Top 5 Best Tours in Paris
Our handpicked selection of the five best tours in Paris, covering iconic landmarks, river cruises, and day trips that every visitor should experience.
Paris has thousands of tours on offer, which can make choosing the right ones overwhelming. We have narrowed it down to the five best tours that consistently receive top reviews and deliver genuinely memorable experiences. Each one has been selected for its value, quality of guides, and the access it provides to Paris's most iconic attractions.
1. Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line with Summit Access
There is no better way to start your Paris trip than heading straight to the top of the Eiffel Tower without waiting in the notoriously long queues. This guided tour takes you through the history of Gustave Eiffel's masterpiece while you ascend to the summit for panoramic views across the entire city. On a clear day, you can see for 70 kilometres in every direction.
What makes this tour stand out is the skip-the-line access, which saves you up to two hours of waiting during peak season. Your guide shares stories about the tower's construction, its near-demolition in 1909, and why it remains the most visited paid monument in the world.
Duration: 2 hours | From: ~£35 per person
2. Louvre Museum Guided Tour with Priority Entry
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum, and navigating its 35,000 works of art without a guide means you will either miss the highlights or spend the entire day lost in endless corridors. This guided tour takes you straight to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace, plus lesser-known masterpieces that most visitors walk right past.
Priority entry means you bypass the main queue entirely. Your expert guide provides context that transforms each painting and sculpture from "something famous" into a story you will remember. The small group size (usually under 20) ensures you can actually hear the guide and ask questions.
Duration: 2.5 hours | From: ~£45 per person
3. Versailles Palace and Gardens Full-Day Trip
A day trip to Versailles is one of the most rewarding excursions from Paris. This tour includes return transport, skip-the-line entry to the palace, and a guided walk through the Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Apartments, and the sprawling formal gardens. The sheer scale and opulence of Louis XIV's creation has to be seen to be believed.
The guided element is what elevates this from a standard visit. Hearing the stories of Marie Antoinette, the French Revolution, and the Treaty of Versailles brings the rooms to life in a way that wandering alone simply cannot match. The gardens alone cover 800 hectares and feature 1,400 fountains.
Duration: 7-8 hours | From: ~£65 per person
4. Seine River Evening Cruise with Dinner
Watching Paris light up from the water is one of the most romantic experiences the city offers. This evening cruise glides past the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Musee d'Orsay while you enjoy a multi-course French dinner. The combination of illuminated monuments and fine dining makes for an unforgettable night.
What sets this apart from a standard river cruise is the quality of the food, which includes classic French dishes prepared on board, paired with wine. The glass-enclosed boat ensures beautiful views regardless of the weather, and the live commentary provides interesting details about each landmark you pass.
Duration: 2.5 hours | From: ~£80 per person
5. Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur Walking Tour
Montmartre is the artistic heart of Paris, and exploring it with a local guide reveals hidden gems that most tourists never find. This walking tour takes you through cobbled streets where Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh once lived and worked, past the famous artist square at Place du Tertre, and up to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica for some of the best views in Paris.
The tour covers the neighbourhood's fascinating history, from its origins as a hilltop village to its role as the birthplace of Impressionism and cabaret culture. Your guide will point out hidden vineyards, secret staircases, and charming cafes that capture the authentic Parisian atmosphere this area is famous for.
Duration: 2 hours | From: ~£20 per person
Tips for Booking Paris Tours
- Book skip-the-line tickets at least a week ahead during peak season (June to September). The Eiffel Tower and Louvre sell out fast.
- Morning tours are best for outdoor attractions, while evening works beautifully for river cruises and the Eiffel Tower.
- Free cancellation is standard on most GetYourGuide bookings, so you can lock in your spot without risk.
- Consider the Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple museums beyond these guided tours.
For more Paris planning, check out our Paris 3 Day Itinerary for First Timers and browse all Paris tours and experiences.
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