks and hidden gems. This private Paris tour combines a curated 2-hour walking experience with a separate 1-hour Seine River cruise, making it a well-rounded way to start your Paris adventure. Priced at $324.13 for a group of up to 10, this tour offers a flexible, personalized approach—perfect if you’re after insider insights and relaxed sightseeing.

Two things we especially appreciate about this experience are the private guide’s attention—you get their full focus—and the option to enjoy the river cruise separately, giving you flexibility in how you experience the city’s waterways. The guide’s local expertise shines through as they navigate you past major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Grand Palais, while also pointing out lesser-known spots that make Paris unique.

One potential consideration is that admission tickets for museums and monuments are not included. If you’re eager to go inside these sites, you’ll need to budget extra time and money. However, if you’re content with a view from the outside and a detailed explanation from your guide, this tour strikes a good balance. It’s ideal for travelers who love customizable experiences and enjoy learning on foot from a friendly expert.

This tour suits those who want a rundown of Paris without the rush. Perfect for first-timers or anyone who appreciates personalized attention and in-depth local insights. If you’re a photographer, the stops for photos at places like Pont Alexandre III and Place de la Concorde will be especially rewarding. And if you love scenic boat rides, the Seine cruise offers a breathtaking perspective of the city’s skyline and bridges—an absolute highlight.

Key Points

• Private Guide: Enjoy personalized attention and flexible pacing.
• Comprehensive Sights: Covers top landmarks like Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Grand Palais.
• Flexible River Cruise: Can be enjoyed on a different day, with multilingual audio guides.
• Cost-Effective: Good value for a private, tailored experience with a lot packed into two hours.
• No Entrance Fees Included: Museums and monument entry tickets are extra.
• Ideal for first-timers: Perfect for those wanting an overview with authentic local insights.

The Details of the Tour

Starting Point and Duration

The tour begins at the Louvre, arguably the world’s most famous museum. From there, your guide, who might be Renato based on reviews, will lead you around Paris’s must-see sights for about two hours. The experience is private, so your group will enjoy the entire journey without strangers, which means more personalized commentary and flexibility.

The tour concludes at Pont Alexandre III, but you have the option to enjoy the Seine River cruise separately, which lasts about an hour and offers a different perspective of the city. The cruise is included in the price, and it features an audio guide available in seven languages, making it accessible and engaging for international travelers.

What You’ll See

Louvre Museum

We love starting here because it sets the tone for understanding Paris’s artistic and historical significance. Your guide will share stories about the museum’s history and advise on how to plan your visit if you wish to explore further. Keep in mind, admission tickets to enter the Louvre are not included, so if you decide to go inside, you’ll need to buy tickets separately.

Jardin des Tuileries

Next, you’ll walk through the largest park in Paris, famous for its French formal gardens and stunning views toward the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysées. It’s a perfect spot for photos and for soaking in the Parisian ambiance. The gardens are free to walk through and are often less crowded than other attractions.

Place de la Concorde

This historic square is a symbol of Paris’s political and royal past. Your guide will tell stories about its role in French history and show you the famous fountains and obelisks. From here, you get a sweeping view of the Champs-Elysées, making it a great photo opp.

Grand Palais and Le Petit Palais

The Grand Palais, built for the 1900 Universal Exposition, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. While entry to its exhibitions costs extra, the building itself is worth admiring from the outside. Nearby, Le Petit Palais offers more artistic treasures, and you’ll appreciate its ornate façade and the art inside if you decide to visit separately.

Pont Alexandre III

Arguably one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, it was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. Its ornate lamps, cherubs, and gilded statues make it a favorite spot for photos—something you’ll likely want to do during your stop here.

The Seine River Cruise

After your walking tour, you’ll enjoy a 1-hour cruise along the Seine. This scenic ride offers a different perspective on the city’s landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the bridges. With the audio guide in multiple languages, you’ll learn about Paris’s history and architecture as you glide past.

Many visitors find the cruise to be a highlight of their day, offering breathtaking views and a relaxing break. The cruise can be booked for a different day if you prefer to keep the sightseeing flexible.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

What makes this tour stand out is the personal attention from your guide. As one reviewer noted, “Renato was a great guide, very friendly and knowledgeable. We walked around much of the city and learnt a lot!” The small group size (up to 10 people) means you get more tailored insights, not just a scripted commentary.

The stunning views from spots like Pont Alexandre III and the gardens are another plus. Many travelers appreciate not just the sights, but also the stories and historical context provided by a guide who knows their stuff. It’s these authentic insights that transform a sightseeing walk into a memorable experience.

Since the admission tickets are not included, you have the flexibility to choose whether to explore the museums or simply enjoy the outside views and commentary. Some visitors mentioned that they appreciated being able to customize their experience, especially with the option to enjoy the Seine cruise on a different day.

Practical Considerations

The price of $324.13 per group offers good value, especially considering the private nature of the tour and the inclusion of the Seine cruise. When you split this between up to ten people, it becomes quite affordable for a personalized city tour.

The tour duration is just enough to cover key sights without feeling rushed. The 2-hour guided walk is comfortably paced, and the separate cruise adds another hour of sightseeing.

Since admission tickets are not included, you might want to budget extra if you plan to go inside places like the Louvre or the Grand Palais. The meeting point at the Louvre is central and easy to access via public transportation, making it convenient to start your day.

The tour’s flexibility is a real plus—if you prefer to spread out your sightseeing or enjoy the cruise on a different day, that’s an option. Plus, the audio guide during the river cruise ensures everyone can follow along, even if your group includes non-native speakers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a tailored, intimate introduction to Paris. It’s excellent for first-time visitors who need a solid overview and appreciate personalized storytelling. Photography lovers will enjoy the beautiful photo stops along the Seine and at the bridges.

It’s also perfect if you want to keep your sightseeing flexible—you can enjoy the walking tour and decide whether to go inside some museums later. The small group size and private guide make it feel more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend than a typical crowded tour.

Final Thoughts

This private tour with a Seine River cruise offers a well-rounded, intimate experience of Paris’s most celebrated sights, combined with authentic stories from a local guide. With the option to enjoy the cruise separately, you get the flexibility to tailor your day to your preferences. The stunning views, expert guidance, and personalized attention make it a particularly good choice for those wanting to kick off their Paris adventure with a meaningful introduction.

While it doesn’t include entrance fees, the overall value lies in the quality of the guiding and the scenic experiences. It’s especially suited for first-timers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed, private atmosphere to learn about the City of Light.

If you’re ready for an engaging, personal introduction to Paris—without the crowds—this tour is a wise choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, since it’s a private tour designed for small groups, it can be adapted for families. Just consider the pace and interest level of your children.

Can I enjoy the Seine River cruise on a different day?
Absolutely. The cruise is included in the tour price but can be enjoyed separately, giving you flexibility.

Are entrance tickets to museums or monuments included?
No, admission tickets for museums like the Louvre and sites like the Grand Palais are not included. You’ll need to buy those separately if you wish to go inside.

How long does the entire experience last?
The guided walking tour lasts about 2 hours, and the Seine cruise adds another hour if done the same day. You can also choose to do the cruise on a different day.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point at the Louvre is near public transit options, making it easy to reach.

What languages are available for the audio guide during the cruise?
The audio guide is available in seven languages: Spanish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hindi, and Italian.

What if I cancel my booking?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How personalized is the guide’s attention?
Since it’s a private tour, you’ll have the full attention of your guide, allowing for tailored storytelling and questions.

This tour combines the best of guided storytelling, scenic views, and flexible options—making it an excellent way to start your Paris adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or someone wanting a personalized overview, you’ll find it both enjoyable and enriching.