Paris Tours with Locals
Tours with locals in Paris : Are you planning a trip to the magnificent city of Paris? Let’s go into the exciting world of tours with locals in Paris, providing you with immersive travel experiences. As a Paris travel planner and also as a licensed private tour guide in Paris, I create fully authentic and unique tours of Paris combining postgraduate studies in sociology, cultural mediation, training at the École du Louvre in art history, and 20+ years of local expertise. Every tour is designed exclusively around YOUR interests – whether exploring French history, the most iconic landmarks, the Louvre’s masterpieces, discovering hidden local gems, enjoying VIP museum access, or experiencing Parisian lifestyle. Live an authentic moment of exchange with your local expert guide.
What makes Paris by Emy tours unique:
- 100% customized itineraries (no cookie-cutter programs)
- Paris Unscripted – Authentic Guided Tours of Paris
- Official Ministry of Culture licensed guide credentials
- École du Louvre art history training & postgraduate studies
- 20+ years Paris resident with deep local connections
- VIP museum access and skip-the-line tickets
- Parisian heritage (mother born in Paris, grandmother Beaux-Arts painter)
- Franco-American cultural bridge (5 years in USA & family living in the USA)
- Direct personal service & support (no platforms with rotating guides)
Paris by Emy is a Paris trip planner and a licensed private tour guide offering private guided tours in Paris with planning services and personalized Paris tour packages with a fabulous network of licensed expert local guides. Whether you’re interested in world-class museums, historic districts, gourmet food tours, or hidden gems, your personalized Paris experience is crafted exclusively for you.
PARIS BY EMY – France-Based Boutique Travel Agency in Paris
PARIS BY EMY is a France-based boutique travel company specializing in customized Paris travel planning, private tours, and exclusive local services. Rather than treating guides as interchangeable names in a booking system, PARIS BY EMY works through a professional network built around local expertise and personal relationships. Because in Paris, your guide should be more than someone who happens to be available on your chosen date. Your guide should be the right person for your experience.
Paris Trip Planner - Personalized Options
| Price depends on chosen options, number of people and duration |
|---|
| Exchange via email and phone to customize Paris trip before your arrival |
| Ongoing support for questions, unforeseen events during your stay |
| Itinerary, tailor-made with booking, for each day of your trip |
| From 3 star hotel recommendations according to your criteria |
| Airport hotel transfer with private chauffeur at your disposal |
| Parisian and gourmet Restaurants recommendations with reservation |
| Day trips from Paris such as Normandy, Champagne region |
| Leisure activities recommendations and booking such as baking, biking... |
| Walking private tour with guide Paris for 1/2 day(s), full day(s) |
| Private driving tour with guide & private driver at your disposal |
| Museum private tour with licensed guide for 2 hours minimum |
| Skip the line entrance ticket booking for museums and landmarks |
| Special Event organization such as marriage proposal |
| And more if you need more ! |
Private Tour Guide in Paris - Paris by Emy
| Pricing | # of Person | Customized private tours in Paris |
|---|---|---|
| From €200 | Per Person | 2-hour private museum tour + skip-the-line |
| From €360 | Up to 6 | 3-hour private walking tour Paris |
| From €950 | Up to 6 | 4-hour car tour Paris with licensed guide & driver |
Personalizd Paris Tour Package
| Paris Tour Package | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Demand | Upon quotation | Totally tailor-made package with options, tours and services of your choice upon your spending orientations |
| VIP Package | From €4,000 | Online support during full stay, full stay Itinerary, museum skip the line ticket and leisure activity booking, hotel and restaurant recommendations with reservation, private tour guide and private driver, airport transfer |
| Big Classics Package | From €3,000 | Online support during full stay, full stay Itinerary, Louvre and Versailles private tour booking, hotel and restaurant recommendations with reservation, private tour guide in Paris, airport transfer |
| Full Service Package | From €1,500 | Full stay itinerary and online support, activity booking, hotel and restaurant recommendations with reservation, private tour guide |
| Premium Package | From €650 | Online support during full stay, full stay Itinerary, hotel and restaurant recommendations |
Authentic Adventures with PARIS BY EMY
Explore Paris like a true local with our customized Paris private tours, designed just for you! At PARIS BY EMY, we offer fully customized experiences with no preset setting or already-made itinerary—just a unique and great experience tailored to your interests.
