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Best of Paris in 7 Days Tour
Paris is synonymous with the finest things that culture can offer — in art, fashion, food, literature, and ideas. On this tour, your Paris-savvy Rick Steves guide will immerse you in the very best of the City of Light: the masterpiece-packed Louvre and Orsay museums, resilient Notre-Dame Cathedral, exquisite Sainte-Chapelle, and the extravagant Palace of Versailles. You'll also enjoy guided neighborhood walks through the city's historic heart, as well as quieter moments to slow down and savor the city's intimate cafés, colorful markets, and joie de vivre. Join us for the Best of Paris in 7 Days!
Dates & Prices
2024
2025
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- Feb 9–Feb 15 (Su–Sa)
- $2,395 + Air
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- Mar 23–Mar 29 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Mar 30–Apr 5 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Mar 31–Apr 6 (Mo–Su)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Apr 7–Apr 13 (Mo–Su)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Apr 20–Apr 26 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
Opportunity to spend Easter in Paris!
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- Apr 21–Apr 27 (Mo–Su)
- $2,795 + Air
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- May 4–May 10 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- May 5–May 11 (Mo–Su)
- $2,995 + Air
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- May 11–May 17 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- May 12–May 18 (Mo–Su)
- $2,995 + Air
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- May 19–May 25 (Mo–Su)
- $2,995 + Air
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- May 25–May 31 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- May 26–Jun 1 (Mo–Su)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jun 9–Jun 15 (Mo–Su)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jun 15–Jun 21 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jun 29–Jul 5 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jul 6–Jul 12 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jul 13–Jul 19 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
Opportunity to enjoy Bastille Day in Paris!
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- Aug 17–Aug 23 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Aug 31–Sep 6 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Sep 7–Sep 13 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- Sep 14–Sep 20 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- Sep 21–Sep 27 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- Sep 28–Oct 4 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- Oct 5–Oct 11 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Oct 12–Oct 18 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Oct 19–Oct 25 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Oct 26–Nov 1 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Nov 23–Nov 29 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
Opportunity to spend Thanksgiving in Paris!
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- Dec 25–Dec 31 (Th–We)
- $2,795 + Air
Opportunity to enjoy Christmas in Paris!
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- Feb 16–Feb 22 (Su–Sa)
- $2,395 + Air
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- Mar 16–Mar 22 (Su–Sa)
- $2,595 + Air
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- Apr 6–Apr 12 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Apr 13–Apr 19 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Apr 27–May 3 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- May 18–May 24 (Su–Sa)
- $2,995 + Air
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- Jun 1–Jun 7 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jun 8–Jun 14 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
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- Jun 22–Jun 28 (Su–Sa)
- $2,795 + Air
What's Included
You'll get at least 9 group sightseeing events — at no extra cost!
Here's what you'll see and do on our 2025 Best of Paris tour:
- 7-day Métro subway and bus transportation pass
- Seine River cruise
- Louvre Museum
- Orsay Museum
- Montmartre walking tour
- Historic Paris walking tour
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Marais walking tour
- Versailles…and more
Plus you'll get all this, too.
- A small, friendly group of 24–28 people — half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Paris come alive for you
- All group transportation during the week in and around Paris
- 6 nights' accommodations in a memorable, centrally located hotel
- All breakfasts and 3 other meals
- All tips for guides and driver
- A tour kit including a guidebook and a moneybelt
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us
- Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour
Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions for important details regarding everything listed above.
Group sightseeing events subject to change.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
We'll gather at our hotel in Paris at 4 p.m. for a short meeting and orientation stroll around our neighborhood. Then we'll get acquainted with one another over a delicious "Welcome to Paris" dinner together.
Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Sleep in Paris.
Day 2: The Historic Heart of Paris
Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will lead a walking tour of the city's early history, including a pair of the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches: the resilient and legendary Notre-Dame and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle. Next we'll stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter, named for the language you'd have heard on these streets if you'd walked them in the Middle Ages. Then you'll be set free for the afternoon to explore more of the city.
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Paris.
Day 3: Montmartre and a Seine Cruise
This morning we'll hop on the Métro, then hike up Montmartre to tour the colorful neighborhood that was the haunt of artistic geniuses a century ago — including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Renoir — and generations of hopeful artists since. We'll end our walk with spectacular views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. After free time for lunch and exploration, we'll regroup this evening to enjoy dinner together before embarking on a dreamy Seine River cruise.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Boat: 1 hour. Sleep in Paris.
Day 4: The Marais District and the Louvre
We'll begin our day with a walking tour through Paris' diverse, history-layered Marais district. As we walk, we'll learn about enlightened 17th-century urban planning at the beautiful Place des Vosges, the cultural roots of the Jewish Quarter, and how the French Revolution grew from this neighborhood. This afternoon, we're off to visit Europe's greatest museum — the Louvre. With a smartphone in hand and the Rick Steves Audio Europe™ app, Rick's voice will guide you through the works of Raphael, Delacroix, and Leonardo and timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo, and hundreds more.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Sleep in Paris.
Day 5: All Day at the Château de Versailles
Today we'll explore the elaborate palace that Louis XIV, XV, and XVI called home. We'll make the 30-minute train trip to Versailles, where we'll have a guided tour of the dazzling Hall of Mirrors and other sumptuous rooms of the palace. You'll then have free time to wander through the expansive gardens and visit the farm animals at Marie Antoinette's hamlet, or to zip back to Paris early via one of the frequent trains.
Strenuous walking: 2–8 miles throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs, and uneven terrain. No bus. Train: 1 hour. Sleep in Paris.
Day 6: Masterpieces of Paris
This morning we'll tour the Orsay Museum, home to the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art with works from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin and beyond. Then you'll be free to visit the nearby Orangerie Museum, featuring Monet's magnificent water lilies and other fine works by Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and more. Tonight we'll enjoy a farewell feast together, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Santé!
Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. No bus. Sleep in Paris.
Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast
Breakfast is provided, but there are no group activities today. It's a breeze to reach Paris' airports by taxi, shuttle, or public transportation. Your guide will help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Merci et au revoir!
(This tour does not include the Eiffel Tower. To avoid its long lines, we recommend booking tickets several weeks in advance. For details, see our Eiffel Tower ticket tips for tour members.)
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Physical Demands
Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. On our Best of Paris in 7 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…
- Carry your luggage up several flights of stairs to reach your hotel room.
- Be on your feet, walking and standing, for up to three hours, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.
- Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate around the city on your own.
Reviews
Julian
Tour: 07/14/24
Overall rating:
Outstanding daily itinerary, accommodations, tour guide, and educational experience!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring Paris during final preparations for the Summer Olympics."
Leah
Tour: 07/14/24
Overall rating:
The itinerary was excellent, really covered the highlights of Paris. I liked the amount of free time when we could explore on our own. The fact that our tour was the week before the Olympics did require some flexibility.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The visit to St. Chapelle was wonderful. I had visited Paris before and missed this gem."
Mike
Tour: 07/14/24
Overall rating:
Elise
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
Wendy
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
Paris's is beautiful. We were there about 2 weeks before the Olympics and some things like the Champs de Mars and part of the Tuileries Gardens were not accessible, but overall we got a good feel for the city and its neighborhoods.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles was beautiful. It would have been even better if more than 1 water fountain had been on."
Jane
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
The Paris tour was extensive and challenging! We saw so much of Paris and had a wonderful guide, Rolinka. She was the best! Our special guide, Elizabeth, was outstanding. But, we were on the go constantly with a lot of walking, learning how to use Metro and the train system and finding our way back to the hotel each day. But, we managed to keep up with the group and to not get lost! It was a busy time in Paris with the Olympics starting soon but it was fun to see some of those sites, too.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Jane's special "wow" moment was the Seine River trip...it was memorable! Bob's special wow moment was the Musee d'Orsay."
Jennifer
Tour: 07/07/24
Overall rating:
It was perfect. The hotel was wonderful... especially the location. The education that Rolinka gave us in art and history, safety and life... she is perfection. Each day was balanced to allow us learning time together and exploration time alone. It was the perfect ratio.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our amazing guide, Rolinka. She was a dream. The Queen's Hamlet at Versailles was my favorite part, along with under the Eiffle Tower at midnight. The Michelin Star restaurant, Pablo, was wonderful, as well as the Aux Merveileux. Oh, and the pain du chocolate at Adelaid."
Carol
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
It was a wonderfully planned out tour of Paris. Paris in itself is quite overwhelming and our guide Inca how to make it easier to get around the sides were good. The food was good. Fellowship was good. Pretty much everything we were looking for.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles Palace"
Holly
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Rolinka was an excellent guide. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful with practical ideas and information. The hotel was ideal in location and in cleanliness and staff. We were greeted upon arrival, 2 days prior to the tour beginning, with pastries and drinks. The staff was so helpful in providing dinner recommendations and pharmacy for my sore throat.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Eiffel tower at dusk with the twinkling lights. "
Audra
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Loved Paris! The selection of activities was a good mix of walking tours, museums, restaurants, and suggestions of what to do in our spare time. Our tour guide Rolinka was awesome! She gave great lessons on how to use the Paris transportation system, and she was such a fun guide. You could tell how much she loved sharing the city. Everyone on the tour was so nice, the hotel close to the Tour Eiffel we stayed at was perfect, and staff super helpful. Our local guides were awesome and informative.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite “WOW” moment was the garden at Versailles. I design gardens for a living, so seeing these amazing gardens in person about moved me to tears. Thinking of how much work went into creating them, maintaining them, and all the history. I walked over 10 miles that day, and my two favorite spots were The Queen’s Hamlet and the Ballroom Grove. Beyond amazing and totally inspiring. I must go back! "
Eugene
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Great tour of a beautiful city and Rolinka is an outstanding guide . Hotel and the staff were wonderful .
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles"
Brandi
Tour: 06/30/24
Overall rating:
Per usual, this tour was an excellent mixture of guided time and time on our own to pursue our own activities -- as well as a few meals together with the rest independent. The sites included were real highlights. The quality of all guides was excellent.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Opera Garnier, done outside the tour, was the biggest wow moment. That is not to be missed. Walking into Saint Chapelle was also awe inspiring."
Charles
Tour: 06/23/24
Overall rating:
Guide was very friendly and professional.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Orsay was incredible."
Edward
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
Rolinka was phenomenal. The experience was relaxing and entertaining. The itinerary was well paced and the cultural experiences were remarkable.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Rolinka inviting us for a wine tasting of different regions of France, including her home AOC."
Linda
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
Overall the tour was well organized, the tour guide and other guides were exceptional - well prepared, well informed, fantastic energy and great time managers. I learned so much about Paris and all it has to offer, including how to use the public transportation. I would highly recommend Rick Steve's Tours.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"That's a hard question to answer because there were many, but if I had to choose one I would say Versailles. The opulence and beauty of the palace and the grounds was incredible, not to mention the history of the Kings and Queens who lived in such luxury and seemed so disconnected from those they ruled."
