Paris is a city that naturally invites exploration—its art, architecture, and café culture are enough to keep you busy for weeks. But for travelers craving a change of scenery or a deeper dive into nearby treasures, the options for day trips and guided tours are plentiful and varied. From wandering the medieval streets of Bruges with its fairy-tale canals to exploring Brussels’ lively squares, some trips stand out for their unique offerings and reviews. We especially like tours that balance guided insights with free time, like the From Paris: Day Trip to Bruges with Optional Seasonal Cruise, which combines highlights with a scenic canal cruise.
Whether you’re after a quick escape or a private, tailored experience, Paris proves to be a fantastic starting point. The region’s accessibility and the variety of tour styles make it easy to find something that fits your interests—be it cultural discovery, culinary adventures, or immersive history. Dive into our curated list of the 6 best tours in Paris to discover new towns, enjoy local flavors, or explore complex histories—all just a day or less from the City of Light.
1. From Paris: Day Trip to Bruges with Optional Seasonal Cruise
At number 1, this day trip to Bruges offers a full immersion into one of Belgium’s most picturesque towns. The trip includes a visit to iconic sights like the Belfry, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Ten Wijngaerde convent, all set amidst medieval buildings that date back to the 12th century. What makes this trip stand out is the optional canal cruise in summer, allowing travelers to see the city’s Renaissance and Gothic architecture from the water—a perspective that truly highlights Bruges’ fairy-tale charm.
The tour is well-rated at 4.3/5 from over 780 reviews, with many travelers praising the guide’s knowledge and the comfortable transportation. For around $148, it delivers solid value, especially if you enjoy exploring on foot and soaking in historical sights. The tour also offers a chance to sample moules frites and Belgian beer, perfect for food lovers. Perfect for those who want a guided experience with a touch of leisure, this trip is a reliable choice. The main drawback? Depending on traffic, the drive can be a little long, but most find the scenery rewarding.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and architecture lovers who want a relaxed day exploring a UNESCO World Heritage site with optional scenic cruising.
2. From Paris: Day Trip to the Enchanting Brussels and Bruges
This ambitious 16-hour guided trip combines the best of Brussels and Bruges, making it perfect for travelers eager to see both Belgian highlights. Starting from 82 Av. du Général de Gaulle, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours on the bus before diving into guided tours of Brussels’ Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Galleries. Then, after a scenic two-hour transfer, you’ll explore Bruges with free time to shop for chocolates, lace, or enjoy a barge cruise along its canals.
The tour’s numerous stops include visits to Burg Square, the Groeningemuseum, and Mary’s Bridge, providing a comprehensive perspective on Belgian culture and history. With a 4.2/5 rating from 323 reviews, travelers often praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the well-organized itinerary. The 16-hour length and extensive schedule suit active travelers who want to maximize their time. The trip’s value is high, considering the extensive sightseeing included, though some may find the long bus rides tiring.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want to see two Belgian cities in one day and enjoy guided sightseeing, especially if you don’t mind a full day of travel.
3. From Paris: Private Bruges Tour
If privacy and personalized service are your priorities, this Private Bruges Tour is a luxurious choice. For approximately $963 per person, a private chauffeur and guide will pick you up at your hotel in Paris and spend up to 12 hours exploring Bruges at your pace. This bespoke experience allows for a customized itinerary—whether you prefer walking through medieval streets, visiting museums like Groeningemuseum, or simply strolling along the canals.
The tour’s main advantage is the flexibility. With a private guide, you can explore local secrets or spend more time at favorite spots. Reviewers mention the experience of having “an expert guide” and enjoy having a driver at their disposal, which adds convenience and comfort. Since the tour is entirely private, it’s best for travelers who value exclusivity and have a higher budget. The main drawback is cost, which is significantly higher than group tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking an intimate, tailored experience with the full comfort of private transportation and personalized attention.
4. Visit of Bruges in 1 day private tour from Paris
For those who want a more structured private experience, the Visit of Bruges in 1 day offers a 14-hour day with a professional driver and guide at a fixed price of $1,139 for groups up to four. This tour emphasizes seeing medieval buildings, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and enjoying free time to shop for luxurious Belgian chocolates or lace. It also includes visits to Groeningemuseum and key sites like Burg Square.
Guests consistently rate this tour highly, praising the driver’s helpfulness and the guide’s engaging commentary. It’s a good mix of guided sightseeing and free time, making it suitable for travelers who want a semi-private experience without the expense of total exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for small groups or families wanting a personal touch and flexibility on a day trip with a structured itinerary.
5. From Paris: Bruges Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup
This guided tour with hotel pickup simplifies logistics for travelers staying in Paris. For about $239, it combines a full-day tour of Bruges with a canal cruise and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient for those who prefer not to worry about transportation. The tour features visits to well-known sites like the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Belfry, and a traditional village walk.
It’s praised for the smooth organization, comfortable transportation, and a good balance of guided commentary and free time. The inclusion of a boat cruise in summer adds a special touch. Since it operates with pickup from central Paris, it’s ideal for visitors who want a hassle-free experience without renting a car or organizing transport.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers staying in Paris who want a hassle-free, guided day trip with some scenic canal views.
6. Bordeaux: Slave Trade Walking Tour + Garonne Excursion
While not in Belgium, this Bordeaux tour offers a different kind of history—focusing on the city’s role in the Atlantic slave trade. It’s a 2.5-hour walk along the historic Quai des Chartrons, exploring merchant houses and memorials such as the Slave Memorial. Afterwards, a cruise along the Garonne River reveals Bordeaux’s grand 18th-century façade and its connection to a darker past.
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in social history and urban architecture, offering a thoughtful perspective beyond the usual sightseeing. Pricewise at $104, it’s affordable and well-rated, but note it’s shorter and more specialized.
Bottom Line: Excellent for history enthusiasts eager to learn about Bordeaux’s complex past, complemented by a relaxing river cruise.
$104 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Paris
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, interest focus, and travel style. For a luxury, private experience, the Private Bruges Tour is unmatched. If you prefer a full, guided day with scenic cruising, the Day Trip to Bruges offers excellent value. For a multi-city adventure, the Brussels and Bruges trip delivers an immersive experience, though it demands a long day.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time and ensure availability. For travelers who want to explore Bordeaux’s lesser-known history, the Bordeaux Slave Trade Tour provides an eye-opening complement to traditional sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
The range of tours around Paris covers everything from short scenic escapes to private, customized experiences. For cultural enthusiasts, the guided tours of Bruges and Brussels blend highlights with local flavor, while private options offer a more personalized journey. Budget-conscious travelers will find good value in group tours, whereas those seeking exclusivity should consider private or semi-private options.
No matter which you choose, booking early and clarifying your interests will help ensure a smooth, satisfying experience. With so many options at your fingertips, it’s only a matter of picking your ideal adventure—then enjoying all that Belgium, France, and beyond have to offer.