Paris First Time Private Tour with Notre Dame, Montmartre & Arc de Triomphe

Imagine wandering through the City of Light with a knowledgeable guide tailoring your day to your interests. This private, 7-hour Paris tour offers just that—an opportunity to visit six top attractions with the flexibility to decide how much time to spend at each. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want an authentic experience without the stress of planning every detail.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the customizable itinerary ensures you see what matters most to you, whether that’s art, history, or scenic views. Second, the skip-the-line access to the Arc de Triomphe means you won’t waste precious time waiting in queues, allowing for a more relaxed day.

A potential consideration? Since it’s tailored, the pace depends on your choices — if you’re not a fan of walking or want a very tight schedule, communicate those preferences early. This tour fits best for travelers who value flexibility, personalized attention, and insightful commentary, especially if it’s your first visit to Paris.

Key Points

• Flexible, custom-built itinerary based on your interests
• Expert guides who book tickets and organize transportation
• Private experience for your group only
• Skip-the-line access to the Arc de Triomphe
• Approximately 7 hours of guided touring
• Includes public transport costs but not meals or full chauffeur service

This private tour from Discover Walks is designed to give first-time visitors an opportunity to see Paris at their own pace. The entire experience, lasting around 7 hours, is crafted to balance iconic sights with personal preferences, offering a more relaxed alternative to crowded group tours or self-guided walking.

Price Point and Value
At roughly $392 per person, this tour might seem steep at first glance. But when you consider that it includes a dedicated guide, ticket bookings, transportation costs, and skip-the-line access, it offers significant convenience—especially if you’re navigating Paris for the first time without local knowledge. For travelers eager to maximize their sightseeing time and avoid long lines, this package can be very cost-effective.

Booking in Advance
Most travelers book about 76 days ahead, indicating how popular this tour can be—likely because of its flexibility and personalized approach. Planning early ensures you get your preferred dates and can customize your itinerary to include specific attractions or interests.

Notre Dame (Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris)

Currently, access to Notre Dame is restricted after the April 2019 fire, but your guide will know how to get you close to the site via the passage open to residents. While you might not get inside, you’ll see the exterior and appreciate its architectural grandeur. The guide’s insight makes up for the limited access, with stories about its history and significance. One reviewer noted, “The tour guide knew a lot about history and Paris,” making the experience enriching even from a distance.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica and Montmartre

Your guide will help you visit the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, perched atop Montmartre, offering panoramic views of Paris. While entry isn’t included, the basilica’s stunning interior and the view from its steps make it worth the visit. Montmartre itself is a neighborhood full of artistic history, charming streets, and lively cafes. You’ll likely spend about 30 minutes here, with the option to linger or move on depending on your interests.

The Neighborhood of Montmartre

Much more than just the basilica, Montmartre is where artists like Picasso once worked, and its winding streets are full of history and lively cafes. Visiting this area gives you a taste of Paris’s bohemian past. One guest remarked, “Flo was amazing! We had the most memorable day with her. She was so knowledgeable and fun.”

Seine River

A cruise or walk along the Seine offers a different perspective of Paris, showcasing its beautiful bridges, historic buildings, and lively quays. Your guide will help you access scenic spots and share stories behind the landmarks. The flexible schedule means you can spend as much or as little time here as you wish.

Musée d’Orsay

Home to masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and others, the Musée d’Orsay is a highlight for art lovers. While entry isn’t included, your guide can help you plan your visit, perhaps focusing on specific collections or artworks of interest. One reviewer appreciated the guide’s tailored commentary, which enhanced the experience.

Arc de Triomphe

This is the only site where ticket inclusion is guaranteed. After skipping the lines, you can ascend this iconic monument for breathtaking views of Paris’s grand avenues. The guide’s anecdotes make the visit more meaningful, sharing stories behind its construction and symbolism. One traveler raved, “Flor was passionate and shared stories I hadn’t heard before.”

Included:

• Full 7-hour guided tour with a local guide
• Public transport costs (including taxis and metro)
• Customized tour planning services
• Skip-the-line entrance to the Arc de Triomphe

Not Included:

• Full-day chauffeur or airport transfers
• Food and drinks (a good opportunity to explore Parisian cafes on your own)

The tour’s flexibility means you can decide whether to spend more time at particular sites or move quickly through others, making it adaptable to your energy levels and interests.

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guides who bring Paris’s stories alive. Reviewers repeatedly highlighted guides like Flo, Oliver, and Adrian for their friendly, professional demeanor and their ability to tailor the experience. As one guest put it, “She is passionate and we felt like we saw Paris through her eyes.”

The stunning views from Montmartre and the Arc de Triomphe are unforgettable, especially when paired with engaging commentary. While Notre Dame’s access is limited, the guide’s ability to bring you close to the site still provides a sense of its grandeur.

Walking and transportation are smoothly coordinated, ensuring that you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the sights. The tour’s pace is flexible, which is highly valued by travelers who dislike being rushed.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a personalized overview of Paris’s most famous sights. It suits those who appreciate expert guidance and want to skip long lines, making the most of their limited time. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy a relaxed, flexible schedule that they can tailor throughout the day.

Families with children have found it accommodating, as guides have the patience and knowledge to keep everyone engaged. If you’re seeking a stress-free, insightful introduction to Paris, this tour checks all the boxes.

This private, customizable Paris tour offers an excellent blend of expert guidance, flexibility, and convenience. It’s especially valuable for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without the hassle of planning or waiting in long lines. The ability to tailor the day to your interests means you won’t be wasting time on sights that don’t excite you, while the included transportation and ticket arrangements streamline the experience.

The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach make this tour feel more like exploring with a friend than being part of a large group. The memorable views from Montmartre and the Arc de Triomphe, combined with carefully curated stories, ensure you leave with a deeper understanding of Paris.

For travelers who want an authentic, flexible introduction to the city’s most famous sights, this tour offers genuine value. It’s a smart choice for those who prioritize quality and personalized attention over generic group experiences.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for those new to Paris, offering a rundown tailored to your interests.

Can I choose which sights to visit?
Absolutely. The tour is built around your preferences, allowing you to decide how much time to spend at each site.

Does the tour include tickets for all sites?
Not all, but the Arc de Triomphe is included with skip-the-line access, while some sites like Notre Dame and Musée d’Orsay are outside or require separate entry.

Is transportation included?
Yes, costs for public transport (metro, taxis) are covered, making it easier to move between sites.

Can I customize the schedule on the day?
Yes, flexibility is a core feature—your guide will adapt to your pace and interests.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 7 hours, enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included—giving you the chance to explore Parisian cafes on your own.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.

What is the price?
Around $392.43 per person, which covers guides, tickets for one site, and transport.

How is the guide?
Most reviews mention guides like Flo, Oliver, and Adrian as knowledgeable, friendly, and tailored to your interests.

This private, flexible tour is a fantastic way to start your Paris adventure, combining expert guidance with the freedom to explore what excites you most.