Stroll through the city’s streets, uncover hidden gems, and enjoy a tour of Paris at your own pace, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a large family. We’ll guide you to the best things to see and do while ensuring you visit at the best time to avoid crowds and make the most of your trip.
For an authentic and bespoke journey, we highly recommend our personalized tours—created just for you, by locals who truly know and love Paris!
Tours in Paris with Locals
PARIS BY EMY Network of Locals in Paris
At PARIS BY EMY, we proudly collaborate with a vibrant network of local entrepreneurs, travel agencies, independent guides, and passionate artisans. This trusted community allows us to deliver authentic, high-end services and truly personalized experiences, tailored to your aspirations and budget. Whether you dream of a private tour led by a licensed Parisian guide, a sidecar adventure through hidden streets, or a tailor-made food tour experience in Paris, our partners bring a deep, local expertise to every moment of your journey.
Our local network includes:
- Private drivers and sidecar tour experts
- Certified museum guides and art historians
- Private biking tour specialists
- Oenologists and culinary instructors for authentic tasting experiences
- Personal shoppers and luxury fashion advisors
- Master perfumers for bespoke fragrance workshops
- Professional photographers and artists
- Magicians and private entertainers
- Exclusive cruise operators
- Boutique hotels, cafés, and gourmet restaurants
- Art galleries and street art workshop hosts
- Spa and wellness retreat specialists
- Local travel agencies rooted in Parisian culture
Through this close-knit community, we ensure your Paris adventure is not just a visit — but a meaningful connection with the true heart of the city.
Paris Tours by Locals – Genuine Human Connections
Discover the authentic Paris cherished by Parisian locals, far from the mass tourism crowds.
- No platform genuine exchange
- No script no already-made tour
- Bespoke private tours in Paris
- Expert Recommendations from a local
- Paris private tours in English
- Paris based and French network only
Unlike platforms that rotate guides, Paris by Emy’s private guided tours give you one dedicated expert from planning to the final day.
Bespoke Private Tours in Paris with Locals
PARIS BY EMY, like many other private tour companies, offers personalized tours in Paris, but it distinguishes itself with unique advantages.
100% Customized & Tailor-Made Experiences
PARIS BY EMY focuses entirely on creating Paris trip plans from scratch based on your interests, pace, and preferences.
Other private tour companies offer personalized tours but still follows a more structured and predefined selection of private tours in Paris.
Full Trip Planning, Not Just Tours
Unlike private tour companies, which mainly focuses on guided tours, PARIS BY EMY offers custom Paris trips with local tips.
This makes it a comprehensive travel concierge service, ideal for those who want a seamless, stress-free Parisian experience (hotel and restaurant recommendations)
Personal Connection & VIP Service
Direct contact with the founder and a personal approach throughout the planning process.
No mass-market feel—each experience is crafted uniquely for you.
Guides take time to truly understand your interests, making the experience more intimate and meaningful.
Authentic & Local Experience
Focus on off-the-beaten-path locations, secret spots, and a true Parisian lifestyle experience.
Less emphasis on traditional, tourist-heavy attractions unless requested.
Possibility to integrate local cultural activities, such as private art tours, food tastings, or themed experiences.
Flexible & Stress-Free Tours
No rigid schedules or strict itineraries—your tour can be adapted at any time.
No rushing from site to site; enjoy Paris at your own pace.
Large tours companies tend to follow a more structured format.
PARIS BY EMY adapts completely to your rhythm.
Multilingual & Cultural Approach
In addition to English and French, there’s a strong emphasis on cultural immersion, not just historical facts.
The tours are designed to make you feel like a Parisian, not just a visitor.
More Than Just a Tour Guide
24/7 support and on-demand assistance for recommendations and last-minute changes.
Help with reservations, transportation, and additional services, making it an all-in-one solution.
If you’re looking for a highly bespoke, flexible, and immersive Parisian experience, PARIS BY EMY is the better choice over large Paris tours companies. It is ideal for travelers who want more than just a private tour—they want a truly tailored and stress-free Parisian journey.
Tours with Locals in Paris Upon Each Profile
Unlike many commercialized tour providers, PARIS BY EMY emphasizes a personalized approach that respects each visitor’s individual preferences. From solo traveler to Paris tours for families, PARIS BY EMY guides you step-by-step to create a seamless, personalized experience.
Romantic Tours in the City of Love
PARIS BY EMY offers romantic Paris tour package for couple looking to experience enchanting spots. From the Eiffel Tower at sunset to boat cruises on the Seine, these tours provide unforgettable romantic moments perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion.
