Welcome to Paris Walking Tour with River Cruise

Get to know Paris in the best way possible - with a local guide to show you around some of the city's most popular and historic sights and attractions.

Your Paris walking tour starts in Place Colette, one of the most elegant plazas in the city. Most other tours miss it, but it's a local favorite so we want you to experience it.

Your next stop is the Jardins du Palais Royal which have long been one of the main public gathering points in the city. From revolutionary protests to Sunday afternoon picnics, these lovely gardens are an integral part of Parisian life and also the front yard for the Palais Royal. This ancient royal residence hosts one of the most controversial public art instalations in Paris, which you'll get to see as your guide gives you the fascinating history of the buidling. Then you'll go next door to admire another much maligned work: I.M. Pei's great glass pyramid that functions as the entrance to the Louvre. Your guide will tell you the story of how the Louvre went from being another royal redoubt to Paris' most famous art gallery, but not without a fair amount of drama along the way.

Then you'll head down to the Seine to step onto Paris' most romantic bridge and learn why the Parisian government decided to make it a little less romantic. Using the great views from the bridge, your guide will help you orient yourself on Paris' famous escargot city plan, so you'll know your way around for the rest of your trip.

Crossing the Seine via the Pont Neuf, you'll learn the sexy story of the famous statue that crowns the middle and also get a little present: Seine river cruise tickets that embark from this point. We won't hop on the boat just yet, though, there is a game to be played. The square of the Place Dauphine is the perfect setting to learn the rules of France's national pastime, petanque. You'll throw a few balls (try to beat your guide, if you dare), but don't get too competitive, there are a few highlights left to come.

You'll stroll south down the Ile de la Cité and learn how the entire city grew outward from this one tiny island. In the heart of medieval Paris, you'll see lovely old buildings like the Conciergerie, which was once France's most feared prison, then head down a few more winding streets and to find yourself in front of Notre Dame. As you stand on the point from where all distances in France are measured, you'll learn the epic story of one of Europe's greatest Gothic cathedrals as well as the immense changes that have taken place in the city since it was built.

Your tour will fly by, but the knowledge of Paris' history and culture will inform your entire stay and set you up to enjoy the city to fullest.