Paris Historical Districts Sightseeing Tour
Paris Sightseeing Tour : Paris consists of 20 arrondissements. You can explore many of them on foot, either within a single district or between neighboring ones. However, if it’s your first time in Paris, there are some must-see attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Paris Sightseeing Spiral Layout
Paris has 20 districts. The numbering of the arrondissements follows a unique spiral pattern, often referred to as the “snail” or “escargot.” Starting with the 1st arrondissement in the center, the numbers increase as you move outward in a clockwise direction. Plenty for a private walking tour guide according to your preferences.
The 20 arrondissements of Paris are more than just administrative divisions. They represent the rich tapestry of the city’s history, culture, and daily life. Each one contributes to the unique charm and diversity that Paris is known for. Perfectly enough to enjoy a private walking tours upon your interests.
Paris Top Sightseeing To Discover
PARIS BY EMY offers customized Paris sightseeing walking private tours with the option of a private driver, by providing personalized attention and flexibility.
- Notre Dame : The historic heart of Paris, rich in medieval heritage.
- Saint Germain : A chic and intellectual neighborhood with deep historical roots.
- Latin Quarter : Home to the prestigious Sorbonne University, dating back to the 13th century.
- Montmartre : A cradle of modern art, spirituality, and the birthplace of the cabaret.
- Le Marais : A trendy district full of boutiques, museums, Jewish heritage, and LGBTQ+ culture.
- Opera La Madeleine : An upscale district known for luxury shopping and the Opéra Garnier.
- Les Halles : Known as “the belly of Paris” for its historic food markets since the 13th century.
- Louvre Rivoli : A grand architectural area, home to the world-famous Louvre Museum.
- Champs Elysees – Arc de Triomphe : The World famous avenue and the Arc de Triomphe.
- Eiffel Tower area : The most iconic part of Paris, featuring the legendary Eiffel Tower.
- Belleville Ménilmontant : Located in eastern Paris, this area offers a non-touristy vibe.
Unlike already-made private tours, PARIS BY EMY tailors the tour to your specific interests, pace, and style, providing deep insights into Parisian history and daily life.
Best Seller of Paris Sightseeing Tour – Districts of Your Choice
- From €360 – USD $375 upon level of customization
- Exclusive 3-hour private walking tour covering 2 to 3 districts close to each other
- Option to use metro to go from one district to another
- Possible combination with Paris Top monuments during a minimum 4-hour driving tour
- Availability: Offered year-round with flexible start times.
- Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or a central Paris location.
Paris Private Tour Guide
| Pricing | Duration | Number of people | Custom Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| From 240 Euros | 2 hours walking | Up to 6 persons | Hotel pick up |
| From 360 Euros | 3 hours walking | Up to 6 persons | Hotel pick up |
| From 480 Euros | 4 hours walking | Up to 6 persons | Hotel pick up |
| From 850 Euros | 4 hours guide and driver | Up to 6 persons | Hotel pick up |
| Upon quotation | Your choice | Your choice | Your choice |
Top Paris Sightseeing Private Tours
Custom Private Tours Driver in Option
Iconic Paris Sightseeing Tour Guide
Among 20 subdivisions (Arrondissement) of Paris, there are below historical Paris sightseeing. Moreover, each district of Paris has its own famous monuments, beauty and story.
Notre Dame Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 4
The Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis, are two natural islands on the Seine River. This island is the heart of Paris and where the city was founded. Île de la Cité is the very center of Paris. The location where the medieval city was refounded. It is certainly the oldest part of Paris or Lutèce for its first name.
Holy Paris Sightseeing
The Île de la Cité is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Paris, with some of the main landmarks, like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie. As well as historic buildings, the Île de la Cité has beautiful streets, cafés and squares to wander around. Visitors can also go to the Flower and bird Market on Place Louis-Lépine. The island, until the 1850s, largely residential has been filled by the city’s Prefecture de Police, Palais de Justice and the Hôtel-Dieu hospital the oldest of Paris.
