Paris: Side-Car Tour of Paris’s most Beautiful Monuments

Imagine zooming through the streets of Paris in a vintage sidecar, feeling the wind and hearing the city’s sounds up close. For about an hour and a half, you’ll explore some of the most recognizable sights like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Invalides, and the Louvre — all with a knowledgeable guide sharing fascinating stories along the way. For $233 per group (up to two people), this private experience includes hotel pickup, helmets, gloves, and personalized attention, making it a memorable way to see the City of Light.

What we love about this tour is how intimate and fun it is. The vintage sidecars add a touch of nostalgia and adventure, giving you a different perspective compared to walking or even bike tours. Plus, the quick photo stops mean you can capture stunning images of Paris’s most iconic landmarks without the crowds. On the downside, you might find the tour somewhat limited if you’re looking for a deep dive into history or plan to visit lesser-known spots — it’s all about the highlights. Still, if you’re after a thrilling, photo-ready experience with a personal guide, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a stylish, fun way to see Paris, especially if you’re short on time but want the thrill of a unique journey. It’s great for first-timers eager to tick off major sights with insider stories, or those celebrating a special occasion. Just keep in mind that city traffic can influence the ride, so if you’re sensitive to stops and starts, plan your timing accordingly.

Key Points

• Unique Perspective: View Paris’s main landmarks from the open air of a vintage sidecar, providing a memorable and immersive experience.
• Personalized Service: The tour is private, with a professional driver and friendly guide, ensuring tailored attention.
• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to incorporate into your day without extra hassle.
• Iconic Landmarks: Pass by Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and more, with photo stops along the way.
• Short and Sweet: Perfect for those with limited time, offering a rundown of Paris in just 1.5 hours.
• Authentic Experience: The vintage sidecar and guide insights make this a genuine way to experience Paris’ charm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Sidecar Tour Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This tour offers a sweeping but swift look at Paris’s most famous monuments. Starting with hotel pickup, your driver and guide will whisk you into the city’s buzzing streets. As you settle into your vintage sidecar, you’ll immediately notice the sense of adventure — the open-air seat, the historic design, and the view it offers.

Your guide, who is both knowledgeable and personable, will share interesting tidbits about each landmark. For example, they might tell you about Notre Dame’s resilience after the fire or the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe’s history. The tour includes photo stops, so you’ll want to bring your camera or smartphone to capture Paris from these perfect vantage points.

Landmark Highlights

• Notre Dame: Though under restoration, the façade remains iconic, and from the sidecar, you’ll get a great view of its impressive architecture.
• Eiffel Tower: No surprise here — this is the star of Paris. With a quick stop, you’ll get a chance for photos and to marvel at its size and beauty.
• Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées: Cruise past the famous avenue and take in the triumphal arch, a symbol of French pride.
• Invalides & the Louvre: While you won’t go inside, the guide will point out these grand structures, sharing stories that bring their history to life.

The Experience of a Vintage Sidecar Ride

The vintage sidecars, reminiscent of classic Parisian motoring, add a special flair to your sightseeing. We loved the authentic feel and how the open-air design puts you right in the midst of Parisian life. The guide’s calm driving style keeps things smooth, despite the city’s traffic. One review even praises a driver named Raphael for his “calm and smooth” ride, making the experience comfortable even in busy streets.

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Comfort, Safety, and Practical Details

Included are helmets and gloves, which add a layer of safety and comfort. Hotel pickup is a significant plus, eliminating the need to navigate public transit or find meeting points. The tour is strictly private, enabling a flexible and personalized experience.

The Reviews Tell the Real Story

Feedback from past travelers highlights the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the photo opportunities. One reviewer called their guide Raphael “an absolute gentleman,” who took them to places they wouldn’t have discovered on their own. Another raved about the “impressive knowledge, especially about Notre Dame,” and how the guide made sure they got “amazing pictures.”

However, some travelers felt that traffic can eat into the tour’s time. One noted that an early evening ride in heavy traffic led to a feeling of being “stuck,” which can limit sightseeing and photo opportunities. It’s worth considering the timing of your tour — late mornings or early afternoons might offer a smoother ride.

Price and Value

At $233 for up to two people, you’re paying for a private, intimate experience with a guide who shares stories and points out highlights. When you factor in hotel pickup, helmets, gloves, and the personalized service, the value becomes clearer. For those wanting a fun, stylish way to see the main sights without the crowds, it’s a worthwhile splurge.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sidecar experience suits travelers who are looking for something different. If you love vintage vehicles, want a photo-friendly adventure, or are celebrating a special occasion, this tour is a good pick. It’s also ideal if you’re short on time but want to cover the highlights in a lively, engaging way.

However, if you prefer a more in-depth exploration of Paris’s lesser-known neighborhoods or history, you might want to supplement this with other activities. Also, keep in mind that the tour’s duration means it’s more of a highlight reel than a comprehensive city tour.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Paris Side-Car Tour offers a charming, fun, and stylish way to explore the city’s most famous sights. The combination of authentic vintage vehicles, friendly guides, and easy hotel pickup makes it an attractive option for a memorable day out. It’s especially well-suited for those seeking a photo-ready, adventurous experience with a personal touch.

While traffic can sometimes affect the timing, the overall experience is highly praised for its authenticity and professional guides. The opportunity to see Paris from the open air, with the wind in your hair and stunning monuments all around, remains a highlight for many travelers.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to add a dash of excitement to your trip, this tour offers a unique slice of Parisian life that you’ll likely remember long after your trip ends.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup, making it very convenient, especially if you’re staying centrally.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a compact yet rundown of key sights.

Can two people ride together?
Yes, the price covers up to two passengers, with one in the sidecar and the other behind the driver.

What is provided for safety?
Helmets and gloves are included for all participants, ensuring safety and comfort during the ride.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While some reviews suggest it might be uncomfortable for young children, the experience is generally tailored to adult travelers or teens.

What landmarks will we see?
You’ll pass by Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Invalides, and the Louvre, with photo stops at key points.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and French, with live guides in both languages.

Choosing this sidecar tour means opting for a stylish, fun, and efficient way to see Paris’s most celebrated sights. It combines the thrill of open-air riding with expert storytelling, making it a standout experience for those wanting more than just the usual sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here: