7 Best Historic Tours in Paris

Paris is a city that breathes history at every turn. From the days of the monarchy to the French Revolution, from the dark years of the Nazi occupation to the rise of haute couture, the French capital has witnessed some of the most momentous moments in European history. And although walking through its streets is in itself a journey through time, there is nothing like doing so accompanied by an expert guide to help you decipher the secrets hidden behind every façade, every square and every monument. Here is a selection of the best historical tours of Paris to discover the city from a new perspective.

If you want to understand the soul of Paris, this tour is the ideal starting point. It takes in the key sites of the city's history, from the majestic Île de la Cité, where the capital was born, to the elegant Place Vendôme, via the imposing Conciergerie, which served as a prison during the French Revolution. You will learn about the construction of Notre Dame, the golden days of Louis XIV's reign and the events that led to the fall of the monarchy. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs around €30-€50, depending on the size of the group.

Paris is not only political and architectural history, but also the birthplace of fashion. On this tour you will discover how the city became the world's style capital, from the pioneering designers of the 19th century to today's luxury brands. You'll stroll along the iconic Avenue Montaigne, home to fashion houses such as Dior and Chanel, and learn about the evolution of haute couture from its beginnings to the catwalks of today. You will also visit historic sites such as Coco Chanel's former atelier and the Palais Royal, where the concept of luxury boutiques began. The tour lasts 2 hours and costs around €40-€60.

If you are interested in more recent history, this tour will immerse you in World War II Paris, exploring the years of Nazi occupation and the key role of the French Resistance. From the Gestapo headquarters on Avenue Foch to the history of liberation at Place de la Concorde, each stop reveals a key chapter of this period. You will also visit the Musée de la Libération de Paris, where documents and objects from the period are preserved. This tour lasts 2.5-3 hours and costs around €35-€50.

They say the best way to get to know a country is through its food, and this tour confirms it. It mixes the history of Paris with its most emblematic gastronomy, taking you through old markets, centuries-old bakeries and traditional bistros. You'll taste French cheeses, wines, freshly baked croissants and traditional dishes as you discover the evolution of Parisian cuisine from the Middle Ages to the present day. It's a perfect experience for food and history lovers. It usually lasts 3-4 hours and costs between €60 and €90, depending on the number of tastings included.

Before the grandeur of Haussmann's boulevards, Paris was a city of narrow alleys, Gothic churches and mysterious corners. This tour takes you to discover medieval Paris, exploring places such as Rue Saint-Jacques, one of the oldest streets in the city, the Church of Saint-Séverin, with its impressive stained-glass windows, and the aforementioned Conciergerie, once the residence of medieval kings. This is the perfect tour for those who want to get away from the tourist hustle and bustle and get into the most ancient essence of the city. The tour lasts 2 hours and costs around €30-€45.

Paris has been a haven for some of history's greatest writers, from Hemingway and Fitzgerald to Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. On this tour, you'll tour the cafés where some of the best novels of the 20th century were born, such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, as well as visit iconic bookshops such as Shakespeare & Company. You'll learn about the existentialist movement, the lost generation and Parisian literary bohemia. This tour lasts 2 hours and costs approximately €35-€50.

If you're looking for a darker experience, this tour takes you to explore underground Paris, descending into the eerie Paris Catacombs, where the remains of over six million people lie. You will also learn about the secret passages used by the revolutionaries and the clandestine societies that operated beneath the city. This tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs approximately €50-€70, including entrance to the catacombs.

Taking a historical tour in Paris is much more than just touring monuments: it is to relive the moments that have shaped the city and understand why it remains a world cultural landmark. From medieval times to the era of haute couture, every corner of Paris has a story to tell. Are you up for discovering the city in a different way?