Lutetia during the Roman Empire
Around the year 200 B.C., the Parisii lived on the Île de la Cité until the Romans conquered the area The Parisii were a Gallic people settled in the current Paris region, which gave its name to the city of Paris. According to Caesar (53 BC), their main city (oppidum) would have been Lutetia (Paris). Lutèce is the Frenchified form of the name used by the Romans Lutetia or Lutetia Parisiorum to designate the Gallo-Roman city.
During the Roman conquest of Gaul, the Parisii took part in the resistance movement to Caesar organized by Vercingetorix, in 52 BC. The borough grew and prospered until it became the capital of the empire of the Franks in 508 and was renamed Cité. As a fortified city, the island was continually attacked by the Normans. Throughout the Middle Ages, the island had a large population and became a military, cultural and spiritual center in France.
Saint Louis Paris Sightseeing
Strolling along the banks of the Seine, you can admire the architecture unchanged for 400 years on the Île Saint-Louis, often in the shadow of its neighbour, the Île de la Cité. In the Middle Ages, its inhabitants were cows in 867, under Charles the Bald. Located upstream from the Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis was a pasture area for the herd of the canons of Notre-Dame. It also serves as a warehouse for the construction of boats during the reign of the Carolingians. In 1356, in the continuity of the surrounding walls of Philippe Auguste, a channel was dug and divided the island in two.
Since 1725, Île Saint-Louis has been named after Louis IX, nicknamed Saint-Louis. Legend has it that the King of France went there to pray and dispense justice. In 1269, it was on this island that he took the cross with his knights before leaving for the eighth crusade, the very one that would be fatal to him. Saint-Louis died of dysentery before Tunis in August 1270.
Discover Notre Dame Paris area private tour
Saint Germain Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 6
St Germain is located in the 6th district of Paris, close to the Latin Quarter. Nestled in the heart of Paris, this chic and trendy neighborhood has always been the place for Parisian intellectual life. There are full of books shops, cafés, art galleries, luxury boutiques. Visit the Saint Germain des Près church, the oldest church of Paris.
Intellectual Paris Sightseeing
Saint-Germain-des-Prés has its literary and intellectual soul since the 17th century. A whole lot of intellectuals like the Encyclopedists gathered at the Procope which still exists at 13 rue de l’Ancienne Comédie. In France, the central doctrines of the Enlightenment philosophers were individual liberty and religious tolerance, in opposition to an absolute monarchy and the fixed dogmas of the Roman Catholic Church. The main leader of this mouvement was Voltaire.
In addition, the leaders of the 1789 Revolution used to gather in Saint Germain. Danton and Rosbespierre would live in that district.
After World War I, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district became the place of intellectual and artistic Parisian life with young artists, such as Hemingway, Picasso, Giacometti, Brecht, Marguerite Duras, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. They strolled at the café Les Deux Magots or the Café de Flore. The existentialist philosophy coexisted with American jazz, in the caves of the rue de Rennes. The reputation of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has attracted since the early 1970s international tourism. Saint-Germain-des-Prés has gradually transformed the area favoring the establishment of luxury shops.
Discover Saint Germain area private tour
Latin Quarter Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 5 and 6
The Latin Quarter Tour takes us through some of the most picturesque areas of Paris, the streets where the Universities of Paris began such as the Sorbonne, up Montagne Sainte Genevieve, amongst the walls and ruins of Roman and Medieval Paris.
Latin Quarter Must See
The Pantheon sits atop Mont Sainte Geneviève, in the Latin Quarter, and is one of the more noticeable landmarks of Paris. It stands next to the church of Saint Etienne du Mont. An inscription above the entrance reads “Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaisante” (To Its Great Men The Grateful Homeland). Its construction was ordered by Louis XV, in 1744. Born on February 15, 1710 and died on May 10, 1774, he is a king of France and Navarre. He succeeded his great-grandfather Louis XIV at the age of 5.