Jason
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
I really enjoyed the tour. This is the first tour I've done with any company. I liked how the tour provided context to the places we toured. It was more than just seeing stuff. We got to learn about the history of the places we went. The tour hotel was great. I think we had a great tour group. Our guide was very organized and I know she worked hard to provide an excellent experience for us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite part of the tour was Montmartre. Being there is like being transported to another world. It is a very unique part of Paris with a lot of character."
Melissa
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
The 7 day tour in Paris was fantastic! Our tour guide Rolinka was wonderful! Rolinka made a first time visit to Paris a dream come true! Meeting and becoming friends with fellow travelers was great!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite "wow" moment was visiting Versailles. Versailles is so beautifully maintained. I enjoyed the tour through the chateau and the gardens. It is an experience like no other! I also really enjoyed the Seine River cruise in Paris! It was fun seeing Paris from the Seine!"
Brian
Tour: 06/16/24
Overall rating:
Amazing! The tour was more than what we anticipated. Having caring, knowledgeable staff, guides who captivated your attention, the positive attitudes with Plans A, B, C, & D for bumps in the road, made this exactly what we had hoped!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our unflappable guide (Rolinka) who prepared us for the adventure, provided us the tools to navigate, and the skills to be part of the culture and not mere spectators."
Isabel
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
Veronique was an engaging and delightful tour guide. Her knowledge and stories of Paris added flavor and depth to all we were experiencing. And, she was kind to provide daily French treats. She made learning the public transportation system easy and comfortable. Veronique provided lots of ideas on what we could do for our down time, including information on exhibits and happenings around town. The hotel was comfortable, clean and centrally located to all we needed. The staff were great.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved using all the modes of public transportation. Being able to easily go from Metro to bus or train and back made me feel at home. Our trip to Versailles had to be my favorite day. The palace and grounds just took my breath away. Veronique recommended a wonderful Italian restaurant on the grounds and Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon. Both outstanding! "
Nathaniel
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
The tour was well-planned and the information given was extremely helpful in navigating a new country, even with the language barrier.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This is a tough question because each moment was a "wow" moment. If I had to pick, it would be Versailles."
Mitchell
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
Excellent tour guides, destinations, good accommodations, and well organized.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Palace of Versailles was amazing."
Howard
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
I've been to Paris now 4 times but seeing the city through the eyes of a tour guide enhanced my enjoyment of seeing the sights.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles. It was my birthday and celebrating it at Versailles added to the celebration."
Steven
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
Veronique was the best. She prepared us for glitches (there were very few), the traffic, how to order in French, navigating the subway, and many other things, all with humour and calmness. She is also very well prepared on history and geography, our time in Paris was 100 times better because of her thoughtful guidance.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The extended gardens at Versailles and Marie's "Village"."
Celeste
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
David
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
Fantastic experience. It left me wanting to book a return trip as soon as possible.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"If I had to pick one thing -- The Palace at Versailles."
John
Tour: 06/10/24
Overall rating:
Our guide was terrific. Very knowledgable and nice.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Sainte Chapelle was beautiful"
Claire
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
Absolutely excellent. In every way.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All. Meeting Rolinka and getting to spend time with her."
Carolyn
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
Our guide, Rolinka made the experience wonderful. I felt Paris was very spread out and therefore it was difficult to plan extra sites to see after our morning tours. The fact that Paris was preparing for the Olympics made getting around a little more difficult. Also, some areas were not available. The food was wonderful, the hotel staff were very friendly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite "wow" moment was our farewell dinner. The food was excellent and it was fun sharing our favorite sites with the group."
Steve
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
This was my first tour with Rick Steves and it exceeded my expectations in every way. Our guide, Rolinka, was outstanding! She is extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and fun!! She went above and beyond, making our trip a very memorable experience. The Hotel Londres Eiffel was excellent. The staff were unusually helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. The location of the hotel was close to the sights and metro stations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Palace of Versailles and its Gardens was spectacular and the star of the show. "
Susan
Tour: 06/09/24
Overall rating:
So much fun! Terrific guide! Great balance of scheduled activities and free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Top of the Eiffel Tower. "
Judy
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
It was nice to stay in one hotel and tour each day. Our tour group of travelers we very nice..
Favorite "WOW" moment
"River Cruise on the Seine and the rooftop of Galleries Lafayette. "
Liliana
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
It was amazing! I learned so much about Paris and their rich history!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Saint Chapelle was my wow moment!"
Richard
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
It was Paris! What else needs to be said?
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Wandering through the wonderful different neighborhoods which are so different from those in the US."
Jane
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
We have been on 3 other RS tours, but this was our first "city" tour. It seemed more intense. The guides were all good, the hotel we stayed in was great. We saw a lot, and got a good feeling for Paris.
Julie
Tour: 06/02/24
Overall rating:
This tour is a wonderful way to get to know Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking into St Chappelle! Wow! I had no idea what to expect. It was beautiful."
Christina
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Great experience with meeting very nice people, tasting nice foods and wines, getting educated with history, culture and how to nevigate in the city of Paris and nearby towns.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The restaurants for dinners and coffee shop offered with a cup of coffee and pastries, very sweet and thoughtful, good tastes."
Nancy
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
By spending the week in Paris we really learned how the city “works!” We became experts on the metro. We had confidence exploring on our ow.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"How can I pick just one? Impossible."
Maryjane
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Setting sale on our Seine River cruise on the last trip of the night (10:00 pm), we were just leaving the dock when the Eiffel Tower lights show began. It had been rainy off and on all day but at that moment it was cool and a bit foggy, giving an extra "wow" to the glitter and laser lights of Paris's iconic monument."
Joe
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Daniel
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
The tour was very good, and we highly recommend it. The tour guide, Jerome Hugron, did an exceptional job introducing us to French culture and history.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It's difficult to pick one "wow" moment because all the venues and activities were so good. The boat tour on the Seine was amazing as was Versailles, Sainte-Chapelle, and Musée d'Orsay. As an extra special bonus, Jerome's wine tasting experience was a real treat."
Rebecca
Tour: 05/27/24
Overall rating:
Jerome was an excellent tour guide and the meals and experiences were all wonderful. In spite of the rain and chilly weather, we all carried on and got to know the lovely city of Paris. We learned how to use the metro, ride the bus and the train, and walk everywhere! Great value in this tour, considering the local guides we had and the delicious meals we enjoyed.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think the meals together were my favorite part. It was relaxed, fun to talk to new people, and experience some new dishes."
Julie
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
My overall experience was WONDERFUL. Initially, I was unsure about traveling with a group but I do not regret my decision.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"During my Paris trip, my "wow" moment was visiting the Palace of Versailles."
Kate
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
Excellent guide - knowledgable, with practical information, friendly and kind; nice accommodations - clean, friendly staff, good European continental breakfast; provided a taste of the highlights of Paris; learned to navigate the metro system independently
Favorite "WOW" moment
"evening Seine River boat ride to view the Eiffel Tower lit up"
Richard
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
We had high expectations for this tour, and the experience actually exceeded those expectations. Start to finish, this tour was well worth the money. While we could have visited the iconic landmarks of Paris on our own, it was way better to be able to learn from the expertise of our guides.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I particularly enjoyed and appreciated our tours of the Montmartre and Marais districts of Paris. These are areas that can be easily overlooked without the assistance of our guides. There is much history and culture in areas like this that are best understood with the assistance of someone with requisite expertise."
Kathryn
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
I loved so much about this experience! Not having to plan everything myself was HUGE. We learned so much and saw a wonderful variety of sights, while still having some time to explore on our own. Our guide showing us how to use the Metro system right at the beginning gave us the confidence to get out there and see as much as we could! And our group was such a nice bunch of individuals, they added to the experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I don't know how to pick a favorite. I loved the tours through the neighborhoods of Montmartre and Marais. The windows in St. Chapelle were incredible. Our guided tour through the Musee D'Orsay was definitely a highlight. Seeing really old chateaus still in use, and all the wonderful wrought iron and stone designs throughout the city. And of course the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomph were stunners!"
Kerry
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
Overall tour experience for my family of 5 was Outstanding! We all rated the experience as "Unforgettable". We all would take another Rick Steve's Tour in a heartbeat and will definitely be repeat customers. From the Hotel de Londres Eiffel and all the staff, to our favorite tour guide Rolinka and all the 'pearls of wisdom', light-hearted humor and everyone we encountered going above and beyond we are so grateful and appreciative!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our favorite part was the great connection we made with our tour guide, Rolinka. Her kindness, efficiency, knowledge and professionalism was unrivaled. "
Wanda
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
The tour guide was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, entertaining, and above all very enjoyable to be with. Everyone loved her. She reminded me of Mary Poppins, umbrella and all. The tour was well organized, ran on Schedule, but flexible when necessary.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I enjoyed the location of the hotel and the time spent walking the streets to the Eiffel Tower. Every day the tours were great, even traveling on the Metro is memorable."
Andrew
Tour: 05/26/24
Overall rating:
The tour offered a fabulous introduction to Paris, and Rolinka, our tour guide, was entertaining, personable, and very knowledgeable. Our accommodations at Hotel de Londres Eiffel were also excellent, and the staff could not have been more helpful. I discovered, though, that I would probably do better on a self-guided tour where we had more autonomy, so there may be a Rick Steves self-guided tour in our future. But that's on me, and doesn't reflect on the tour we just completed.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the Musee d'Orsay and its survey of Impressionism and the art that immediately preceded and followed it. The local tour guide, Joelle, who accompanied us through the museum was extremely knowledgeable, insightful, and opinionated - my favorite kind of person! "
Susan
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
The tour was wonderful, Armand made it fun and provided so much education and insight to make the whole experience go smoothly. We found the arranged tours to be a wonderful variety of the city and the other guides for the Montmare & museums to also be excellent. It was a pleasure also to meet the others on the tour. The variety of other travelers made the experience fun also.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many sights that “wowed”! The artwork in the Orsay museum was incredible to see in person rather than books. "
Wendy
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
Artaud tour guide was outstanding! he was engaging, a plethora of knowledge. It was a pleasure to be with every day. All of our other tour guides for specific locations were wonderful. Paris is a beautiful city.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles, was my WOW moment. We had an excellent tour guide. I am so glad we had the opportunity to go there one of the most beautiful places on earth."
Matthew
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
C'est bon all the way! We've been Rick Steves fans for years, but discovering Paris with an amazing guide like Arnaud made the experience second to none. He was both fun and knowledgeable, but he also kept our group on schedule – allowing us to sink our teeth into so much of this magical city. We've had many adventures in Europe and plenty of them on our own, but going to France for the first time with a Rick Steves tour made all the difference.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The personalized tours through Monmartres and Maraise – led by a true Parisienne – were so rich and detailed, and having the additional guides walk us through the museums and historic churches was a game changer. "
Raymond
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
Our tour guide was excellent! Arnauld was knowledgeable and engaging. The folks we toured with were pleasant and easy to get along with. Paris is a beautiful city with a lot to offer a traveler. The tour kept a good pace which allowed us to see a lot of sights. We also had time to go out on our own and explore other places that wasn’t included in the tour package.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The louvre was great. I had no idea how large it is."
