Paris-suggestions for tour company

We will be in Paris at the end of April & would like to book some tours to maximize our 3 days there.

Any suggestions...

Regards and many thanks in advance!

You really do not need a tour guide for Paris...you can so much on your own. The HOHO bus is a great resource to get around as well as the Metro. Do some reading on this board and you will find all kinds of info as to doing a Seine cruise,going to Versailles if you want to get out of Paris for the day,etc.If you feel you really want a tour guide and do not find one here your hotle can help you.

Unless you have some mobility issues, you really can do it on your own. We were in Paris in Sept and did so much via the Metro. I had Rick Steves' guide to Paris which gives you tons of great tips on seeing the sights, but there are others that have great advice and maps as well. Go to Trip Advisor and look at the advice there by the destination experts for Paris.

Come back and ask questions if you have them after checking out the guidebooks and Trip Advisor.

Good Luck! We loved Paris!

Becki

Paris is definitely VERY easy to do on your own (even if you don't speak French).**

Metro will get you pretty much everywhere (but could be a problem if you have mobility issues -- lots of walking to transfer between lines, lots of steps....). And Paris is also a city in which you want to walk around on your own and just take it in; don't rush yourselves. Sit outside at a cafe and watch the people, stroll along the Seine, etc.

As others have suggested, do your research in advance, Rick Steves and other sources, and decide on the best way to use your time based on your interests. There are some things (like the Eiffel Tower) where you probably will want to buy tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

I also want to suggest this free Paris Metro app at the link below. It's fabulous (we used it just a few months ago); it not only has a map, but lets you input your starting station and destination and it will show you the route. And it works off line so no internet connection needed. It's a fabulous resource.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paris-metro-map-route-planner/id527534137?mt=8

**Some tips. If you don't speak French, please do at least learn some basic phrases, and in particular learn how to ask people in French whether they speak English. (Although you will find that many Parisians speak English, it's rude to assume they do by asking them in English.) Also, this very common French cultural courtesy will go a long way: when you enter a store or shop, be sure to greet the shopkeeper with an upbeat "Bonjour!" (Or bonsoir, etc. as the case may be.) It's considered rude not to. And say "au revoir" as you leave. (Apologies if you already know all this. Many do not, and come home thinking Parisians are rude, when in fact there are some basic cultural differences.)

Enjoy your trip!

You don't need an "all day" tour, but there are certain tours that can make your stay more pleasant, and they are not expensive. There are several walking tours of Paris, go over to tripadivsor to read about the various ones, none of expensive, and some are free, but you are expected to tip the guide generously. We booked a tour through Cultival, Underground Eiffel Tower, which was not much more than purchasing the tickets. If you are not prepared to face the throngs in the Lourvre alone, signing up for a tour is helpful because the guide knows exactly where to go and how to get there. There are also tourist cruises along the Seine which are not expensive and a very relaxing way to see the sights along the Seine with some information provided. You don't even have to listen if you don't want to just soak in the scenery.

Viator also has some short tours you can purchase if they seem interesting to you.

Paris is very easy DIY! However, we like the narrative of the tour guides and enjoy learning things we would not ordinarily know. We used Discover Paris Free Walking Tours! You sign up, show up and enjoy the your! You tip the guide at the end according to how you feel about their services. They also have some tours for a fee but they are very reasonable.

discoverwalks.com is the website!

Enjoy Paris!

Diane

I also want to suggest this free Paris Metro app at the link below. It's fabulous (we used it just a few months ago); it not only has a map, but lets you input your starting station and destination and it will show you the route. And it works off line so no internet connection needed. It's a fabulous resource.

 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pari...527534137?mt=8

Thank you so much Turtles06

This is fantastic information everyone.

I really appreciate all your help!