The construction of the Pantheon began in 1758, directed by architect Jacques Germain Soufflot (1713-1780). It was built in the style of Neoclassicism dedicated to St. Genevieve (death in 502). Actually, she is the sainte patronne of Paris. The Abbey of St. Genevieve was on the same site as the then standing, though falling into ruins. It is the first in Paris, which breaks from the rococo and baroque, emphasizing simplicity and grandeur. It set the standard for other monuments such as the Arc de Triomphe.
Rue Mouffetard One of The oldest streets in Paris
The pedestrian street “rue Mouffetard”, which Parisians call “la Mouffe”, is one of the oldest and most picturesque streets in Paris. There has been a road here since the Romans were in town 2000 years ago. Moreover, it has a lovely street market. Rue Mouffetard has a medieval character and is popular with Parisians and tourists alike. Sometimes it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Thanks to the location of this street on the Sainte-Geneviève hill, it has been preserved in an old style. Fortunately, it escaped inclusion in the Paris redevelopment project when Baron Hausmann was recreating the city’s streets and buildings.
Discoverthe Latin Quarter private tour
Montmartre Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 18
Montmartre is located in the 18th district of Paris, a large hill on the right bank. Just over a century ago, Montmartre hosted a perfect storm of artistic creativity and avant-garde thinking. Located on the highest hill of Paris, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is the emblematic monument of Montmartre. The inspiration for Sacré-Cœur’s design originated on 4 September 1870, the day of the proclamation of the Third Republic, with a speech by Bishop Fournier. At the bottom of Montmartre, you have the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret and Pigalle, the red light district.
Touristy but worthy Paris Sightseeing
The site is very touristy but offers a pleasant environment marked by cabarets and by artists such as Suzanne Valadon, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, Marcel Aymé, Dalida, Edith Piaf… but also by the catholic faith with Saint Pierre de Montmartre church from the 12th century.
Montmartre hill was covered with orchards, vineyards, thatched cottages, about 30 windmills and its Royal Abbey of the Benedictine Religious of Montmartre. Nowadays, its spirit is the one of a village named the rooftop of Paris, being the highest point from the natural ground at 130.53 meters or 426 ft. This beautiful bohemian neighborhood is full of history and famous artists from writers, singers, dancers to painters. You may catch those free spirits here. Every year in October, you have the Montmartre Feast of the harvest to celebrate an authentic Parisian wine.
Discover Montmartre private tour
Le Marais Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 3 and 4
Le Marais is located in the 4th district of Paris. The Marais, very close to Notre Dame, holds its name of a former swampy zone occupied for the XIIth century. Nearby, Le Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville or BHV, officially The BHV Marais since 2013, is a non-specialized department store (do-it-yourself, woman child man fashion, beauty, bookshop, arts of cooking, …) based in 1880 by Xavier Ruel.
City Hall of Paris
It is situated in Paris, street of Rivoli, in the 4th district, in front of the City hall but, also occupies several other nearby buildings. At the same time, you can see the city hall, the seat of the municipal institutions for the XIVth century, and the witness of many events which marked the history of France since the French Revolution, as the proclamation of the Third Republic in 1870 and the speech by Charles de Gaulle August 25th, 1944 during the Liberation of Paris.
Arty Paris Sightseeing
Today, this district is one of the most frequented by the capital. It possesses numerous museums (Picasso museum, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Musée Carnavalet,…). The art galleries with la Galerie Perrotin, is a world top contemporary art gallery. The visit of the square Place des Vosges constitutes the highlight of a stroll. Victor Hugo, author of the hunchback of Notre Dame, used to live here. During summer, Parisians enjoy to relax and take sun bath on the grass, reading a book or having drinks in one of its cafés.
Epicenter of the Parisian Jewish and LGBT community
La rue des Rosiers, epicenter of the Parisian Jewish community, is to discover. Around, you have synagogues, the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme (Mahj) and the Shoah Memorial. The Marais abounds in fashion shops of designers and luxury rue des Francs-Bourgeois and rue Vieille du Temple, in restaurant addresses, delicatessen boutiques around Saint Paul. The Marais is also the biggest LGBT district of France. You will see lots of rainbow flags.
Discover Le Marais private tour
Les Halles Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 1 and 2
This district played the role of wholesale food supplier for Paris restaurants and groceries stores. On March 3rd 1969, it moved its fresh food, beverages, flowers and our gastronomic heritage to Rungis, on 234 hectares, a 9 billion turnover market. Les Halles is still a merchant heart of the capital where modern architecture blends with medieval gargoyles, full of boutiques, delicatessen, restaurants, Garden, contemporary art center of Pinault Fondation and churches like St. Eustache actual building from the XVI century, called the sister of Notre Dame for its shape and size.
Pompidou Museum
Centre Pompidou museum is a multidisciplinary establishment born from the will of President Georges Pompidou. Indeed, he was a great lover of modern art, to create in the heart of Paris an original cultural institution. It is entirely dedicated to modern and contemporary creation where the plastic arts would rub shoulders with books, drawing, music, performing arts, activities for young audiences, as well as cinema.
On 15 July 1971, the jury of the international architectural competition, chaired by Jean Prouvé, decided to select, among the 681 projects presented, that of architects Renzo Piano, Richard Rogers and Gianfranco Franchini. Inaugurated on 31 January 1977, the Centre Pompidou welcomed 3,273,867 visitors in 20191, an average of 10,595 visits per day. It houses one of the two largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world, and the largest in Europe with 113,675 works by six thousand artists as of January 1, 2019.
Rue Montorgueil One of the oldest street
Straddling the first two arrondissements of Paris, rue Montorgueil is one of the oldest in the capital. It is estimated that its creation dates back to the Middle Ages, before the 13th century. The consensus believes that it comes from Mont Orgueil (Vicus Montis Superbi), a hill close to the route. But, think again if you think that this mound is of natural origin, because it was neither more nor less than a pile of rubbish between the 10th and 15th centuries!
Discover Les Halles private tour
La Madeleine Opera Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 8
The Madeleine district owes its name to the eponymous church located on the Place de la Madeleine. The Madeleine district is an upscale district, home to many places of interest. Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré holds many luxury boutiques. The gardens of the Champs-Élysées and Élysée Palace today the residence official of the Republic President. It is next to the Place de la Concorde.
Shopping and Upscale district
Square Louis XVI the only public place bearing the name of this king. The square includes an expiatory chapel built in memory of the monarch and his wife, Marie-Antoinette. Nearby, there are l’opéra Garnier. In addition, you have the Boulevard Haussmann and the famous Galeires Lafayettes. Place Vendôme and the Golden Triangle up to the Champs Elysées for luxury shopping in Paris.
Discover La Madeleine Opera area private tour
Louvre Rivoli Paris Sightseeing Tour
City Tour in the arrondissement 1
The Louvre-Rivoli district is a very lively, urban district and an architectural masterpiece. It covers an area of 0.7 km². From an economic point of view, it is a very busy area with a large number of shops. Located in the heart of the capital, the Louvre-Rivoli district is an architectural masterpiece with its long Rue de Rivoli which runs alongside the Louvre Museum, its majestic churches, its many museums and its large gardens.
The Louvre and its garden
The Tuileries Garden stretches from the Louvre Palace (east) to the Place de la Concorde (west), it is bordered to the north by the Rue de Rivoli, the Place des Pyramides and to the south by the Seine. The Arc du Carrousel, built in 1806 in the Carrousel Garden, marks the entrance to the Tuileries. The Tuileries Palace, which closed off the Louvre on its western side, was burned down during the Commune in 1871 and its ruins were razed to the ground in 1880.