Arlene
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
This tour was amazing, it covered most of the outstanding sites of Paris. It was easy to get around using the metro and the transit systems.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles, the mansion and the gardens. "
Todd
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
Elizabeth
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Orsay museum"
Michael
Tour: 05/20/24
Overall rating:
First of all, our guides were the very best I can imagine. Arnaud was fantastic: endlessly patient, witty, energetic, and knowledgable; he gave us his genuine care and was an amazing host. The same goes for all of our other guides. I would not have seen as much of Paris, or learned as much, without the presence of our guides. The overall experience was fantastic and I would recommend this tour to anyone.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The tour of Montmartre was my favorite day; I loved this relaxed neighborhood and the beautiful views of the city."
Ann
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
Lots of good information about Paris and culture.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Guided tour with Josette in the Musee d'Orsay"
Michael
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
We loved everything about the tour. The schedule was great in that it allowed us the time to do the extra things we wanted. Our guide,Rolinka, was amazing. She was so knowledgeable and friendly and, best of all, excellent at adapting to the group and situations that arose, particularly regarding navigating around Olympic-related closures. We also loved the hotel, the staff was fantastic and the location was perfect for experiencing the tourist and real parts of Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This was my third time in Paris, so I had seen many of the locations before many years ago. Thus my “wow” moment would be the last meal we had. The food and presentation were exceptional and the restaurant itself was perfect. It was the perfect strolling distance from the hotel, we had a nice section to ourselves and made for a great culmination of a great week."
Lawrence
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful especially with the transit system.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Louve museum."
Dale
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
It was a wonderful experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Brunch at the Eiffel Tower. "
Sher
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
My overall tour experience was fantastic. Our tour leader was incredible. The sites we visited were perfect. The tour guides were very good. It was an incredible first time experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Saint-Chapelle"
Lee
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
Paris was beautiful and full of wonder. Rolinka enabled us to enjoy every moment.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"When the Eiffel tower was lit up for the evening."
John
Tour: 05/19/24
Overall rating:
We've visited Paris on our own before, but wanted closer engagement with the city, sites, and people by touring with RSE. Expectations were easily met and, in some places, were exceeded.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Local guide, Vincent, brought knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm to our visits to the Louvre and Versailles. And he did so while managing our group of 24-ish members amidst the crowds of two busy, popular venues."
Marien
Tour: 05/13/24
Overall rating:
The sights visited in the amount number of days for tour were great. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and explained the history of the locations visited which was very informative.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Versailles "
William
Tour: 05/13/24
Overall rating:
Very good William was an excellent guide
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Louvre"
Thomas
Tour: 05/13/24
Overall rating:
Good balance between group tours/excursions and time I chose what to do with (for example a 3 hour food tour); charming hotel just a couple of blocks from the metro station; very experienced and knowledgeable guide; on our walking tours, I looked forward to the pastries our guide would surprise us with when we stopped for a few minutes
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Sainte-Chapelle -- you have to walk up a dark, narrow, winding staircase, your head is pointed down so you don't loose your step. Your last step takes you into the chapel and you lift your head up. And suddenly there is light again and many, many beautiful, colorful, stained class windows telling the story of the Bible...it is a marvel, how could it have possibly survived 10 centuries! Also, a tip -- consider taking a pair of opera glasses/binoculars to see the uppermost panels"
Lance
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
Stress free trip with great guides
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Everyday was great"
Jeff
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
It was excellent from start to finish. Our guide, Nico made the tour fun, exciting and stress free.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles"
Martha
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
I loved the hotel we stayed in. It was in a great location and close to a lot of things to do. Nico was fantastic! He did such a great job, he was very helpful and friendly.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The local guides were great. I loved learning about the impressionism art at the D'Orsay museum."
Lisa
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
Loved Paris. I debated whether to plan this on my own or join the tour and I was glad I did. Nico showed us how to navigate public transportation which would not have been easy if you don't speak French. It was also nice that entry to all the major sights was included. There was plenty of free time to explore on our own. I loved our hotel and all the marvelous cafes and restaurants nearby and the fellow travelers were fun and interesting.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles was incredible. We were fortunate that it wasn't overly packed and the weather was lovely to explore the gardens. I also loved walking throughout the city and stopping at an outdoor cafe for an espresso and watching Parisians living their everyday lives."
Delia-Alliece
Tour: 05/12/24
Overall rating:
Overall this trip was wonderful. Our recent 7-day tour was an extraordinary adventure, filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking sights. Whether it was the culinary delights, the artistic treasures, or the historical marvels, every moment was a testament to the timeless allure of Paris, and the skill of our guide Nico. This journey was truly an experience of a lifetime, and we leave with hearts full of joy and minds brimming with beautiful memories. This Paris tour was magical.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite "wow" moment had to be day 5, the trip to the Palace. A short trip outside Paris brought us to the opulent Château de Versailles. The grandeur of the palace, with its lavish rooms and the Hall of Mirrors, was matched only by the beauty of its expansive gardens. Strolling through the meticulously landscaped grounds, we felt transported to another era, imagining the lives of the French royalty who once called this place home. It was overwhelmingly ornate and rich with history."
Olga
Tour: 05/06/24
Overall rating:
We enjoyed every day and every part of the Paris tour. Extensive, informative and fun. We sure wouldn’t have covered as much on our own as we did on the tour. Worth every dollar.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved our walk on Montmartre. It felt a very real part of Paris, not the grandeur of the Haussmann buildings like downtown Paris, but intimate feel of real Parisian life. "
Ken
Tour: 05/06/24
Overall rating:
My wife and I enjoyed the tour very much. The tour was superbly organized starting with the hotel which was well located in the heart of Paris. The tour facilitator/guide, Gregoire, was excellent; friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. We particularly appreciated his practical tips and dinners.The excursions were well done; all four guides were very good (particularly the guides for Orsay Museum and the Marais District. It was fun getting to know the other people on the tour. Lots of walking.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two favourite "wow" moments. First was the very powerful Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation. Almost overwhelming. The second was the Sainte Chappelle stained glass windows."
Sharon
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
The best experience I could ask for! My daughter and I enjoyed every moment.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Louvre Museum, The Orsay Museum, the river cruise on the Seine, and the palace at Versailles. Awesome experiences!"
Anita
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Learned so much!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Becoming comfortable using the Metro to get anywhere in Paris independently!"
Reiko
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
The tour is well coordinated with a good balance of group and individual activities. Our guide Marie was very professional, knowledgeable, friendly and kind, which enriched our time together in Paris. It was a very fulfilling experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"At the Musée d’Orsay, the first painting the guide focused on was very dramatic. At first, I didn’t know what I was looking at. When you look closely at upper left of the painting, you see Dante and Virgil. It’s Dante’s Inferno! Her explanation opened up my eyes to appreciate the paintings I saw at the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie later that day."
Laurie
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Marie was an excellent tour guide. We have used RS books to navigate Ireland and Italy! Highly recommend.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Marie"
Kathleen
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Itinerary, accommodations, and guides were fabulous from start to finish!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Several come to mind, but one that was unexpected was learning the history of Impressionism during our visit to the Musée D’Orsay stands out!"
Marie
Tour: 05/05/24
Overall rating:
Enjoyed taking public transportation with guide and fellow tour members. We were able to travel by metro and bus on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The guide for Osage museum was fantastic. "
Doreen
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
Rolinka is the best guide ever for first-timers in Paris. You'll learn to use all forms of transportation, see some off-beat but interesting places and get educated on good French pastries.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"While on our river ride, the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower turned on just as we got to the base of the tower "
Jill
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
Well rounded tour with the “normal” highlights. I would rate this tour more active than the RS site does. The other RS tours I have done involve a bus with more “downtime” to rest/recover from busy city days. Lots and lots of stairs and walking. More active than the Switzerland tour and Heart of Italy.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Rolinka our wonderful tour guide! Inclusive to all, utmost knowledge, her experience and sharing of history/culture of Paris. I had been to Versailles before, but not the gardens. They were amazing. "
Lloyd
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
Judy
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
Fantastic tour guide, wonderful sights and experiences. It more than met expectations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have 2: Sacre Coeur Basillica and the windows, and cruise on the Seine with the lights going off on the Eiffel Tower- magical"
Victoria
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
We decided to join a Rick Steves tour because we wanted our trip to Paris to be “figured out” by experienced experts. We wanted the structure provided by a guide with a plan, and we wanted some time on our own to wander. You exceeded our expectations. The fabulous group of fellow travelers on our tour truly enhanced our experience. The guides Iris and Elisabeth were fantastic, so knowledgeable.Rolinka, our guide, made it all happen. She was as amazing as Paris itself….well, almost as amazing. :)
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to pick just one: standing near the Notre Dame Cathedral witnessing it being lovingly reconstructed, viewing the sparkling Eiffel Tower right at 10 PM from our cruise on the Seine, sipping hot chocolate outside a cafe on Rue Cler, finding the perfect scarf shop."
Sofija
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
Great experience. Our guide, Rolinka , was great. She had so much knowledge and information and truly cared about all of us in the group and made sure we were engaged and having a great time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It has to be our evening cruise on the Seine. Our guide was able to get our group on the boat at the front of the line so we were able to secure seats at the front of the boat and had great views of surrounding sights. We even got to see the Eiffel Tower completely lit up with the twinkling lights. What a sight! "
Carl
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
A great introduction to Paris, with an excellent guide and good tour companions. This tour provides a nice mix of information and structure with plenty of free time to explore Paris on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Too many 'wows' to rate one as my favorite."
Iris
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
It was our first RST and we had a wonderful experience. The tour group size of 24 was perfect, and our tour guide Rolinka was outstanding. A perfect balance of guiding and letting us be independent. The tours were great with morning touring and independently exploring on our own in the afternoon. The 1 week travel pass which included travelling on the buses and metro was perfect.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Just the overall sights and architecture of Paris! Amazing. Rolinka's knowledge and balance of history and fun facts. Seeing the Eiffel Tower, Arch de Triumph, The tour touched on the highlights of Paris but also allowed us to explore and discover wonderful "wow" moments on our own. The small boutiques and great cafes."
Anthony
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
Couldn't have been better for our first visit to Paris. The guides were well versed and attentive to the group needs. Rolinka exemplified what you'd want in a guide. No time was wasted while you were with her. Thanks RS
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Although not on the tour, the schedule is such that we had time to visit the Eiffel tower. The views are incredible, catch it late in the day with teh sun low, just like described, a Wow moment."
James
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
The tour fulfilled our expectations. Rolinka was, of course, a superb leader. All the people in our group got along very well. Paris was superb.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It'd difficult to single out one moment - of course the flashing lights on the Eiffel Tower while cruising the Seine was "wow!" I loved walking around the city, so many beautiful buildings, so many interesting spots. The Luxembourg Gardens are wow."
Theresa
Tour: 04/22/24
Overall rating:
The trip was well organized and our guide made sure to meet the needs of all the travelers.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment was Marie Antoinette's hamlet on the grounds of Versailles."
Walter
Tour: 04/21/24
Overall rating:
Valeria
Tour: 04/21/24
Overall rating:
Loved every moment of it! Daniela was a fabulous tour guide & the people we met on the tour were so friendly & kind. The hotel was very comfortable and the staff were just so helpful & friendly. We brought back wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Louvre Museum and we only saw a small portion. We would definitely go back & see more. "
Robert
Tour: 04/21/24
Overall rating:
Our tour guide was fantastic with the right amount of information, entertainment, and people skills. She and the tour were organized but also left us with free independent time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Montmartre was a WOW! Charming and gorgeous. "
Dale
Tour: 04/21/24
Overall rating:
Fantastic! Our guide Daniela was the perfect combination of teacher, coordinator, coach and friend. We got so much more out of our Paris experience by utilizing the Rick Steves tour process.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It is hard to pick a moment, when it was really the full week that collectively made for a total WOW. Our visit to Versailles was a highlight for me."
Marjorie
Tour: 04/21/24
The tour was well-organized and took us to wonderful sights in Paris. The only detraction was the weather, which was gray and cold. This, however, could not be controlled by anyone!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two wonderful moments were the visits to the Sainte-Chapelle and to the Orsay museum. The local guide at the Orsay was both phenomenally knowledgeable about the art and delightful personally. I'd have happily spent another hour or two with her!"
Diane
Tour: 04/21/24
Overall rating:
I've never been to Paris and this was quite an immersive experience. So glad we got to so many neighborhoods and used public transportation. I intently read the RS Paris guidebook and had my time well planned outside of the tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Packing in a small suitcase and carrying it on, never thought I could do that. Being at the main museums were all wow moments."
Margaret
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
Great guide, great hotel, great breakfasts and dinners. Also great sights and great group of tour members.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having a picnic lunch in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower."
Mark
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
I have been to Paris a couple of times before but seeing my brother and my son who were here for the first time - fall in love with one of my favorite cities was delightful. Marie was a wonderful guide and the other members of the tour were a pleasure to be around. Paris is place you can visit again and again and never grow tired of.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We had several wow moments. Being at the top of the Eiffel Tower at night and seeing the city lights below was one. Wondering through the Montmartre District was another. Or what can be better than sipping coffee at a café and people watching. "
Matthias
Tour: 04/14/24
Overall rating:
Marie was an excellent tour guide. We had a great time exploring the city and learning about its history, culture, and art. I appreciated all of the time we were given to explore on our own as well, which is one of the things I like most about RS tours. I was traveling with my wife, mother, and mother-in-law. Thanks to Marie, we all felt very comfortable navigating the city on our own, and it was fun to come back and share our adventures the group later on.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I really enjoyed the Orsay museums but if I had to pick one "Wow" moment it was seeing Monet's water lilies at the l' Orangerie. "
Nancy
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Our guide was excellent, and I totally enjoyed the interactions with the other tour members. I was a little unprepared for the length and speed of walking, but I knew going in that I would be.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"While all of the moments were memorable, the greatest for me was the walk through the Latin Quarters and seeing the tribute to those who had assisted the Jewish population during the Holocaust. "
Colleen
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our tour guide Rolinka was amazing!"
Corinn
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Tour guide was excellent. She maximized our time and places we visited. Make excellent selections of when and where we visited things. The guides she chose were very informative. She took in explaining how to use the transportation system & making recommendations in areas throughout the tour. The group melded together and looked out for one another throughout the week. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Notre Dame 3D experience was incredible. We did this on our own time. Highly recommend doing it."
Donna
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
I had never been to Paris before and it was just as beautiful as I imagined.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Dinner at the Eiffel Tower"
Kelsey
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
Rolinka was fabulous and made the tour very enjoyable!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking upstairs at Sainte Chappelle and seeing the stained glass! "
Susan
Tour: 04/07/24
Overall rating:
I found the 7 day tour of Paris well organized, packed with information, energizing, and relaxing at the same time. Rolinka, our tour guide for the week made each well orchestrated experience enjoyable, educational, and magical.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Oh so many. But when I saw the painting, The Gleaners in the Musee d’Orsay, I believe I gasped!"
Jeanne
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
Vero is the best guide ever.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing DaVinci paintings in the Louvre that weren't the Mona Lisa."
Liz
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
Even with the weather being harsh (rainy and chilly), this tour was awesome! There were the cultural known aspects of sightseeing but there were also the out of the sights I would have never seen.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So hard to say with so many wonderful sights. Notre Dame being rebuilt and to hear a lot of the backstory. Then Versailles with it's gorgeous gardens and the mega gold in the palace. Of course, seeing the Eiffel tower "twinkle" at night "
Anne
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
We enjoyed the location of our hotel in Paris. Our guide Veronique was wonderful in every way! We appreciated her professionalism and kindness and knowledge of French culture.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It’s too hard to pick just one moment. I had never been to Versaille and the trip there was wonderful. "
Diane
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
Our group had great people and excellent guides! Loved the whisper system and buddy call. We felt very safe and well cared for.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The subway was an eye opener at rush hour! Our wow moment was visiting the small neighborhoods and the knowledge our guide shared with us. "
Charlotte
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
Certainly the tour hits all the spots one should see in Paris, but our guide Veronique helped us to really understand Parisian culture and history. She clearly understands adult learning styles and that we all came from various backgrounds and experiences. She helped us to be able to comfortably navigate the city in our free time, both on the metro and in restaurants. Her added touches (cocktail hour, macrons) and enthusiasm for Paris enhanced the experience!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many! Sitting outside Notre Dame and hearing about the fire and rebuilding, standing atop Monmatre, eating amazing food, and seeing the Eiffel Tower "twinkle" at night. "
Scott
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
V, our guide was outstanding. A French native and a history buff fulfilled all of our expectations and more. Hotel Duquesne Eiffel was perfect...responsive staff, clean, and a great location.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two districts, Montmartre and Marais. Walking through these districts and listening to V, our guide, made me want to move to Paris!!! "
Gretchen
Tour: 04/01/24
Overall rating:
This tour was the best way for us to see some of the highlights of Paris in just seven days. Letting someone else tend to most of the details was just what we wanted! The structure of the trip was such that we had just the right amount of time taking in the knowledge of our guides, and then exploring and learning on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Hall of Mirrors at Versailles!!! Such opulence..."
James
Tour: 03/31/24
Overall rating:
Our tour was perfect. Our guide Rolinka was outstanding. She was very sweet and knowledgeable and kept our tour moving forward. Lori and I felt so prepared thanks to her information on the metro and buses etc. that after only a couple of days we felt like we had lived in Paris for months. We were emboldened to explore the city on our own during our private times, and the city did not let us down. Paris in the spring was beautiful, gracious, and a real pleasure.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Entering the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle "
Leigh
Tour: 03/31/24
Overall rating:
The tour was outstanding in every way. The hotel was great .The neighborhood was fun to navigate. The restaurants in the neighborhood were very good. Rolinka, out guide. was tremendous. Extremely knowledgeable of the history of Paris but of the neighborhood. The local guides were also fantastic.
Favorite "WOW" moment
" Seeing the Eiffel Tower from a neighborhood street."
Leanne
Tour: 03/31/24
Overall rating:
excellent way to see a big city. No lines with waiting to get into museums.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles Gardens"
Christopher
Tour: 03/24/24
Overall rating:
The guides and schedule were excellent. The accommodations were perfect. This was an excellent way to discover a new city.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We were blown away by Musee d’Orsey."
Virginia
Tour: 03/24/24
Overall rating:
Our tour guide Julie made our first Paris experience wonderful! The sights, sounds, tastes, and people were lovely!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Honestly, there wasn’t just one! However, seeing the Eiffel Tower twinkle on the hour was #1!"
Christine
Tour: 03/24/24
Overall rating:
Wonderful tour of the highlights of Paris. Our tour guide Julie and local guide Elizabeth were both outstanding. Hotel location was perfect for this tour, hotel staff was very helpful. Great group of travelers, everyone seemed to hit it off. Perfect itinerary to see the major sites. Lots of walking but lots of fun! Really enjoyed Julie's explanation of Gothic building using with her rope and volunteer human columns and buttresses..
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Went to the exhibition on the rebuilding of Notre Dame, at the suggestion of our guide found it interesting and fascinating especially the film on the fire and the rebuilding efforts. St. Chapelle and Versailles, the gardens, Hamlet and Petite Trianon were also a WOW for me. "
Andrew
Tour: 03/24/24
Overall rating:
We were welcomed immediately at the hotel and felted at home. The tour guide also went above and beyond. The group also bonded very quickly probably due to the welcoming environment
Favorite "WOW" moment
"As a group we were singing in the rain on the top level of the ship on the Seine river cruise. "
Evan
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
Very organized. Very good tour guide
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The food at the last planned dinner "
Christine E
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
This was a return trip to Paris for me and it did not disappoint!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Guide at Musee Do'Orsay and just being at Pont Neuf."
Jennifer
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
Our Paris tour was a great mix of history, food and culture. Virginie did a great job teaching us about the culture and her beautiful homeland.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite moment was climbing up to Sacre Coeur. The beauty of the city below us was spectacular."
Janice
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
This is the first tour I have ever taken. I cannot give it an outstanding rating because I have nothing to compare. I do, however, feel like it was outstanding as I have no complaints.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I had several "WOW I didn't know that" moments thanks to our guide and her knowledge. I enjoyed all the activities on the tour, but without the guides and their incredible depth of knowledge I would not have enjoyed it nearly as much. I know that because I have been to Europe on my own many times."
Nance
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
The tour guide, Virginie, was exceptional. The week in Paris was very interesting and educational.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"When I visited the Picasso Museum while the group went to Versailles"
Donna
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
Our guide was amazing! Very informative and helpful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our neighborhood (7th) was safe, fun and vibrant!"
Keith
Tour: 03/17/24
Overall rating:
The tour of Paris was amazing. The food, the culture, the language , the other tour members and our guide were amazing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our tour of Versailles was so cool. Our guide did a great job of outting things on context and showing how the extravagance of the palace helped cause the revolution. It was a great learning experience."
