The 8 Private History Tours in France to Book First

1.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $107Our pick

Walk through Paris’s fashion district with Ivo, a fashion professional with advanced design training. Learn how couture, psychology, art, and commerce shaped the city while visiting Palais Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Chanel’s original Rue Cambon address. This private, customizable tour ends near Place de la Concorde.

“This was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. Our guide Ivo had so many interesting stories about fashion history and history in Paris in general. My daughter and I really love fashion and he was so kind and so informative answering all our question's. I totally recommend this tour!”

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2.History of Paris City Center w/ Notre Dame Semi-Private 12ppl Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 194 reviews · 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.) · from $59Best value

Meet your guide at Cité Métro station for a 2-hour-40-minute walk through Paris history. Visit Notre Dame’s interior unguided, then pass Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie, Pont Neuf, the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and Place de la Concorde. Groups stay below 12 people, with private upgrades available.

“Jill was very knowledgeable and she did her very best to accommodate our requests. The tour was just perfect!”

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3.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.

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4.Private Guided History tour of Lourdes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $108

Spend about three hours with a private English-speaking guide such as Laure, Lore, Jodine, or Sandrine. Visit the sanctuary, grotto, basilicas, Bernadette’s birthplace, Le Cachot, and either the medieval castle or her father’s house. The route can be adjusted to your interests and walking pace.

“It’s a 3 hour tour. You have a few choices about what you want to see. Love that the tour was geared to our interests. Our guide, Lore (Lorie) spoke English very well. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.”

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5.Private Half Day Historic Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Start on Île de la Cité with a private guide, then cross Paris on foot through the Latin Quarter, Place Saint-Michel, Sainte-Chapelle, Hôtel de Ville, Le Marais, Rue des Rosiers, and Place des Vosges. April in Paris Tours provides water, a map, photos and restaurant advice, with guides including April, Eden, and Simone.

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6.The History of Paris: Historical Le Marais Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 47 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $106

Walk through historic Le Marais with a private English-speaking guide for about two hours. You’ll see Place des Vosges, Victor Hugo’s former home, Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, and Hôtel de Ville, with the route adjusted to your interests. Guides such as Isabelle, Carlos, Paolo, and Murilo are praised for local food, coffee, shopping, and history tips.

“**Discovering Hidden Gems in Le Marais with Carlos** I recently embarked on a delightful journey through the charming streets of Le Marais with our guide, Carlos. Even for someone who had once called Paris home, Carlos unveiled a treasure trove of spots in Le Marais that had remained undiscovered. He isn't just a guide; he's a passionate storyteller with a flexibility that caters to his audience. His infectious enthusiasm and depth of knowledge provide a fresh and captivating perspective on Paris. For those in search of the true essence of Le Marais and beyond, look no further than Carlos. Eagerly awaiting our next Parisian adventure, we'll undoubtedly have Carlos leading…”

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7.Avignon: Private Walking Tour – Discover History & Heritage

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 45 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $235

You’ll walk Avignon’s Old Town with a private blue badge guide in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. The two-hour option sees the Palace of the Popes from outside and stops at Saint Bénezet Bridge. Choose three hours to enter the palace and walk on the bridge.

“GUIDA MARIE JOSEE OTTIMA E APPASSIONATA. HA RESO IL TOUR INTERESSANTISSIMO. LA CONSIGLIO VIVAMENTE”

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8.Arles: Private Guide Tour – Explore History & Culture

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 22 reviews · 2 hours · from $235

Meet your private guide outside the tourist office for a two-hour walk through Arles. You’ll see the Roman amphitheater, Antique Theatre, Place de la République, Arles Obelisk, and Hotel Dieu, where Van Gogh stayed. Tours are offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, with route changes possible on request.

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