The 5 Best Old Town and Historic Centre Walks in France

1.Bordeaux: Historic Center & Chartrons District Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 709 reviews · 3 hours · from $42Our pick

Ride 13 km through Bordeaux with a local guide in English, French, or Spanish. You’ll see the historic center, both sides of the Garonne, Chartrons, Darwin, street art, and major landmarks. Dutch bikes or e-bikes, helmets, a canelée tasting, and a local-art postcard are included.

“The tour was fantastic! The information was very informative and well balanced between the historic and modern areas of Bordeaux. I highly recommend this tour!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Strasbourg on Foot: Historic Center and Petite France with a Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 223 reviews · 2 hours · from $34

Spend two hours walking from Place Kléber through Strasbourg’s cathedral quarter, Rohan Palace, Gutenberg Square, the Covered Bridges, and Petite France. Guides such as Leila, Stefania, Stef, Maya, and Javier lead the English or Spanish tour, adding local tips, history, and an Alsatian sweet tasting.

“We had such a fun and interesting tour with Leila. She was so charming and knowledgeable. The pace was just right - it kept us busy and moving without being too much. I would definitely recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Rouen: Guided Tour of the Historic Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Best value

Walk Rouen’s old center with local guide Elodie, or another guide from her team, on a 90-minute, 3-kilometer route in English or French. You’ll follow Joan of Arc’s final days, see the Gros-Horloge, courthouse, cathedral, Saint-Maclou Church, and finish near Saint-Ouen Abbey. Monument entry is not included.

“Elodie was very knowledgeable and we very much enjoyed our tour. The tour is a great way to “get the lay of the land”. In the most beautiful old sections of Rouen. Well done Elodie!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Strasbourg: Private Walking Tour of the Historical Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 107 reviews · 2 hours · from $235

Meet your private guide at Place du Quartier Blanc for a two-hour walk through Strasbourg’s Grand Island. You’ll see the cathedral from outside, the 13th-century covered bridges, Place Broglie, medieval churches, canals, and lesser-known corners. Tours are offered in eight languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese.

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Avignon: Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

Spend three and a half hours walking Avignon’s old town with a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Zahra, Clara, and Nastassja combine local history with at least four food stops, including market tastings, Provençal specialties, cheese, wine, olive oil, tapenade, and dessert.

“One of the best tours I've done ever. We got not only a taste of Avignon through its food and wine, but also an historic overview of the town. Our guide loves Avignon and it shows. She speaks English flawlessly and we had a wonderful afternoon with her as well as sampling some delicious food.”

Check availability →Read our full review