Amber
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
From beginning to end, this was a fabulous tour! I could not have asked for a better guide (Rolinka) or tour group. The hotel was perfect. The activities were great- we learned, laughed, and created lasting memories.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were many WOW moments during the week. I loved the taste of my first croissant and coffee. The sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower each night were magical. "
Nancy
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
My daughter and I absolutely loved our first Rick Steve tour, Best of Paris. Our tour guide Rolinka was amazing. In addition to being fun, energetic and a wealth of knowledge about local customs, cuisine and historical sites; she provided us the information and skills to navigate Paris on our own with safety and confidence. Her tips regarding activities and places to explore during our free time were invaluable. Our experience was extremely satisfying. We can’t wait until our next tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It’s difficult to choose a favorite “wow” moment, as there were so many spectacular sites to see. We loved the iconic, Eiffel Tower and the views from the very top. Walking around the artists square in Montmartre and touring the breathtakingly beautiful Opera house were also spectacular. Since Notre Dame is not accessible at the moment, the virtual tour of the cathedral was a great alternative. The tour was greatly enhanced by the options chosen during the free times. Thanks 4 the tips, Rolinka!"
Elton
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Anny
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Very well organized the guide and hotel staff were amazing!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The entire week was amazing. "
Carolyn
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
This was my 11th Rick Steves tour and one of my best due to an outstanding guide, Rolinka and a great group!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Both the D'Orsay museum and its architecture and art plus the view of the Eiffel lit up and sparkling on the hour."
Christopher
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
This tour was wonderful. Rolinka was a wonderful guide and the tour gave us a better feel for Paris than what we had on a opulent of previous short trips.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking around the area and seeing the Eiffel Tower from many different locations."
Norma
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moments were the Moulin Rouge and also the Orsay museum"
Kristin
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
It was just wonderful. We were really lucky to have Rolinka as a guide. The hotel and staff were wonderful. People were nice and helpful in general. There was so much to do. I think I would have preferred no evening activities as it can be difficult for time management especially since so many museums have timed ticketing.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The whole tour was a "wow". People keep asking me what my favorite part of Paris was and I just tell them about the whole trip. How do I choose? I can't!"
Amber
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
The tour was incredible! It was my first RSE tour and first time in Paris, my mom and I left wishing we had stayed longer but also felt so familiar navigating Paris on our own. Rolinka taught us so much and made the trip super fun and memorable. All the group events and dinners were great. We really had the best time!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Listening to live music in Montmartre by the artists square, while the artists were painting. The whole area was so much fun and had the best energy. And the Eiffel Tower! We were lucky to have tickets before they went on strike…but my favorite thing to do every night was walk to the tower to watch it sparkle. "
Esmeralda
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
This was my first RSE tour! They set a high standard for vacations. I appreciated all the cultural experience activities our guide (Rolinka) wove into the different sites. My favorite was ordering coffee in French at the cafe where Amelie was filmed! We had a couple extra days after the tour was over. Rolinka and the hotel staff (Richard) helped us plan and guide. So grateful for them!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking up to the café where Amelie was filmed and walking into Sainte-Chapelle. "
Teresa
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
I enjoyed the tour, one of the best parts was the people that were part of the tour. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly, that it was easy to feel part of the group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"when we arrive to Versailles"
Pamela
Tour: 02/18/24
Overall rating:
It was wonderful, better than expected.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"St Chapelle and our guide (Giselle?) in the Musée d’Orsay. Outside the tour the VR Notre Dame experience was incredible. "
Mark
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
Great experience, lots of knowledge
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lots of moments, Paris is beautiful"
Kristine
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
We had a great time visiting Paris on the tour in February. What a great place to visit around Valentine's day! Our tour guide, Patrick, was excellent. As a native of France, he is full of energy, enthusiasm, and insight. He led a fun-filled week visiting the sites, history, culture, and food of Paris. The local guides for visits to Montmartre, the Orsay Museum, and Versailles were outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The beautiful dinner cruise on the Seine, on the last night of our tour, and watching the lights of the Eiffel Tower as they twinkle; these moments capped off a special week for us."
Roy
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
this was my second RS tour and, while I enjoyed the first one, this was even better from the standpoint of the guide and the overall experience
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Notre Dame 3D experience that Patrick recommended, tour of Mt Marte neighborhood"
Paul
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
Patrick is The Best possible guide! He kept everything under control and fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I cant pick just one! Learning the metro/ having a great group of fellow tourists/great dinners as a group...and of course hearing about all the phenomenal history by Patrick.."
Jennifer
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
Well organized and a lot packed into a 7 day adventure. Patrick Vidal is a wonderful guide, taking time to explain the Metro system, the quirks of the language and the unique culture of Paris. We met some amazing travelers - some of whom have been on numerous Rick Steves vacations.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many wows...The river dinner cruise was spectacular. What a way to end the trip! And Montmartre was so amazing that we made two additional visits. I could. go on because there wasn't just one "wow" moment"
Matthew
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
The sights that we visited were great. The amount of walking was just right.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Realizing just how close our hotel was to the Eiffel Tower!"
Hugh
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
We have taken seven previous tours with Rick Steves Europe, but this was our first tour with a tour group since Covid. It was great to be back with a group touring Europe. We enjoyed the conviviality. Our tour guide, Patick Vidal, was one of the best we have had. It was great to have a native Frenchman leading the group.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Touring Versailles. The chateau and the grounds are spectacular. Our guide was excellent."
Steven
Tour: 02/11/24
Overall rating:
I enjoyed Paris even more than I expected to enjoy it, which is probably due to being on a Rick Steve's tour group. Patrick was great.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Patrick took us on a route during one of our nighttime outings where we had a clear unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. Patrick timed it so that it was when it lit up at 5 minutes after the hour. That was a wow. "
Jessica
Tour: 12/25/23
Overall rating:
This tour was outstanding! The itinerary was well-planned and was a great mix of sight-seeing and cultural immersion.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Rolinka! She absolutely made the trip! She was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging with everyone in our group, and incredibly helpful! "
Josefa
Tour: 12/25/23
Overall rating:
Great tour director! Learned to navigate our way around Paris after being shown how to take the Metro and bus. Appreciated the history and stories which helped us see life in Paris before and present day.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Just being there and walking the streets of Paris."
Sean
Tour: 12/25/23
Overall rating:
Was a great trip, Rolinka was outstanding guide and was a great group, everyone got along and everything went off without a hitch.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Getting to stand in front of "Starry Night" and stare at it."
Gary
Tour: 12/25/23
Overall rating:
We had been to Paris using the Rick Steves guidebook. However, our experience with tours convinced us that a tour was appropriate. This was our first tour with no hotel changes. We learned to use the busses or metro system. We went exploring on our own for museums and other sites. We spent an evening walking down the Champs Eleysees looking at the lights.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We found an excellent restauranton on the Versaille property. "
Karen
Tour: 12/25/23
Overall rating:
Paris in the winter did not disappoint!! We experienced only a few minor drizzles and moderate temperatures (40 to low 50s).
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It's a tie between when I took the first sip of mulled wine from the vendor near Sacre Coeur and when I tasted the first bite of a meringue from Aux Merveilleux de Fred."
Jean
Tour: 12/25/23
Overall rating:
Many great outings. Great meals. Enjoy meeting new friends. Rolinka was a great tour guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Palace in Versaille"
Larry
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
There are too many humans on Earth. And, very selfishly, apparently too many of them have the time and money to travel. I found the crush of humanity at museums, palaces, city streets, transportation, overwhelming. Of the three Rick Steves' tours we have been on, I most enjoyed the one that was primarily about experiencing a country's culture, geography, etc - Ireland (contrasted to "bucket list" Paris and Venice/Florence/Rome). Virginie's insight into French life was the highlight!!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles! I was resolved that I would not allocate too much personal approval to the excesses of The Sun King - Versailles, after all, is what happens when one spends lots and lots of (tax) money. The beauty of the palace (in addition to its scale), however, is undeniable and thus became a wow moment. "
David
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
The tour was incredible. Virginee was an amazing guide. Despite a few days of drizzle, we all experienced the very best of Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Mont Montre (I spelled it wrong). Besides the view of the whole city, we got a snapshot of all the famous artists that inhabited the area."
Si-Ing
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
Excellent experience! It was my first time in Paris/ Europe. The itinerary hit all the major attractions. We also have an excellent guide who is both passionate and knowledgeable about the city. 10/10 highly recommend it!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"All the sites were simply breathtaking and amazing. If I do have to pick one though, it'll probably be the Eiffel Tower on the river cruise and the city view on top of the Arch de Triomphe."
Rosemary
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
The tour was well managed and thorough. The hotel was comfortable and welcoming. They had a lovely living room where tour members could hang out together. Make no mistake about how physical this tour is. It was fast paced and required lots of walking with very little time for rest breaks. Our tour guide was exceptionally good. She knew the city and gave us interesting commentary throughout. She is a fabulous ambassador for the Rick Steves organization.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I am a sucker for art and history. I enjoyed seeing the fabulous art and architecture. I got goose bumps when I saw the Eiffel Tour and the Arc de Triomphe. I warmed my heart to see how much progress they are making rebuilding Notre Dame Cathedral."
Glenn
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
In a single word, "WONDERFUL!" The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, easy to understand, and very customer-focused. The hotel was great, as were all of its staff. And the food....!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Eiffel Tower "sparkle" -- not once, but twice -- from the Seine River."
Judith
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
All the adjectives people use to describe Paris are so true - A Movable Feast, The City of Lights are just two and Rick Steves you have created a tour that highlights what makes Paris so special. This was my 11th tour and I enjoyed our superb guide, friendly tourmates and the lovely hotel in the convenient 7th arr. Everyday Paris offered up presents as we learned to use our Metro passes, savored delicious meals & used polite French phrases.This tour was a Christmas present to myself!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"As usual, there were many Wow moments but seeing Norte Dame and the progress being made on its reconstruction was very emotional. Seeing the stained glass windows of Sainte-Chappelle once again and our Seine River boat cruise when we saw the Eiffel Tower lights twinkle twice, at 8 and then 9 pm, I learned how to become a flaneur or flâneuse (feminine) or the art of wandering to discover oneself in a beautiful and interesting place. Paris is my favorite city in Europe!"
Scott
Tour: 12/03/23
Overall rating:
The tour was outstanding. It was our first trip to Paris and we left feeling like we saw everything. Our guide was exceptional -- she added so much context and insight into each aspect of the tour. The hotel and their staff were equally wonderful. I think there is a distinction between being a tourist and a traveler and being on a Rick Steves tour teaches you how to be traveler. We felt immersed in a new experience and loved it.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles and walking the gardens. Very special. "
Deanne
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
It was great. The hotel was nice, comfortable and friendly staff with great location. The group activities were well chosen and layered nicely. The individual time was great to see things I wanted that weren’t on the tour agenda. Giving us metro and museum passes, and teaching us how to use Paris public transportation helped us make the most efficient and affordable use of our time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Wow. That’s hard because there was at least one per day. The visit to the Musee D’Orsay had the most “wows” in the least amount of time. "
Jill
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
My last Rick Steve's tour was a multi-city bus tour with a different hotel every few nights, so I appreciated staying in the same hotel while in Paris. Rolinka was the best tour guide! With precision, she made certain we mastered the metro so we could travel around the city with ease when we were not with the tour group. This tour hits all the wonders of Paris and also shows the sweet, calmer sides, like Rue Cler. The group dinners were spectacular!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite "wow" moment was the view of the Tuileries Garden and Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre from the Musée d'Orsay clock window. There was so much of Paris packed into that framed view."
