Recommended Excursions in Paris
I love finding a great local guide to give me and orientation of the city with local tips. This gives me direction to explore on my own too!Β
Sightseeing v. Activities
When planning a trip, it's essential to distinguish between "sightseeing" and "activities", as they contribute differently to your travel experience.
Sightseeing refers to the more relaxed, observational aspect of tourism. It usually involves visiting and appreciating the noteworthy landmarks, historical sites, and natural wonders of a destination. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty, culture, and heritage of a place, often facilitated by guided tours that provide insightful narratives and interesting facts about the sights you're witnessing. Sightseeing is a fantastic way to soak in the essence of a place, at a leisurely pace.
On the other hand, activities are more participatory and often involve a higher level of engagement and interaction. These could range from workshops, culinary classes, hiking, biking, water sports, to even local experiences like a homestay or a farm visit. Activities allow you to delve deeper, offering a hands-on experience that's not only fun but can also be quite enriching. It provides you with the chance to learn new skills, meet locals, and sometimes even challenge yourself with something adventurous.
So, when you're crafting your itinerary, balancing sightseeing and activities can offer a well-rounded and fulfilling vacation experience, combining both relaxation and excitement. It's all about finding the perfect blend that suits your travel style!Β
Private v. Small group
Living in the D.C. area, I see those big tour buses all the time. They're efficient for seeing the city, but they feel a bit impersonal to me. If you can swing it, a private tour is my go-to. It's all about you: your schedule, your interests. And here's a tip: depending on the number of your travel companions, private tours can actually be more cost-effective than group tours. But if a private tour isn't in the budget, I love small group tours. I stick to no more than 12 people, usually aiming for 8 or 10. They're perfect for solo travel or more social activities like cooking classes or boat tours. It's a way to keep things personal and fun!
Excursions: Sights to See
Excursions by Category
Ready to book that trip? If you use the links in my guides or itineraries, it's a win-win. You'll snag the tours with my preferred partners and some of my favorite guides, and I'll get a small commission to keep sharing tips with fellow travelers like you.
So go ahead, click and book on these links, enjoy an awesome journey, and keep exploring. Your support helps me do what I love, and I'm super grateful for that!
Food Tours
Museums
Topic Focused Tours
City and Neighborhood Tours
Day Trip
For Kids
Search All Tours in Paris
The home for unique & authentic travel