Rue de Rivoli
The Rue de Rivoli runs through the heart of Paris and stretches for nearly 3 km, on the right bank of the Seine. Its name comes from the name of the victory won by Napoleon Bonaparte’s French army over the Austrians on January 14 and 15, 1797. Take a bucolic break at the Palais-Royal, right next to the Louvre. Not too far from here, there is the so famous Place Vendôme.
Discover Louvre Rivoli private tour
The Eiffel Tower Area Tour
The Eiffel Tower City Tour in the arrondissement 7
Many notable Parisians have decried the Eiffel Tower project (1889) for the . Despite those protests, the Eiffel Tower became the Parisienne icon by Excellence and had a significant role in French history and sciences too (meteorology, aerodynamics, wind pressure, solar spectrum study, broadcasting…) up to nowadays.
On the left side of the Eiffel Tower, there is a prominent sight in the Parisian landscape thanks to its famous gilded Dome. The Hôtel National des Invalides is an exceptional monument. Visitors can explore the history of France there, through the Musée de l’Armée’s collections. Moreover, the Tomb of Napoleon I is a must see.
Champ-de-Mars
The Champ-de-Mars is a vast, fully open public garden, located in Paris in the Gros-Caillou district of the 7th arrondissement, between the Eiffel Tower to the northwest and the Military School to the southeast. Covering an area of 24.3 ha, the Champ-de-Mars Garden is one of the largest green spaces in Paris.
Its name comes from the Roman Champ de Mars (and therefore from the Roman god of war, Mars, echoing the neighboring Military School). “Champ de Mars” originally designated, in a city, a vast space dedicated to military maneuvers and parades; that is why a field of Mars was found in many garrison towns.
Palais de Chaillot
The Palais de Chaillot, the work of the architects Azema, Carlu and Boileau, is made up of two curved wings which descend towards the Seine was built for the International Exhibition of Arts and Techniques of 1937, and replaces the former Palais du Trocadéro whose the site retained the name.
The Palais de Chaillot is the setting for four major cultural institutions: the City of Architecture and Heritage, the National Maritime Museum, the Museum of Man and Chaillot – National Dance Theater.
Place du Trocadéro et-du-11-Novembre
The semi-circular Place du Trocadéro et-du-11-Novembre, located on the hill of Chaillot opens towards the Palais de Chaillot and on the Place des Droits de l’homme” dominating the Seine and offering a view of the Eiffel Tower (1889).
Place des Droits de l’Homme
Called Place des Droits de l’Homme (human rights square), the upper terrace is lined along its length with ponds and gilded bronze statues representing seven women and a man : : youth (Alexandre Descatoire), Flora (Marcel Gimond), Le Matin (Pryas), La Campagne (Paul Cornet), Les Oiseaux (Lucien Brasseur), Les Jardins (Robert Couturier), Le Printemps (Paul Niclausse), Les Fruits (Félix Desruelles). The gardens, covering an area of 93,930 square meters, slope gently towards the Seine. They were refurbished by R. Lardat after the 1937 International Exhibition.
The Trocadéro fountain or Warsaw fountain is a fountain located in the Trocadéro gardens. It is below the Palais de Chaillot, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. The fountain was surrounded by four bronze sculptures. The Horse with a Harrow by Pierre Louis Rouillard, The Young Elephant Trapped by Emmanuel Frémiet, The Rhinoceros by Henri-Alfred Jacquemart and The Ox by Auguste Cain have been there ever since. Three premieres in Paris in front of the Musée d’Orsay, and in Nîmes for the last.
Discover the Eiffel Tower area private tour
Paris Sightseeing Private Tours
You can also explore less touristy and more authentically Parisian areas, where you will find a vibrant local atmosphere and rich history. One such district is Belleville-Ménilmontant in the arrondissement 11, known for its diverse culture, street art, charming cafés, and historic significance. This neighborhood offers a glimpse into everyday Parisian life, away from the typical tourist crowds, while still providing beautiful views and fascinating stories of the city’s past.