Guided tour of Paris in Citroën Traction Avant or DS 21

If you’re looking to add a touch of vintage charm to your Paris adventure, this guided tour in a classic Citroën is a fantastic choice. For around $160, up to four people can enjoy a private, personalized ride through the city’s most famous landmarks in an eye-catching, vintage Traction Avant 11B (1955) or DS 21 BHV (1971). With durations ranging from one to three hours, it offers flexibility for your schedule and interests.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines nostalgia with personalized insight—your own private driver, often knowledgeable and enthusiastic, sharing stories about Paris’s landmarks while you relax in a beautifully restored, old-world car. Plus, the opportunity to stop for photos at famous sights like the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur means you’ll leave with more than just memories—you’ll have gorgeous photos to prove it.

One thing to consider is that this isn’t a full-day tour with extensive inside visits; it’s a short, scenic ride focusing on the city’s highlights. If you’re after a quick, stylish overview or a unique photo session, this tour hits the mark perfectly. It’s especially well-suited for couples, small families, or friends wanting a luxurious and fun way to see Paris without the crowds or walking.

This experience would appeal most to travelers who appreciate vintage cars, enjoy personalized stories, and want to capture stunning photos of Paris’s iconic sights in a relaxed, exclusive setting.

Key Points

• Unique vintage experience: Travel in a restored Citroën Traction Avant or DS 21 for a nostalgic ride through Paris.
• Personalized tour: The private setting allows for flexible stops, photos, and commentary tailored to your interests.
• Focused sightseeing: Highlights include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, Notre-Dame, and more.
• Flexible duration: Tours last from 1 to 3 hours, suitable for different schedules and preferences.
• Great for photo opportunities: Stops at iconic landmarks offer fantastic photo moments with a classic car backdrop.
• Limited interior sightseeing: This is primarily a scenic, outdoor experience rather than an inside museum visit.

A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Introduction and Meeting Point

The tour begins at a central location in Paris—Concorde—a spot that’s easily accessible via public transportation. From here, your private driver will pick you up in one of the vintage Citroëns, immediately setting the tone with a stylish and eye-catching ride. It’s a private tour, so only your group joins, making for a cozy, flexible experience.

The Vehicle: Vintage Charm on Wheels

The cars themselves are a significant part of the appeal. The Traction Avant 11B from 1955 and the DS 21 from 1971 are beautifully restored classics, each with their own character. The DS 21, in particular, is a technological marvel of its time with a distinctive design that turns heads.

Multiple reviews highlight how these cars are more than just transportation—they’re a photo magnet and a conversation starter. Guests often mention how the car itself garnered many admiring glances while zipping through the streets.

The Itinerary: Landmarks and Land-Views

The tour’s core is a series of stops at key Parisian sites, each explained with interesting tidbits that go beyond the typical guidebook info.

• Arc de Triomphe: Your guide will give a brief explanation of this iconic monument, perfect for snapping photos. Keep in mind, admission isn’t included, so if you want to go inside, plan separately.
• Eiffel Tower: An essential stop for photos and quick insights into its history, again with no entry fee included.
• Other Landmarks: The tour continues with stops at various monuments, bridges, palaces, and places like the Opera, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur. Your guide may highlight stories or facts that make each site special.
• Moulin Rouge: A quick stop for photos and background on this legendary cabaret.
• Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: After a short explanation, you can enjoy a brief stop, with the chance for photos and to get a feel for the bohemian atmosphere of the area.

The itinerary is flexible; stops are designed to maximize photo opportunities and provide insightful commentary.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the quality of the photos taken during stops. As one guest noted, “Abi, our driver, was very knowledgeable, professional, and took incredible pictures.” Guests also love the stunning views and the unique perspective of seeing Paris from a vintage car—something they say they wouldn’t get with a typical bus or walking tour.

Some mention the speed of the ride—fast enough to see many sights, but not so hurried that it feels rushed. Another reviewer highlighted how the tour stopped at several locations for photos, making it feel very personalized. The vintage car also draws lots of attention, adding a fun, glamorous element to the experience.

The Practical Side: Duration, Booking, and Cost

Depending on your schedule, you can choose a shorter or longer ride—1 hour if time is tight, or up to 3 hours for a more relaxed experience. The cost of $160.93 for up to four people offers pretty good value, considering the private nature and the exclusivity of the vintage ride.

Booking is simple, with mobile tickets and pickup options available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A few reviews mention late arrivals or changes, so arriving on time is recommended.

The Downsides

The main consideration is that this isn’t a comprehensive inside tour of Paris’s museums or interiors. It’s mostly an outdoor sightseeing experience, focusing on passing landmarks and capturing photos. Also, some guests noted that gas fumes can be an issue, especially with windows down, and a few found the commentary a bit superficial or rushed, depending on the guide.

For those expecting a deep dive into history or architecture, this tour might feel a bit light. But if your goal is style, fun, and memorable photos, you’ll find it quite satisfying.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for photography lovers, vintage car fans, and those seeking a romantic or stylish way to see Paris. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time wanting a highlight reel in a private setting. Family groups with elderly members or anyone wanting a comfortable, scenic overview without extensive walking will appreciate the car’s comfort.

It’s also a fantastic choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting to feel a bit glamorous during their Paris trip.

The Sum Up

This vintage Citroën tour offers a distinctive, fun way to experience Paris’s most famous sights. With a private driver, flexible stops, and the chance to capture great photos in a classic car, it combines style with personalized storytelling. The experience’s value lies in its charm, exclusivity, and the opportunity to see the city from a different angle—riding in a beautifully restored vehicle that turns heads.

If you love vintage cars, enjoy personalized tours, or want a luxurious photo session against the backdrop of Paris landmarks, this tour will delight you. It’s also a great option if you’re short on time but still want to see many sights without sacrificing comfort.

However, if you’re after an in-depth inside tour or have mobility concerns, this might not fully meet your needs. But for those wanting to feel like a star in a classic car while exploring Paris, this is a memorable, stylish choice.

FAQ

Is this a full-day tour?
No, this tour lasts from 1 to 3 hours, focusing on key landmarks and scenic drives rather than inside visits.

Can I customize the stops?
The itinerary is set, but stops are designed to provide photo opportunities and quick explanations. It’s best suited for sightseeing and photos rather than detailed historical tours.

Is the tour suitable for elderly travelers?
Yes, especially since it’s a private ride in a comfortable vintage car. It’s a relaxing way to see many sights without extensive walking.

Are there options for pickup and drop-off?
Pickup is offered, and the tour ends back at the starting point, making it convenient for your schedule.

Are the landmarks inside visits included?
No, admission tickets are not included for places like the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur. It’s mainly a scenic drive with brief explanations.

What happens if I’m late or need to cancel?
Late arrivals might result in missing the tour or a shortened experience. Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the start, but late cancellations or changes within that window aren’t refunded.

This vintage car tour of Paris is a delightful blend of style, scenic views, and personal storytelling—perfect for travelers wanting a memorable, photo-worthy experience in the City of Light.