Pam
Tour: 11/19/23
Overall rating:
Looking back over the week, we started with learning about the daily life of the Parisiennes, with background knowledge built up for us during walking tours of the city regions well known for their effect upon history. This was followed with museum visits, led by local experts in each area whose storytelling history presentations pulled everything we had experienced together for us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We found our tour hostess, Rolinka, to be a guide who is well versed on the life and history of Paris, a story teller who was also adept at keeping a group moving through public transportation. She wove our travels with information that was always engaging. Along with the local guides brought in to highlight our various experiences, Rolinka brought her lived experiences to our tour participants. This was our wow moment: when all of the information shared brought the city to life for us."
Edward
Tour: 10/29/23
Overall rating:
This was our 5th RS tour and 1st city tour. Our guide, Arnaud, was great. Although it rained frequently during our tour, he kept our spirits up and did an excellent job of introducing Paris to us and educating us about the region's history. Thanks to Arnaud and the outstanding local guides, we learned enough about today's Paris to feel comfortable staying in the city for several extra days after the tour. We felt like masters of the Metro.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"One of the main goals of our trip was to immerse ourselves in fine art. For me, seeing Vermeer's "The Astronomer" and di Vinci's "Mona Lisa" in the Louvre and Monet's "La Pie" in the Orsay were my "wow" moments on the tour."
Stefanie
Tour: 10/29/23
Overall rating:
Simply fantastic!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The whole tour was so much fun, but I particularly enjoyed our visit to the Pantheon and Luxembourg Gardens with Arnaud."
Peter
Tour: 10/29/23
Overall rating:
Arnaud Servignat is a terrific guide. He made the tour with his extensive knowledge and ability to provide a background on Paris's history. The local guides were also outstanding, especially those who took us through the Orsay museum. The Hotel Londres Eiffel was perfect. The welcoming staff and comfortable rooms were all a respite after a long day of walking. It was nice to have time off to do what we wanted whether shopping or seeing more sites. The group we were with were all engaged.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Michelangelo statues in the Louvre."
Susan
Tour: 10/29/23
Overall rating:
Our guide, Arnaut, was a great source of information, fun to listen to, & helpful - as were all the local guides.The hotel was one of the nicest I've ever stayed at, with a terrific staff. The tour covered everything I expected it to & then some. However, it turns out that a single city tour, without wine tastings, pasta making, and down time with the group is less to my liking than RS's "traveling" tours we've taken in the past. One more point to consider when choosing the next tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Two things: 1) The "Iron Lady" in all her glory twinkling against the dark night sky above us as we floated along on the Siene. 2) Theall encompassing weight of history. The thought that most of what I saw, touched, walked on, and experienced has been seen, touched, and experienced by countless people through the centuries of Paris' existence."
Don
Tour: 10/22/23
Overall rating:
Learning about Paris from our guide brought to life things we never experienced on our previous visits to Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Montmarte walk was superb!"
Lisa
Tour: 10/22/23
Overall rating:
This was my second RS tour and it did not disappoint and I was thrilled with what we got to see, our guide Virginie, pacing, information provided, meals, hotel, and my tour mates.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many to have to pick one, but the Seine river cruise and seeing the Eiffel Tower from the water. It was especially wow because it was the last night of the tour so it certainly capped off a great week!"
Tammy
Tour: 10/22/23
Overall rating:
Enjoyed the Hotel Londres Eiffel and staff. Virginie was an energetic, informative and charming guide. The other guides were very informative as well. Appreciate learning how to use the metro and bus systems. Learned so much and will return with confidence because of it. Have never been in a group tour and I look forward to doing it again. Thanks for the wonderful memories. My stay in Paris would not have been the same without this tour experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Eiffel tower and city at night from the Seine. Sainte-Chapelle chapel. Everything in Paris is WOW!"
Kitty
Tour: 10/22/23
Overall rating:
Very thorough & educational trip. Plenty of information provided. Fast-paced & great introduction to appreciation of the vast offerings of Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Not what you want to hear, but my favorite moment was taking a day to myself. Created my own agenda, explored smaller & less touristy museums, walked on both banks to experience the flow of the city, & ultimately felt like I learned to navigate my way around part of the city."
Nicole
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
Our guide was caring, knowledgeable, organized, and wanted to make sure everyone's experience was the best it could be. The chosen activities/attractions were great, with the exception of the Louvre museum. I feel it can either be removed from the itinerary or a guide within the museum should be hired. It is so busy and huge in the Louvre that I felt rushed on my own. I like the perks the guide chose with her available budget.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Paris is amazing and being immersed in the culture, with the help of the tour going on neighborhood walks and picking local, non-touristy restaurants helped. It's hard to choose a "wow" moment, but I just love how old palaces, etc., are repurposed for museums and the like. The city is very clean and the people friendly, which really adds to a positive experience."
Michael
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
Rick Steves tours are not for everyone and he freely admits this in the literature. But if you’re fit enough to keep up, you’ll get the real thing. The guides are truly the best! I could go on and on about our experiences with them but let’s just say when people really enjoy what they’re doing, it's contagious.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"That’s a tough question, there were so many. Seeing Van Gogh’s original artwork. Finding Jim Morrison. Walking up to the Mona Lisa. Riding the subways of Paris for the first time on our own. How about the rebuilding of Norte Dame. But probably the most fun was having lunch at an outside restaurant on Montmartre by ourselves just watching the day go by. An accordion player was playing on the street next to where we were seated. Our view looked over Paris. Pretty awesome. "
Linda
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
Out tour director did a very good job navigating us around Paris & into all the major sights despite many obstacles; heavy crowds, increased security, protest marches, strikes & evacuations from bomb threats!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My 1st day in Paris! Walking to the Eiffel Tower from our beautifully located hotel & enjoying dinner at a cafe, just around the corner, where jazz musicians & a singing waitress were performing!"
Sally
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
At a time when museums in and around Paris were being evacuated regularly (bomb threats), Claire managed to get us to every place on the itinerary, sometimes, we thought, through sheer force of will!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Notre Dame in all its scaffolding at night from the Seine was amazing. The D’Orsay museum— Rue Cler— where we sat and watched the action."
Leanne
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
The tour surpassed my already high expectations of a Rick Steves' tour! Our guide was fantastic - super knowledgeable and always concerned about our safety and experience. Guides that she called upon were also top notch in their knowledge and guiding capability. We not only toured Paris together, we were taught how to navigate Paris ourselves which helped us take advantage of our free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Probably the d'Orsay Museum. I knew I'd love the Louvre, and I found I loved the d'Orsay even more. I think it was because the d'Orsay seemed more approachable and with less crowds, I could go slower and just soak it all in. "
Marcia
Tour: 10/15/23
Overall rating:
I greatly enjoyed the tour. The tour guide was helpful and well informed.I also enjoyed the group of people on the tour.I did have concerns about how the logistics of the tour were handled. The tour guide lead us to the sites and guided us through the tour. However, we were left to navigate our way back to the hotel on our own. While directions were provided, it was overwhelming, particularly initially to navigate our way via metro when it was completely unfamiliar to us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It is difficult to highlight just one "wow" moment. It was my first trip to Paris, so I was thrilled to see the sites that I had long wanted to experience."
Barbara
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
A perfect blend of group and solo adventures, where we visited every item on our itinerary. We skipped long lines to get into very popular sites, and enjoyed three traditional French dinners together in local restaurants. Our charming centrally located hotel made for easy commutes.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting the Orsay Museum, which included (for me) a Vincent van Gogh virtual reality experience and a gourmet lunch with new friends at the Cafe Campana. "
Jerry
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
This week in Paris was fantastic. I give all credit to our wonderful guide Nico who gave his all to see that every day was filled with expert knowledge, support and his experience as we discovered a city I have long wished to see in more depth. Staying in one excellent hotel, visiting exciting locations, utilizing the great local guides, having lots of free time, "mastering" the Metro, being accompanied by an amazing group of fellow travelers and on-and-on the tour never failed to please.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This is tough because there are so many. The Sparkling Eiffel at night. Nico making the Metro (and every thing about our time together) easy. The warm and helpful French people that I was long ago led to believe might be a "little cool" but when I as educated to say "bonjour" opened up like family. "
Steve
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, NIco, was without question, one of the best Rick Steves guides!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking down the streets and stopping in local stores for fabulous pastries, sandwiches, bread, fresh figs and more."
R. Michael
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Our guide, Nico, made it a point to serve the needs of all participants. A traveler himself, he is especially attuned to what makes for a wonderful experience in a new locale. Of special note was his interest in the history and popular culture of Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the visit to Versailles, especially the wonderful local guide"
Nancy
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Our tour guide, Nicco, was fantastic!!!!!!!! He's funny, super friendly, extremely knowledgeable, a great problem solver (there was a popup strike on the day of our visit to the Louvre). He becomes one with the tour group! He even organized an impromptu evening tour French lesson which ended with the river cruise on the Seine.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Catacombs! The Eiffel Tower at night! "
Brian
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
This tour was amazing. My wife and I had the best time. We are in our 30’s and most of our tour mates were in their 50’s and 60’s, the age gap did matter at all. Everyone was super welcoming and our guide was the best part of the trip.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Going to the D’Orsay museum. "
Keith
Tour: 10/08/23
Overall rating:
Deborah
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
It was fantastic!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Gardens at Versailles Orangerie, spectacular walking around we spent the whole day there. "
Maureen
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
Fantastic tour guide wonderful hotel everyone professional and friendly
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The museums the info that rolicka and the special walking tour in the Latin quarter and the osyr museum. The Eiffel tower"
Charles
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
One can feel well prepared to navigate Paris solo after this tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Realizing I'd been 'conned' into walking to the top of Montmartre without getting exhausted!"
Charles
Tour: 10/01/23
Overall rating:
This group tour was well organized and brought us to key tourist sites across Paris. The curators and guide were outstanding.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing all of the spectacular sites around Paris while eating our way through the various districts. "
Judith
Tour: 09/25/23
Overall rating:
Lovely, comfortable hotel in a great location with absolutely amazing tour guides.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Versailles "
Randall
Tour: 09/25/23
Overall rating:
Terri
Tour: 09/25/23
Overall rating:
Overall, I have nothing but great things to say. The tour guides were terrific, the itinerary checked most of the Paris "To Do" items. The hotel was great, the area was lovely. Lots of walking and time on the ground in Paris, and mass transit like real Parisiennes. Also one thing I always like about RS tours is opportunities to go off on our own and explore any special interest items we have. The thing we had to keep in mind is that this was an "pverview" tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Palace of Versailles. I've been to palaces before - Windsor Palace, Buckingham Palace, Versailles puts them to shame. Just amazing."