Specialized Tours for Families
Paris family-friendly tours are crafted to keep everyone engaged. These tours include interactive experiences that entertain children while providing insights into French culture and history. Family itineraries include kid-friendly attractions like the Jardin d’Acclimatation, interactive museums, and fun educational activities.
PARIS BY EMY 10 themes to Discover
Your tour is set upon your preferences with recommendations. Discover PARIS BY EMY 10 themes :
1- Parisian Icons Tours with locals Paris
This tour covers the iconic men and women whose contributions shaped the legacy of Paris. Sainte Geneviève, Coco Chanel, Marie Curie, Napoleon, Baron Haussmann, Charles de Gaulle… Together, their stories paint a vivid picture of the vibrant and resilient spirit that has defined Paris. Indeed, they made it the remarkable city it is today.
2- Historical Paris Tours with locals Paris
For those who love history, PARIS BY EMY offers historical tours that delve into Paris’ rich past. From the medieval charm of Île de la Cité to the terrific French Revolution, these tours reveal Paris’ historical milestones. With a knowledgeable local guide, each historical landmark becomes a story waiting to be discovered.
3- French Cuisine in Paris Tours by locals
Food is the heart of French culture, and PARIS BY EMY’s food tours allow you to taste it at its best. Discover authentic French bakeries, hidden bistros, and markets, sampling croissants, artisanal cheeses, and fine wines along the way. With a guide who knows the best local spots, you’ll enjoy a genuine taste of Parisian culinary delights.
4- Art & Museums Tours with locals Paris
Explore Paris’s legendary art scene with visits of Paris museums with a guide or with skip the libe ticket and audioguide. Discover Paris’s artistic heritage, from Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist icons, allowing art lovers to delve into some of the world’s most famous collections.
5- Sacred Places in Paris Tours with locals
This theme brings visitors to Paris’s spiritual and architectural wonders, including Saint-Sulpice, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, and Sainte-Chapelle. It’s a serene exploration of Paris’s sacred spaces, highlighting the city’s religious diversity and architectural splendor within Paris church tour.
6- Landmarks & Sightseeing Tours by locals Paris
Perfect for those wanting a panoramic view of top monuments to do in Paris and historical Paris, this theme includes visits to Montmartre, Saint Germain, and even river cruises along the Seine. A mix of classic sites and hidden viewpoints, this tour provides fantastic photo opportunities and memorable vistas.
7- Shopping Tours with locals Paris
Indulge in Paris’s world-famous best place to shop in Paris experience, or choose a luxury shopping in Paris. From luxury boutiques on the Champs-Élysées to unique finds in Le Marais, this theme caters to fashion lovers, with opportunities to explore haute couture, artisan workshops, and Paris’s chic department stores.
8- Entertainment Paris Tours with locals
From classic cabarets like the Moulin Rouge to Parisian jazz clubs, this theme is designed for those wanting a taste of Paris’s vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The tour includes options for live music, theatre, and exclusive shows, offering a lively Parisian evening experience.
9- Green Paris Tours by locals Paris
Discover the city’s tranquil side with visits to the Luxembourg Gardens, Bois de Boulogne, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. This theme highlights Paris’s lush parks, gardens, and hidden green spaces, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxed, refreshing tour.
10- Outside Paris Tours with locals
For those wanting to venture beyond the city, this theme offers day trips to stunning locations such as Normandy, Champagne tour from Paris. Ideal for travelers interested in exploring the beautiful countryside, historical chateaux, and scenic villages near Paris.
Paris Historical Districts Tours with locals
Notre-Dame (Île de la Cité)
Located on one of Paris’s islands in the Seine, this district is home to the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The area exudes medieval charm, with cobbled streets and historic structures. Visitors can explore Sainte-Chapelle, a gem of stained glass, and enjoy scenic river views from the ancient Pont Neuf bridge.
Montmartre
Known for its bohemian past, Montmartre private tour sits on a hill with the iconic Basilica of Sacré-Cœur at its peak. Once a haven for artists like Picasso and Toulouse-Lautrec, it still has an artsy atmosphere with charming cafés, lively street art, and historic cabarets like the Moulin Rouge. The narrow, winding streets and panoramic views make it a quintessential Parisian experience.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
This district, once a center of intellectual and literary life, was frequented by famous writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. Saint-Germain private tour cafés, such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, are legendary, while its boutique shops, art galleries, and historic abbey make it a cultural hub that blends tradition with chic modernity.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter private tour is one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods, renowned for its academic institutions like the Sorbonne. Named for the Latin once spoken here by students, it’s lively and intellectual, with historic sites like the Panthéon, ancient Roman ruins, and cozy bookshops like Shakespeare and Company. The narrow streets are full of charm, inviting exploration.
