Private tours in France cut through the tourist crowds and offer real connections to this fascinating country. These intimate experiences range from $200-1000 per day, depending on the region and activities. The best tours blend history, culture, and local life while providing expert guides and comfortable transportation.
I’m especially fond of the small-group Normandy D-Day tours, where you’ll visit actual landing beaches with military historians. The Loire Valley château tours are another standout – you skip the lines and learn fascinating details about royal life that you’d miss on your own.
Some gems include Paris neighborhood walks (where you’ll discover hidden passages and local markets), wine-tasting journeys in Bordeaux (meeting actual vintners), and walking tours in perfectly preserved villages like Pérouges.
Let’s explore France’s most worthwhile private tours.
Key Points
- France offers a variety of premier private tours, including sailing in Corsica, exploring historic sites like the Panthéon in Paris, and discovering medieval villages.
- Private tours provide personalized experiences with knowledgeable guides, intimate group sizes, and tailored itineraries to cater to individual interests.
- Many private tours in France include transportation, entrance tickets, and additional amenities like complimentary refreshments, making them a convenient and inclusive option.
- Accessibility and flexibility are key features of the best private tours, with some offering wheelchair accessibility and flexible booking policies.
- Highly rated private tours in France, such as the Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands Sailing Tour and the Pérouges Medieval Village Tour, offer breathtaking scenery and immersive cultural experiences.
Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands: Private Sailing Tour
One of the most popular private tours in France is the Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands: Private Sailing Tour. This 7-hour small group tour departs from Bonifacio, Corsica and takes visitors to explore the stunning Lavezzi and Cavallo islands.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional skipper, and the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the scenic beauty of these remote islands. Priced at $153.05 per person, this tour has an impressive 4.9-star rating from 604 reviews.
Guests rave about the breathtaking scenery, knowledgeable guide, and overall high-quality experience. For those seeking a unique and memorable day trip in France, this private sailing tour is a top-rated option.
Read our full review: Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands: Private Sailing Tour Review
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Private Boat Tour to the Strait of Bonifacio With Aperitif
For those seeking an alternative to the popular Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands sailing tour, the Private Boat Tour to the Strait of Bonifacio With Aperitif offers a captivating experience.
This 2-3 hour tour allows visitors to explore the stunning Strait of Bonifacio, a narrow waterway separating Corsica and Sardinia. Travelers can admire the rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and turquoise waters while enjoying a complimentary aperitif.
With a small group size, this private tour provides a more intimate and personalized experience compared to larger group excursions.
At $104.50 per person, it offers an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of this unique region in a relaxed and exclusive setting.
Read our full review: Private Boat Tour to the Strait of Bonifacio With Aperitif Review
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Private Tour of Saint Guilhem and the Devils Bridge
This private tour of Saint Guilhem and the Devils Bridge offers visitors a chance to explore two UNESCO-classified sites in the picturesque Languedoc region.
The full-day tour departs from Montpellier and includes a visit to the Devils Bridge for photo opportunities and a guided tour, followed by an exploration of the medieval village of Saint Guilhem-le-Désert with a break for lunch and a guided tour.
The tour also includes a visit to the Gellone Abbey. Priced at €650.00 per group of up to 8 participants, the tour provides transportation, a live guide, bottled water, and a meal at a local restaurant.
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Private Tour of Saint Guilhem and the Devils Bridge Review
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Pérouges: Medieval Village Private Guided Tour
The lure of Pérouges’s medieval allure draws visitors from near and far to this well-preserved commune nestled in the Ain region of eastern France.
On this 2-hour private walking tour, a local guide leads guests through the charming cobblestone streets and historical landmarks, including the 15th-century fortified church and local artisans’ workshops.
Tour-goers can sample the town’s famous sugar cake and customize the experience to their preferences.
With flexible booking options and language choices, the Pérouges tour offers an immersive glimpse into France’s captivating past, often featured in period films.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, and guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
Read our full review: Pérouges: Medieval Village Private Guided Tour Review
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Panthéon of Paris: Private Guided Tour With Entrance Ticket
Stepping away from the medieval charms of Pérouges, the Panthéon in Paris beckons visitors with its neoclassical grandeur.
This private guided tour provides a 2-hour deep dive into the monument’s history and hidden gems. Guests can discover the impressive nave, learn about notable figures interred, and access the mausoleum.
With priority entrance, the tour avoids long lines. While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the experience offers rich storytelling from guides in multiple languages.
Priced at $210.58 per person, the tour earns 5/5 from reviewers praising the guide’s passion and expertise.
Those seeking an immersive Parisian landmark experience will find the Panthéon tour a compelling option.
Read our full review: Panthéon of Paris: Private Guided Tour With Entrance Ticket Review
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Azay-Le-Rideau Castle: Private Guided Tour With Ticket
Situated along the serene Indre River, the magnificent Azay-le-Rideau Castle beckons visitors to unravel its centuries-old secrets.
This private guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the castle’s stunning Renaissance architecture and beautifully decorated rooms. Guests will discover the castle’s rich history and hidden gems, led by a knowledgeable guide who shares fascinating tales and historical significance.
The 2-hour tour includes entrance tickets to the castle and gardens, and is available in multiple languages. While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it promises a memorable experience for those able to participate.
Flexible booking and cancellation policies make it easy to plan your visit.
Read our full review: Azay-Le-Rideau Castle: Private Guided Tour With Ticket Review
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The Sum Up
France offers a wealth of private tour options that allow visitors to explore its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and charming villages. From sailing around the Lavezzi and Cavallo Islands to guided tours of the Panthéon and Azay-Le-Rideau Castle, these personalized experiences provide an intimate and exclusive way to discover the best of what France has to offer. Travelers can tailor their tours to their interests and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable journey through this captivating country.