Tammy
Tour: 09/25/23
Overall rating:
I really enjoyed the tour. The guides for the Louvre, Montmartre and the Chateau de Versailles were outstanding. I was happy with our accommodations. The only negative comment I have is that the tour guides did not regularly check on the the tour members. Some of the tour was struggling to keep up with the long walks and could have used some small breaks.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"See the Eiffel Tower at night."
Kathleen
Tour: 09/24/23
Overall rating:
My travel partner, and I did two tours back to back, Belgium/Holland/Netherlands, and 7 days in Paris. I would rate the Belgium/Honda/Netherlands tour as Very Good, the Paris tour I would rate Adequate (not up to Rick Steves standards, in my opinion).
Favorite "WOW" moment
"1. Belgium/Holland/Netherlands: So many! The day spent at Flanders Field visiting the different WWI cemeteries was extremely moving. Seeing the storm surge protection devices was incredible and I especially liked all the canal rides. The cities of Ghent, Bruges, and Delft were delightful. 2. Paris: The Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame at night from the cruise on the Seine. Absolutely stunning!"
Connie
Tour: 09/18/23
Overall rating:
First RS tour and am planning my next. It was wonderful. Our guide, Marie, made it fun, informative, relaxed, and adventuresome. I am grateful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were so many it's hard to pick. I'd saw the Mona Lisa and sparkling Eiffel Tower."
Scott
Tour: 09/18/23
Overall rating:
Preliminary and preparatory details were comprehensive for this, my first Rick Steves Tour. The hotel in the heart of our Paris tour area was outstanding and very accommodating. Our main guide and auxiliary guides for special sites were amazingly prepared, knowledgeable and articulate. The dinners together built community and cohesion amongst us tour members, as well as to help acquaint us with the French restaurant experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
" My first siting of the Eiffel Tower."
Alan
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
So many elements deserve an "Outstanding" rating, but the inclusion of a couple of items (Louvre and Versailles) that proved to be so crowded and rushed took the whole thing down a notch. If "Very, Very Good" was a choice, I'd go for that.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The most memorable moment came completely unscheduled, but was a result of inspiration we got from Montmartre guide Chris. He told us about the street art and about an app to track pieces put up by "Invader". Later that day a father picking up his two kids from school saw my wife aiming her phone at one of the mosaics and they came up to talk with us about the app and showed off the 600+ captures the son had made. It was a lovely moment with some real Parisians! "
Marlene
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
Our tour guide Claire was outstanding. Her enthusiasm and narrative during our walking tours brought the history come alive. Our quaint and charming hotel was blocks from the Eiffel Tower Seine river and Rue Clar. We became very comfortable walking the neighborhood to museums, cafes and shops. The hotel staff were warm and very accommodating. The daily tour sites were perfectly arranged and gave us plenty of free time. This was our first trip to Paris and it was the trip of our lifetime.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"So many unbelievable sites. The Seine River cruise, the Eiffel Tower sparkling, the Saint Chapelle and Palace of Versailles. And on and on. But I think the best part was being enmeshed in local life, especially seeing the children get out of school on the Rue Clar, chattering in French. Delightful. And walking the city we felt the energy of Paris radiate our being. No tour buses for us. Even in our 70’s. "
Ann
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
We enjoyed our tour very much! We have been trying to get back to Paris for years as it is one of our favorite cities. My husband and I experienced pretty much everything we wanted to see and do with the Rick Steve's group. The group of 22 people we were with were a great group of fellow travelers. We thought our guide, Claire was very good and kept us informed of the expectations and the daily plans. Only downside was the Louvre. Very crowded and couldn't hear the guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Montmartre and our guide Chris. Seine River cruise and seeing Eiffel Sparkle. Our hotel staff and how close it was to all we wanted to see. Also enjoyed seeing Sainte-Chapelle and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles."
Cheryl
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
Claire made the tour outstanding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"the walking tours and learning about Paris history"
Michael
Tour: 09/17/23
Overall rating:
The tour was a great balance of hitting the “must do’s” in Paris, and free time to explore on your own. Claire, our tour guide, was wonderful. She made navigating a new city so much easier and taught us about the history and culture of Paris. I would highly recommend this tour for your first time to Paris.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"While there were many “wow” moments, I really enjoyed the walking tour of Montmartre. Our local guide did a fantastic job of relating the significance and history of the area. Learning about the street artist that are there now was fun, and you would notice their art throughout Paris on the rest of the tour. "
Tami
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
This was my first Rick Steve's tour and my first trip to Paris. The way the tour was planned, the knowledge and friendliness of our guide, and the beauty of the city made this trip truly outstanding!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Saint Chapelle for the first time was truly a "wow" moment. To think the beauty of this church was created and maintained since the 1200s is awe-inspiring. "
Michael
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
Just an incredible week. The group was really fun and interesting. We were all brought together by our Rolinka who was such an amazing guide. It was really fun learning about everyone and all of their travel experiences. We will definitely tour again with Rick Steves Tours.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Musée d’Orsay, we had such an amazing guide to lead us around!! I learned so much about the artists and many great pieces. "
Judy
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
From start to finish, my tour couldn't have been better. Rollinka, our guide, was fantastic! I enjoyed the mix of tour and free time, allowing us to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Paris itself is a "wow", but I have to say celebrating my birthday with a wonderful dinner and then an evening cruise down the Seine, coming home to the Eiffel Tower glittering in the distance, had to be the highlight for me."
Joanne
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
We had a great time! My college roommate and I took the best of Paris tour to celebrate our 50th birthdays! The guides for the marais, Versailles and the Orsay were wonderful, the hotel Duquesne was just what we expected. Loved that Rolinka would give us a very useful daily word/phrase to try out on the Parisiennes! Rolinka is a seasoned guide and went above and beyond...
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Every day to wake up in Paris! Loved the Eiffel tower sparkling at night, 20K steps a day, our neighborhood bistro for daily dinner and a drink."
Catherine
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
Tour was wonderful. I really did not know a ton about Paris and the neighborhoods. Rolinka was a wonderful guide and our tour group was really great. I enjoyed walking around the city, learning to get around on a metro and seeing the beautiful sights.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Notre Dame. It was so much bigger than I imagined. It is amazing to see all the work that is being done to bring it back to life. Rolinka suggested the Immersion tour of Notre Dame for our down time and it was amazing."
Elsie
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
I loved every aspect of my tour experience from our wonderful guide Rolinka, meeting and spending time with my tour mates, to exploring the enhancing Paris, food and learning a lot about Paris, culture and people. I am so grateful to have experienced the Best of Paris with Rick Steve’s Tours.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I have too many to count, but my absolute favorite was the evening Seine River Cruise and seeing the Eiffel Tower Sparkle during our boat ride. It wasn’t my first time seeing the Eiffel Sparkle. I caught on our first night, but being on the river and seeing it sparkle added to the beauty of it."
Jennifer
Tour: 09/11/23
Overall rating:
It's been more than 20 years since I've been traveling and this tour was a great re-entry into the experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Sainte Chapelle completely surprised and wow'd me. I cannot imagine the people who saw it for the first time and seeing the story in glass. What an amazing feat and a beautiful space."
Victoria
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
We have been to Paris before - but we really enjoyed the Rick Steves tour. We came straight from the London tour and there were actually 8 of us who did so we already knew quite a few before it started. I was wonderful how the tour was able to get us time entrance tickets to museums and such - something that has changed since the last time we were there. Also I enjoyed the extra tours we went onl.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Had to be Versailles! It was my first time there and I was sincerely gob-smacked with the opulence and over-indulgence of it all! Having a french tour guide was just the perfect accompaniment to the experience. "
Thomas
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
So much to see, lots of walking, quite exhausted, but we thank you for the "free time" you give to us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Eifel Tower at night all lit up while taking the river cruise. We were closer to it than I had ever been!"
Sandra
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
We hit all the top tourist sites in 6 days
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night"
Dennis
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
Meril
Tour: 09/10/23
Overall rating:
Our guide Daniela was superb. She was absolutely amazing. She taught us how to ride subways and train. Somehow she kept our 28 people on track as well as providing fun extra things like wine tastings and chocolate tasting! We saw everything we wanted to see in Paris and much more! Best vacation ever! We were busy but we were relaxed and had so much fun!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having Champaign after we got off cruise on Seine and toasting each other, the Eiffel Tower and Our Guide Daniela!"
Juliette
Tour: 09/04/23
Overall rating:
Our tour guide Jennifer was AMAZING and such a thoughtful and mindful guide in what the group desired mixed in with her own extensive experience of Paris. She was also very attentive to snacks and explaining in thorough detail how to get around in Paris and options of where to go when the group wasn't all together.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The last night when our guide brought us to a sumptuous dinner at Le Septi`eme Vin and our guide played her accordion and sang while we all ate dinner and bonded one last time at our last meal. "
Chris
Tour: 09/04/23
Overall rating:
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour - it was the right amount of group 'touring' and free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The tour of Montmontre by a local tour guide was fantastic. His excitement and passion for the area and the arts was obvious. "
Amelia
Tour: 09/04/23
Overall rating:
Tour was wonderful thanks to our amazing tour guide Jennifer El Gammal.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Since this was our first trip to Paris the entire experience was a “wow”! I especially enjoyed our time in Montmartre😊"
Thomas
Tour: 09/04/23
Overall rating:
This was our firs trip to Paris and we were not disappointed. Our tour guide, Jennifer, was exceptional. She provided interesting information combined with a bit of humor. And, she did all this while six months pregnant in 90+ degree heat for the entire week. We also like the idea of being guided for the first part of each day and then left to explore on our own. It was a great combination that worked for us.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It seemed like there was a part of each day that was a "wow" moment. The Seine River tour at night was one of those moments for me. To see the Eiffel Tour lit up and sparkle each hour was exciting. Also, I was amazed to see all the people on the banks of the Seine socializing, listening to music and enjoying the night."
John
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Great tour with the need for some minor improvements.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The night (9 pm) boat tour on the Seine. Paris at night is incredible. "
Janene
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The bateau mouche ride to see Notre Dame lit up at night"
Patricia
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
I loved how organized and friendly the whole week was. There was a wonderful balance of group time, tour time and free time.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Discovering a wonderful little restaurant, La Firmin, just about three blocks from the hotel. It was on a quiet side street and the Eiffel Tower framed the end of the street. Amazing view, delicious food, and a lovely night with my husband as we celebrated 40 years of marriage."
Pamela
Tour: 09/03/23
Overall rating:
Wonderful homey hotel, fun and brilliant Parisienne/American tour guide, hit all the highlights one should see.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Some of the historical and architectural information we received from our guides"
Laurie
Tour: 08/27/23
Overall rating:
The week in Paris was great. I have been to Paris at least 3 times before this, and the tour showed me so many different interesting and fun aspects. Rolinka made the tour so much fun, and interesting, she was a highlight of the tour! : ) The hotel was comfortable and centrally located, and the staff were polite and helpful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The beauty of Sainte Chapelle, followed by Versailles."