Le Marais
Once an aristocratic district, Le Marais private tour is known for its beautiful architecture, including Hôtel de Ville and Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square. Now a trendy, multicultural area, it’s filled with boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant cafés. It’s also a center for Paris’s Jewish community and the LGBTQ+ scene, making it a lively blend of history and modernity.
Louvre-Rivoli
Anchored by the Louvre Museum, the Louvre Rivoli private tour is a treasure trove for art lovers. The Louvre itself, the world’s largest museum, houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Nearby, the Tuileries Garden offers a peaceful spot to relax, and the historic arcades of Rue de Rivoli are lined with shops, making it a vibrant intersection of art and commerce.
Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement)
Centered around the world-famous Eiffel Tower, the Eiffel Tower private tour is full of Parisian landmarks, including the Musée d’Orsay, the Rodin Museum, and the Champ de Mars. It’s a popular area for both sightseeing and relaxing by the Seine. Elegant avenues and classical architecture make this neighborhood iconic and quintessentially Parisian.
Les Halles
Historically Paris’s central market, Les Halles private tour is now a bustling shopping and entertainment area. The modern Forum des Halles mall contrasts with nearby historic structures like the Church of Saint-Eustache. Les Halles is lively and dynamic, offering everything from shopping and dining to theaters and nightlife, drawing both locals and tourists alike.
Opéra-Madeleine
Named for its two grand landmarks, the Opéra Garnier and the Madeleine Church, the Opera Garnier private tour is known for luxury and elegance. The area boasts high-end shopping at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, as well as chic cafés and restaurants. The architectural splendor of Opéra Garnier, a jewel of the Beaux-Arts style, reflects the district’s opulent past and Paris’s love of the arts.
How to choose Tours with locals in Paris ?
The choice of a guide should align with your budget and personal preferences.
- The personality of the guide and his/her background or experience
- The offer regarding the tours and overall his/her offer with services
- Reach out to potential guides directly to discuss your needs and preferences
- Choose a guide who demonstrates respect for local customs, and traditions
- Someone who can help you navigate and appreciate cultural differences.
Your guide should be someone who matches your personality and your travel style.
Big Agency or Small Touring Company ?
The main differences between a big tour guide agency and a small touring company like PARIS BY EMY here’s a breakdown:
Personalization
Big Agencies: Offer pre-packaged tours with fixed schedules with little flexibility. Customization is limited.
Small Companies : Focus on bespoke experiences, adapting to customer interests, and pace.
Flexibility of Tours with Locals Paris
Big Agencies: Have strict itineraries with little room for changes.
Small Companies: Allow for last-minute changes and personalized experiences.
Local Expertise & Connection
Big Agencies: Guides follow a standard script. Less focus on personalization, more on popular attractions.
Small Companies: Usually run by passionate locals who offer deep cultural insights and a personal touch.
Customer Service with personal attention
Big Agencies: Standardized service with less personal attention. Designed for high-volume tourism.
Small Companies: Provide direct communication, often with the business owner or a dedicated guide.
Cost of Tours with Locals Paris
Big Agencies: Can be cheaper due to mass operations but may include hidden costs.
Small Companies: May be more expensive but offer unique and high-quality experiences.
If you are looking for a customized, private, and authentic experience, a small touring company like PARIS BY EMY would be a great choice. Big tour guide agencies focus on the mass market and standardization.
Who Really Knows Your Guide?
This is one of the most important questions to ask. Some international platforms sell tours in Paris without being based in France and may subcontract the actual service to local guides they do not personally know. The platform may know the guide primarily through a profile, availability system, rating, or database.
That is very different from working with a local company that has built its own professional network in Paris.
At PARIS BY EMY, the goal is not simply to find someone available to conduct a tour. The company works with a network of English-speaking local professionals, including licensed guides, historians, art specialists, drivers, food and wine professionals, and other Paris-based experts. The relationship is human and professional not simply transactional. The price displayed online does not tell you everything about the economics behind a tour. A private tour is not simply a commodity that can be reduced to the lowest possible price.
