Paris Your Perfect Half or Full Customized Private Day Tour

Experience Paris Your Way with a Private Custom Tour
Price: $238.67 per person | Duration: 3.5 to 7 hours | Rating: 5.0/5 (419 reviews)

When we think of Paris, images of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and charming neighborhoods like Montmartre come to mind. This tour, offered by Discover Walks, puts you in the driver’s seat — or rather, your own private guide — to craft a day that hits all your personal highlights. For around $240, you get a flexible, private experience that can range from a leisurely half-day to a full, immersive exploration of the city. The best part? You decide what to see, and your guide takes care of the logistics, transportation, and insider tips.

What we really love about this experience is the personalized approach. Not only do you get to choose your stops — be it iconic landmarks or tucked-away local favorites — but the guides are born and raised in Paris. That means you’re getting the city through a true local’s lens. Plus, the flexibility to set your own pace allows you to savor each spot without feeling rushed. On the flip side, if you prefer a more structured itinerary, you’ll want to communicate that beforehand so your guide can prepare accordingly.

This tour suits travelers who want to avoid cookie-cutter sightseeing and instead prefer discovering Paris authentically, at their own pace, with expert guidance. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to see the essentials or a return visitor craving hidden corners, this private tour adapts to your interests — a real plus for couples, families, or small groups.

Key Points

Highly customizable – You decide what you want to see and do, making each tour unique.
Expert local guides – Guides are born and raised in Paris, providing authentic insights and stories.
Flexible timing – Choose between a 3.5-hour half-day or a full 7-hour experience.
All transportation arranged – Includes public transport costs, with optional private car at extra cost.
Skip lines and insider access – Guides handle bookings and logistics, making sure you maximize your day.
Authentic local experience – Hidden gems, lively neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks all tailored to your interests.

A Deep Dive Into the Tour Experience

First Impressions and Booking

One of the most appealing aspects of this private tour is the straightforward booking process. You’ll speak with your guide ahead of your visit — either directly or through the tour provider — to outline your interests, favorite sites, and any must-see places. This planning phase is where the tour truly gets personalized, and it’s a step most travelers appreciate. Plus, on the day, your guide will meet you at your accommodation, saving you the hassle of navigating to a meeting point.

The cost is around $238.67 per person, which might seem a bit steep, but when you consider the personalized service, private transportation, and insider knowledge, many find it excellent value. Keep in mind, museum entrance fees are not included, and you’ll pay separately for tickets if you choose to visit places like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.

The Itinerary: Your Choice, Your Pace

The beauty of this tour is that it’s entirely tailored. Think of it as a menu — you pick your favorites, and your guide arranges the day accordingly. The sample stops include Paris’s most iconic sights: the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame (or as close as possible after the 2019 fire), the Louvre, Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and the Seine River.

For each stop, your guide will handle the logistics — booking tickets, arranging transport (like the Paris metro), and sharing fascinating stories and insights. For example, despite Notre Dame’s access being limited since April 2019, guides are well-versed in how to bring you close to the cathedral’s exterior and the surrounding area, so you still get a sense of its grandeur.

One traveler shares, “Our guide Florian took care of us the whole day, making sure we knew about all the places we visited and helping us stay safe on the metro,” highlighting how helpful and smooth the experience can be.

Highlights and Special Touches

Iconic Landmarks: You’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and Sainte-Chapelle, each with some commentary tailored to your interests. Many reviews emphasize that guides go into each venue with you, offering insights that enrich your visit beyond what you’d get on your own.
Hidden Gems: Neighborhoods like Le Marais and the Latin Quarter are favorites for those craving more than just tourist traps. Guides can show you tucked-away squares, boutique shops, and atmospheric streets that most visitors miss. One reviewer says, “Virginie was great — so informative and easy to work with,” and noted how much she appreciated discovering lesser-known spots.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur: The romantic hilltop neighborhood isn’t just about the basilica but also about the stories and characters that give it character. Guides can take you off the beaten path, showing you scenic streets and local art spots.
Seine River: A walk along the Seine can be a highlight, especially when the guide shares stories about Paris’s bridges, bookstalls, and history that add flavor to the views.

Transportation and Time Management

Your guide arranges all public transport, saving you from the stress of figuring out metro lines or bus schedules. For those who prefer a more comfortable ride, private car options are available at an extra fee. The tour can last as little as 3.5 hours or extend to a full day, giving ample flexibility to fit your interests and stamina.

Many travelers comment on how the guides pace the day perfectly, allowing quick visits or longer explorations based on your preferences. As one reviewer put it, “Our guide took us to all we wanted to see, and we never felt rushed,” which underlines the importance of flexibility in city touring.

Food and Extra Expenses

Note that meals and entrance fees are not included, so you’ll want to budget for lunch or snacks and any ticketed attractions you wish to explore more thoroughly. Guides are experts at recommending local dining spots, from casual cafés to fine restaurants, ensuring you enjoy authentic Parisian flavors without the tourist trap prices.

Authenticity and Value

What makes this tour stand out is how much you get with a relatively modest price. For less than what many organized group tours cost, you have a dedicated guide who is committed to making your day perfect. Their local knowledge means you learn stories and details that you won’t find in guidebooks, making your Paris visit more meaningful.

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and personable manner. Comments like “Virginie was so informative and easy to work with” and “Yasemin provided great insights at every turn” show how much travelers value friendly, well-informed guides who treat your interests as their priority.

While the price might seem high upfront, many agree it’s an excellent investment in a stress-free, tailored Paris experience that delivers more than just surface-level sightseeing. The ability to customize your day, skip lines, and get insider tips make it well worth considering, especially if this is your first trip or a special occasion.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers wanting an intimate, personalized look at Paris without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s suited for those who value authentic experiences over cookie-cutter tours, enjoy flexibility, and want a knowledgeable local guide to enhance their understanding of the city.

Couples celebrating a special trip, small groups of friends, or families with specific interests will find it particularly rewarding. If you love to explore at your own pace and want a guide who can adapt to your mood and interests, this tour is a fantastic choice.

FAQ

Can I choose what sights I visit?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable. You share your interests and preferred sites, and your guide creates an itinerary tailored to you.

How long does the tour last?
You can opt for a half-day (around 3.5 hours) or a full-day experience (up to 7 hours). It depends on how much you want to see and your pacing.

Are transportation costs included?
Public transport costs are included in the price, and your guide handles all the logistics.

Are museum tickets included?
No, entrance fees for attractions like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay are not included but can be added for an extra fee.

What if I want a private car?
A private vehicle can be arranged at an extra charge for added comfort or convenience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and guides are attentive to pacing and needs, making it suitable for families or seniors with some mobility.

To sum it up, this private, custom tour offers a flexible way to explore Paris through the eyes of a local. It’s ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience that mixes the major sights with authentic neighborhood charm. The guides’ knowledge and personable approach ensure you’ll leave feeling like you’ve just spent a day with a friendly Parisian friend, not just a tourist. Whether you’re pressed for time or want to savor every moment, this tour adapts to your desires, making your Paris trip truly memorable.