Anne
Tour: 08/27/23
Overall rating:
I loved our tour! From the hotel, to the excellent Rick Steves guides Rolinka and Richard, the local guides as well as our fellow tour members everything was organized, informative and welcoming. I loved not only taking the Metro, busses and train but learning how to take them independently. Rolinka and Richard were always teaching, we were learning about Paris, and how to enjoy our time there with every walk. It was a good mix of group time and time to explore on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I especially loved the tour of Montmartre with Rolinka, and Cerise's explanation of the art in the Orsay Museum. Montmartre is such a beautiful neighborhood and Rolinka’s sharing about all the history and insider information was fun. I learned so much from Cerise about Impressionism and what was happening in Paris and the art world during that time period. It was fascinating. "
Aurora
Tour: 08/27/23
Overall rating:
It was a wonderful experience. The tour was organized and flowed nicely. Our tour guides were exceptional. They were knowledgeable and entertaining. Our time was maximized and I saw much more of Paris than expected. The hotel was a great choice and location. The food provided was excellent. I would highly recommend this experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Hard to pick since I was very satisfied with all aspects."
Jan
Tour: 08/27/23
Overall rating:
Our tour guides Rolinka and Richard were fabulous. For having only a week in Paris I think the activities planned hit all the high spots- it was great.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The paintings in L'Orangerie"
John
Tour: 08/27/23
Overall rating:
It was beyond my expectations. I think we may have gone to the wrong city first. Paris may have ruined the rest!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking into St Chapelle"
Holly
Tour: 08/20/23
Overall rating:
Really enjoyed spending a full week in this beautiful city. Loved being introduced to the various neighborhoods before exploring on our own. Having the Metropass enabled us to explore freely using the various forms of transit.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Walking from our hotel to see the Eiffel Tower the first time. It was wonderful having the tower as the landmark for finding our neighborhood."
Hector
Tour: 08/20/23
Overall rating:
Our 2nd RS tour & it was great. Really loved our hotel location which was 5 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower. The hotel & staff were perfect and the neighborhood was full of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Our guide, Jennifer was superb. She was very attentive to the group’s needs and very knowledgeable about the city of Paris. We also enjoyed her musical performance on our last night together!!! Taking the Metro and walking through the neighborhoods of Paris was really cool as well.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Overall, there were a few “wow” moments on our tour. Seeing the Eiffel Tower for the first time as we arrived to our hotel was a WOW moment. It’s simply amazing to see especially in the evening. The Palace of Versailles, and the cruise on the river Seine were great. Also, visiting the different districts in Paris with our group was fun. Montmartre was great to visit and our guide, Brad, was very informative about its history as one of Paris’ most famous districts. "
Jacqueline
Tour: 07/23/23
Overall rating:
First off, my compliments to Hotel Londres Eiffel and all of the staff! What a lovely and charming hotel! The breakfast buffet was amazing! I loved the makeup of our tour group. What a great bunch of people!! Our tour guide, Rolinka was wonderful! She was always informative and kept us moving along, but never made us feel rushed. Apprentice guide, Jerome was a wonderful assistant/guide as well! The selected sites we saw were perfect!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Oh, I could list more than one, but my favorite "wow" moment has got to be on our Seine River cruise seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkling against the moonlit night! Just wow! "
Brandon
Tour: 07/23/23
Overall rating:
Very good overall experience. Everything that was included in the tour was fulfilled.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The VanGogh paintings in the Rodin museum "
Rich
Tour: 07/23/23
Overall rating:
In the seven day tour we were able to see most of the major sights in Paris, but it would take longer to see all of the many museums. Our lead guide was excellent, and so were the other sub-guides on the tour. The hotel choice (Londres-Eiffel) was a great location and super staff and amenities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"For me, the "wow" was the Louvre Museum and the Mona LIsa. "
Zoe
Tour: 07/23/23
Overall rating:
Favorite "WOW" moment
"View of the city from the Eiffel Tower"
John
Tour: 07/23/23
Overall rating:
It was immersive, grueling and terrific
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The windows in Ste. Chapelle"
Sandra
Tour: 07/23/23
Overall rating:
The Rick Steves Best of Paris in 7 Tour days was a wonderful, outstanding, pleasurable experience! Everything was well planned out, coordinated and executed by a phenomenal Rick Steve Tour Guide Rolinka. With her guidance and knowledge about Paris myself and my family learned so much and got to experience the City of Lights in such an amazing way! Thank you Rick Steve's Tours for such a great experience!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"After an amazing dinner, the evening Cruise on the River Seine"
Amy
Tour: 07/23/23
Angela
Tour: 07/16/23
Overall rating:
My sister and I met a wonderful group of people. We had so much fun! We did a lot of walking because we had so many things we wanted to see. The hotel and staff were outstanding. William, our guide, was very informative. Our other guides were fun and helped us get a better understanding of Montmartre and Orsay. The food was delicious.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved the Montmartre Walk. The view at the Sacre Couer is incredible. I enjoyed the walk among the artists too. I also enjoyed our day trip to Versailles. So beautiful!"
Kristen
Tour: 07/16/23
Overall rating:
The overall experience was very good. It exceeded my expectations for sure.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment was probably visiting Montmartre and the Sacre-Couer Basilica. "
Susan
Tour: 07/16/23
Overall rating:
We had a fantastic time in Paris. Our tour guide William gave us an outstanding overview of the city, the history and the transit system. Hotel and staff were also outstanding!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We rode the metro at rush hour and nobody got left behind! This is a really hard question, because there are so many of those moments… Versailles was certainly breathtaking, both in scale and opulence."
Nancy
Tour: 07/16/23
Overall rating:
We thought the tour was very nice and hit all the right highlights. It was also quite strenuous with all the walking.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Favorite Wow moments were Monmartre and Joelle at the Orsay. "
Melissa
Tour: 07/16/23
Overall rating:
Our overall experience was fabulous because of William. He was not just an amazing tour guide, he was an exceptional host. Kindness was his main ingredient throughout the entire tour. Everything he touched was a golden experience for us. I am so very grateful for his knowledge and care during our trip. The hotel was just perfect and the staff was amazing. Kindness, cleanliness and the comfort of having such a caring staff, (all staff), made our visit exceptional. All excursions were fabulous!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Orangerie Museum was so moving! The art work and curation was beautifully crafted. (To be honest, everywhere we went was wonderful!)"
Charlynn
Tour: 07/09/23
Overall rating:
Lots of beautiful sights and history’
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Eiffel Tower glistening at nigjt"
Paula
Tour: 07/09/23
Overall rating:
Overall, the tour was very well organized and informative. Claire, the tour director, went above and beyond to make our first, Rick Steves' tour both educational and memorable. Thank you!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Being immersed in the culture and day-to-day life in Paris...I truly enjoyed walking and using public transportation to explore the city vs. a tour bus. As a result, everyday was a "wow" moment. "
Jennifer
Tour: 07/09/23
Overall rating:
Our week in Paris was great. Each morning there was a walking tour of a different area of the city and the afternoons were ours to wander and enjoy Paris. The Museum Pass and Metro pass was included in the tour and much appreciated. By week's end we were getting around the city like locals.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The river cruise on the Seine. A perfect night and great views of the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks."
Lisa
Tour: 07/09/23
Overall rating:
It was wonderful. More walking than I thought but not an issue. Accommodations were clean and comfortable. Staff kind and helpful. Great location. Clair was AMAZING. It was wonderful sister time too!! Saw the highlights, despite crowds. Really amazing
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think there were several - Clair hosted an informal winter/cheese taste that was really lovely and I learned a lot! River cruise was wonderful but way crowded. The Louvre was HUGE and wish my app was working but the tour book pages really helped. The Orssay was amazing. There were so many. I really appreciate it "
Esther
Tour: 07/09/23
Overall rating:
Great location, amazing guide.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The gardens of Versailles "
Mary Beth
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
A perfect tour with a perfect guide
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Any walking time with comments on French life, architecture and history. "
Patrick
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
This was our first RS tour and it far exceeded our expectations. Rolinka was our tour guide; she was lovely and amazing. She spent individual time with all group members and facilitated a wonderful group experience. On our visit to Sacre Coeur, Rolinka took us on a meandering walk through Montmartre that was fascinating. Our group was full of wonderful and interesting people. We developed warm relationships and really enjoyed their company for the week.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The tour we had with Brad through the Jewish corner in the Marais section of Paris. The area was beautiful, historic, and fascinating. It was also a reflective and contemplative experience because of the horrors the Jewish people had to experience and endure before and during WW II. "
Timothy
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
A truly amazing experience! I've been to Paris twice before, but never with a tour group. I learned so much about the city and its history and culture from being a part of this tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It's hard to pick one thing in particular, but I would say the hotel we stayed in and its location were a pleasant surprise. Having stayed in Paris hotels before, this was by far the nicest we've stayed in. The rooms were small (as expected for Paris) but well-appointed, and the staff was very pleasant and accommodating. The location was awesome as well, with tons of restaurants, patisserie and boulangerie shops within walking distance."
Jake
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
Overall was satisfactory, itinerary could be a little more fast paced but our guide was incredible. I think there was too much emphasis on walking tours instead of exploring the city naturally
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Rolinka recommended the Notre dame VR experience and I was absolutely blown away, I think adding it to the official itinerary would be an awesome decision."
Blake
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
Fantastic introduction to Paris for first-timers. Loved staying so close to the Eiffel so that we could walk over at night for picnics and lights. Our tour guide Rolinka was incredible, helping us to better appreciate the art, architecture, history, culture, and people of Paris. For two introverts, the social aspect was sometimes intense, but the people on the tour were great. More diverse than I was expecting, with a huge range of ages, which made it nice.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We loved the d'Orsay museum, the I Love You Wall, the l'Orangerie, the Tuileries Garden, and the guided walk through Marais with Brad. We loved the food and wine. Often, our favorite part of a museum tour was stopping for lunch at the end and having a glass of wine in the museum cafe. We came away with a better appreciation of the French people, thanks largely to Rolinka. The whole Paris experience was a dream. "
Gary
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
Excellent
Jane
Tour: 07/02/23
Overall rating:
When To Go & Weather
Paris is a vibrant city to visit nearly year-round. However, the months of April, May, September, and October are best for combining the convenience of peak season with generally good weather and lighter crowds. Visiting between November and March, the weather is colder and wetter, but the city still feels lively and has the benefit of being less touristy.
France / Paris
Hotels & Flights
Tour Hotels
In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour hotel is included in your tour confirmation email as well as the Itinerary section of your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your tour hotel in the Documents section of your tour account.
Flights
Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements and transfers are completely up to you.
Most tour members arrange to fly in and out of Paris' Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airports.
We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see your Rick Steves Paris guidebook.