The Essentials of Paris in a Classic Open Top Car Citroën DS

Experience Paris in Style with a Vintage Citroën DS

If you’re looking for a way to see Paris that’s both stylish and intimate, the “The Essentials of Paris in a Classic Open Top Car Citroën DS” offers a uniqe glimpse of the city’s most famous landmarks. This private 3-hour tour, costing around $436.76 per group (up to 4 guests), transports you through Paris’s historic streets in a beautifully restored vintage French car. It’s a perfect way to see the city’s highlights—like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Montmartre—without the rush of large crowds or crowded buses.

What we love about this tour is the chance to experience Paris through the eyes of a local guide, who not only shows you the sights but also shares insider tips and stories. Plus, traveling in a classic 60’s Citroën DS, with its open roof, makes sightseeing feel more like a special event than just another tour. That said, one thing to consider is that the tour can be affected by city traffic, which can slow things down a bit. If you’re someone who enjoys a relaxed, personalized pace and loves a touch of vintage glamour, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, exclusivity, and authentic experiences. If you’re eager to avoid large groups, appreciate detailed explanations, and want to blend sightseeing with a fun, memorable ride, this tour hits all those marks.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide
• Vintage open-top Citroën DS offering style and unique photo opportunities
• In-depth commentary on Paris’s landmarks from your guide
• Flexible stops for photos and quick explanations at major sights
• Ideal for small groups of up to four people for comfort
• Good value for money considering the private, intimate setting and expert guiding

A Closer Look at the Classic Paris Experience

When we first read about this tour, the promise of exploring Paris in a vintage open-top car immediately caught our attention. Traveling in a Citroën DS, a car famous for its innovative design and comfort, adds a special charm to the sightseeing experience. The fact that it’s a private tour means you won’t be crammed with strangers — instead, you’ll share the journey with just your party, allowing for a more relaxed and flexible itinerary.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the $436.76 price, your group gets private transportation, a professional driver, a local guide, and bottled water. This is a significant advantage, as it means all the logistics are handled for you, and you can focus on soaking in the sights. The tour includes stops at many of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, with some areas like the Louvre and Notre-Dame getting more detailed explanations. Keep in mind that admission tickets to attractions are not included, so if you want to go inside places like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre, you’ll need to purchase those separately.

The Itinerary: A Walk Through Paris

The tour covers a broad and well-chosen route, packed with photo-worthy stops and historical insights. Each stop is brief—about five minutes—giving you just enough time to snap pictures and listen to your guide’s commentary before moving on. Here’s what you can expect:

• Champs-Elysées: Starting on one of the world’s most famous avenues, you’ll cross it in style, feeling like a movie star for a few minutes.
• Arc de Triomphe: The famous arch and the wild roundabout surrounding it are a must-see. Your guide will point out the architectural details and give you a quick rundown of its significance.
• Eiffel Tower: No surprise that this is a highlight. Although you won’t go inside, the guide explains its design and history, and you’ll get a chance to take memorable photos.
• Invalides: Passing by Napoleon’s tomb and the military museum, you’ll get a sense of Paris’s regal past.
• Grand Palais & Pont Alexandre III: These architectural marvels showcase Paris’s flair for combining grandeur and elegance.
• Place de la Concorde & Place Vendôme: From the Egyptian obelisk to the elegant jewelry square, these spots highlight Paris’s history and luxury.

As you approach Montmartre, the tour shifts into a more artistic, bohemian vibe, passing landmarks such as the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and the bustling Place du Tertre—famous for artists and street painters. The stops here are perfect for walking brief explorations, especially for those who love art, history, and charming streets.

Highlights from Real Travelers

Many reviews praise guide Benjamin for his friendliness, humor, and depth of knowledge. Nicole from one review calls it the “best way to start a first visit to Paris,” highlighting how the relaxed pace and intimate setting helped her get oriented. Danielle raves about the beautiful, comfortable car and the open roof, which made for excellent viewing and photo opportunities.

Robert appreciated the insights about the architecture and was particularly thrilled that the guide’s love for Paris shone through in his commentary. The small group size, just four people, seems to be a real perk, making conversations easy and personal.

However, not everyone had the perfect experience. One reviewer, Steven, noted that traffic congestion slowed the tour significantly, and some parts were hard to hear due to the lack of an audio system. If you’re sensitive to that, it’s worth considering whether a quieter time of day might improve your experience.

How Does It Feel to Ride in a Vintage Car?

Traveling in a classic Citroën DS elevates the sightseeing. The open roof provides a fantastic vantage point, and the car’s design turns heads wherever you go. It’s more than just transportation—it’s a chance to become part of Paris’s history for a few hours. The experience is surprisingly comfortable, with enough space for four passengers, and the smooth ride helps you relax as you glide through the bustling streets.

This kind of transportation creates a more personal and immersive atmosphere. We loved the way your guide can easily point out details or hop out for photos, all while you’re comfortably seated in vintage style.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers looking for a personalized, stylish way to see Paris. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with a small group or as a couple wanting a private, intimate experience. Art lovers will appreciate the Montmartre section, while history buffs will enjoy the commentary on landmarks like the Pantheon and Louvre.

If you prefer large group tours or audioguide experiences, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re after authentic charm, expert guiding, and a memorable ride, this tour delivers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For its price, this private vintage car tour offers a rare blend of luxury, intimacy, and authenticity. The ability to see many of Paris’s top sights in a compact, stylish package is a distinct advantage, especially since you can tailor the experience with your guide’s insights. The small group size and personal guide help make the experience feel special, not rushed.

While traffic may occasionally slow things down, the overall value lies in the quality of the guide, the unique vehicle, and the chance to experience Paris from a different perspective. For those who love classic cars, personalized experiences, and want to learn the stories behind iconic landmarks, this tour will likely be a cherished memory.

This experience works well for romantic couples, small groups of friends, or history enthusiasts who want more than just sightseeing—they want a story, a style, and a bit of Parisian glamour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, generally most travelers can participate, and the tour is private, so you can tailor it to your needs. It might appeal especially to those interested in vintage cars or who enjoy a relaxed pace.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you a thorough overview of key Paris sights without feeling rushed.

Can I get inside the attractions during the tour?
No, admission tickets to places like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre are not included. If you want inside access, you’ll need to buy tickets separately.

Is pickup offered at my hotel or location?
Yes, pickup is offered from your specified location, making it convenient and seamless.

How many people can join this tour?
It’s designed for up to 4 guests, ensuring personal attention and comfort in the vintage car.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is outdoor and features an open-top vehicle, poor weather might affect your experience. You might want to check the forecast and consider an alternative or reschedule if necessary.

To sum it up, this tour offers a delightful way to see Paris with style, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s best for those who value a private, guided experience in a vintage vehicle, and who want to combine sightseeing with a memorable ride. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or a special treat during a return visit, this experience promises a classic, charming perspective of the City of Light.