Respect for Local Professionals
Extremely low-priced tours can be made possible by high-volume sales, standardized services, subcontracting, and very limited margins for the person actually delivering the experience.
For travelers, it is worth asking:
- Who is actually providing my tour?
- Is the company based in France?
- Does the company know its guides personally?
- Are the guides properly qualified for the services they provide?
- How much of what I pay actually reaches the professional delivering my experience?
Professional expertise, preparation, local knowledge, language skills, cultural knowledge, insurance, administration, taxes, social protection, and years of experience all have a real cost.
Quality Over Volume
At PARIS BY EMY, the objective is not to sell as many identical tours as possible. It is to create private, customized experiences in Paris, with the right professional for each traveler.
Large Platforms: Their business model is generally designed to serve a large number of travelers efficiently. This can make them convenient, but convenience and personalization are not necessarily the same thing.
Small Touring Companies: A boutique company can deliberately choose a different model: fewer clients, direct communication, closer relationships with local professionals, and greater attention to the details of each experience.
Direct Communication
That makes a difference when your trip involves several services, special interests, transportation, museum visits, restaurants, private guides, or a customized itinerary.
With a large platform, your first point of contact may be a customer-service department, booking system, or intermediary.
With a small local company, you can often communicate directly with the person responsible for designing and coordinating your experience.
The Real Difference: A Product or a Relationship?
A large platform may sell you a tour product. A small independent company can offer you a relationship with a local professional who takes responsibility for the experience.
Neither model is automatically appropriate for every traveler. The important thing is understanding what you are actually purchasing.
If your priority is simply finding the cheapest available tour, a large booking platform may offer many options.
If you are looking for a customized private experience, direct communication, genuine local expertise, and a carefully coordinated Paris experience, working directly with a France-based boutique company can provide a very different approach.
Enjoy Tours By Locals Expert in Paris
Valuable Paris Tours by locals
Our bespoke tours take you off the beaten path, revealing charming neighborhoods, local markets, leisure activities to do in Paris and authentic culinary experiences that you might have otherwise missed. Interacting with locals also provides valuable insights into the Parisian way of life, cultural traditions, and local customs.
Tours by Locals Beyond Mainstream Tourism
With a local Paris Trip Planner, you can immerse yourself in a version of Paris that tourists rarely get to see. Local tours allow you to go beyond the crowded landmarks and uncover lesser known districts, boutiques, intimate jazz clubs, and museums…
Parisian Business Network
PARIS BY EMY and its Parisian partners are a great network of locals offering responsible tourism that aligns with the values of custom-made, sustainability and authenticity. Our tours are designed to highlight the cultural side of Paris while engaging with small, locally-owned businesses, licensed guides, and cultural institutions.
Benefits of Paris Tours by Locals
Founded with a mission to offer custom-tailored tours, PARIS BY EMY is dedicated to providing more than a typical sightseeing trip. PARIS BY EMY creates personal connections between visitors and the city by designing unique, interest-based tours with local insights.
Embrace the Local Perspective
While famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly impressive, experiencing the city through the eyes of a local adds a whole new dimension to your journey. Bespoke Tours with locals offer an authentic and immersive way to explore Paris, providing you with insider knowledge, hidden gems, and a genuine connection to the city and its people.
Paris Beyond the Iconic Landmarks
Venture off the beaten path with a local guide who will lead you to hidden gems and lesser-known sites. Explore charming gardens, secret courtyards, and vibrant street art in neighborhoods like Belleville and Canal Saint-Martin. Uncover the city’s best-kept secrets and experience the authentic essence of Paris.
Bespoke Services and Community Support
In an era of responsible travel, sustainable tourism practices are gaining importance. PARIS BY EMY Private Tours emphasize sustainability and community support while championing local Parisians and entrepreneurs. By offering personalized, eco-conscious tours, PARIS BY EMY ensures that travelers experience the rich culture and heritage of Paris in a way that respects the environment and uplifts local businesses.
Beyond Tours By Locals in Paris
Your Paris Trip tailor-made by a local with human exchanges and a Parisian network.
- Setting of your trip before your arrival
- Bespoke Paris itinerary
- Skip the line tickets booking
- Private tour guide Paris
- Private driver services
- Hotel recommendations
- Airport hotel transfer
- Restaurant recommendations…
PARIS BY EMY invites you to discover Paris wtih a personalized Paris Tour Package. Ready to go beyond a local guide? Enjoy customized private tour in Paris, hotel pickup, private driver, and zero compromise on personalization.
