duration: 5.5 hours
cancellation_summary: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of your tour.
meeting_point: Cité Metro Station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hSbryYkRvcQNe8Xq7
max_age: 99
group_size: Maximum 8 people
accessibility: Not Wheelchair Accessible
pricing: .
description: Experience the best of Parisian history and art on this 5.5-hour semi-private tour, beginning your day exploring the City of Light's historic center before discovering the Louvre Museum's most celebrated treasures!
Your day begins with breathtaking views of the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior only) before exploring the Île de la Cité, the cradle of Parisian civilization and home to many of its most historic sites. Cross the Pont Neuf, the city's oldest bridge, and stroll along the river, taking in stunning views. You'll pass through the Louvre courtyards and admire the immaculate flowerbeds of the Tuileries Gardens before glimpsing the Place de la Concorde, where the guillotine claimed King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.
After a break for lunch, admire the iconic Louvre Pyramid before entering the museum. Learn about its fascinating transformation from a medieval fortress to a royal residence, and how its history shaped the extraordinary collection housed within. Marvel at masterpieces like the armless "Venus de Milo," the dynamic "Winged Victory of Samothrace," and the dazzling crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery. Admire Canova's exquisite "Cupid and Psyche," and explore the era-defining works of David and Delacroix. You'll even descend into the museum's medieval moat for a glimpse of its ancient origins.
Experience an unforgettable day tracing the footsteps of kings, revolutionaries, and artists as you uncover the stories that shaped Paris's extraordinary legacy.
what_is_included: • SEMI-PRIVATE WALKING TOUR & MUSEUM TOUR (with Reserved Entry Tickets Included)
• "SEMI-PRIVATE" MEANS GROUP SIZE IS NEVER MORE THAN 8 GUESTS MAXIMUM
• PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE
• DURATION 5.5 HOURS (including break)
• ALL ENTRANCE FEES (with Reserved Entry Included!)
what_is_not_included: • Tour Price Does NOT Include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (We Recommend UBER or Taxi)
• Tour Does NOT Include Gratuities (OPTIONAL)
• Temporary exhibitions NOT included
• Lunch is NOT included
• Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
itinerary: A 5.5-Hour Guided Tour of Paris' Historic Center and the Louvre Museum
(Timing includes a 45-minute break for lunch)
Stops Generally Include:
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Île de la Cité
Begin your tour on Île de la Cité, the island where Paris was first founded. Once called Lutetia by its Roman settlers, this historic site is the birthplace from which the city expanded.
30 minutes -
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
See the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the world's most beloved church and a masterpiece of medieval Gothic architecture. Newly restored after the 2019 fire, it remains one of Paris' most enduring symbols.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -
Palais de Justice de Paris
Admire the gates of the Palais de Justice, once a royal residence and now a courthouse and judicial center. Formerly known as the Palais de la Cité, it houses some of Paris' oldest surviving structures.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -
Sainte-Chapelle
Marvel at the spire of the Sainte-Chapelle, a 750-year-old Gothic chapel built to house the Crown of Thorns and 21 other holy relics.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -
Conciergerie
See the oldest part of the Palais de la Cité: the infamous Conciergerie. Once a notorious prison, it housed over a thousand “enemies of the Revolution,” including Queen Marie Antoinette herself.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included -
Fontaine Saint-Michel
Pass by the monumental Saint-Michel Fountain, commissioned by Haussmann under Napoleon III and inspired by a painting by Raphael. It depicts the Archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil—or perhaps Napoleon III vanquishing his enemies.
10 minutes -
Place Dauphine
Discover Place Dauphine, a charming historic square at the western tip of Île de la Cité. Commissioned by King Henri IV.
10 minutes -
Pont Neuf
Walk across Pont Neuf, Paris' oldest stone bridge. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains an iconic feature of the Seine river.
10 minutes -
Statue of Henri IV
View the equestrian statue of King Henri IV located on the Pont Neuf. Learn about the original statue, destroyed during the French Revolution, and its modern replacement.
10 minutes -
Pont des Arts
Stop by Pont des Arts before heading to the Louvre. Built between 1801 and 1804, it was Paris' first iron bridge and now links the Institut de France to the Louvre.
10 minutes -
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Walk through the impressive Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, the smaller sibling of the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile on the Champs-Élysées. This arch was built to commemorate Napoleon's military victories.
10 minutes -
Jardin des Tuileries
Stroll through the manicured paths and historic landscapes of the Tuileries Gardens, the oldest park in Paris, dating back to the 17th century.
10 minutes -
Louvre Museum
After a lunch break, dive into the Louvre's extraordinary collection with our expert guide. Explore its treasures, from ancient artifacts to timeless masterpieces.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
highlights: Highlights Generally Include (if artwork is not on loan or being restored): -
Notre Dame Cathedral (EXTERIOR), newly restored after 2019's tragic fire!
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Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris and vantage point of the city's most spectacular views.
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The Tuileries Gardens, the landscaped masterpiece built for Catherine de Medici to remind her of her native Florence.
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The Mona Lisa - Learn the secret behind the world's most famous painting!
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The Winged Victory of Samothrace - The greatest Greek Statue ever discovered awaits you at the top of the monumental Daru staircase,
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The Venus de Milo - The most photographed statue in the world and inspiration to 100s of painters, sculptors and film makers alike.
check_in_details: • It is imperative that you provide us with guest's MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
• Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the tour's scheduled departure time.
• Your guide will reach out to you the morning of the tour for any URGENT matters please reply to their message.
Their contact details are also sent to your email by the morning of your tour.
Babylon Tours
Phone / Text 0019179990380
Web: www.babylontours.com
Mail: babylontoursinfo@gmail.com
what_to_bring: • Please bring a photo ID or at least a copy/image of your passport.
• Recommended attire: Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
special_requirements: Children under a 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
restrictions: • Not wheelchair accessible.
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
• No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin backpacks are allowed through security.
disclaimers: • The Louvre Museum may experience occasional closures without prior notice from museum management. In the event of an unannounced closure or delayed opening exceeding one hour past the scheduled tour time, we will offer guests an appropriate alternative. Refunds or discounts are not available in these cases.
• Please note that appropriate attire is required for entry into certain sites on this tour.
• Only handbags or small, slim backpacks are permitted inside the museum. Large bags or suitcases are not allowed.
• Due to heightened security measures, lines may occasionally form even for tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access.
• Certain museum rooms require visitors to remain quiet or limit speech. In these cases, your guide will provide necessary information before entering.
• Museum collections are subject to change throughout the year.
• This tour/activity accommodates a maximum of 8 travelers during the walking tour section whereas the museum tour is limited to 6 traveler's per guide due to the Louvre Museum's regulations.
• Tickets to the Louvre museum are timed, as such, latecomers risk missing their tour.
faqs: What time should I arrive for my tour?
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
How will I recognize my guide?
- Your guide will be wearing a Babylon badge on a Babylon lanyard. They will also reach out to you on the morning of the tour to confirm the meeting point.
Are tickets included in the price?
- Yes! All tickets for the permanent collection are included and organized by Babylon Tours.
When will I receive my guide's contact information?
- Your guide will reach out to you the morning of the tour by text and email. Please ensure you have provided your correct telephone number (including country code) and email beforehand. Please be sure to check your SPAM folder if you don't see the email in your inbox.
Are you Viator?
- No,is a booking platform and Online Travel Agent. They sell our tours, but we are Babylon Tours, a Tour Operator currently offering tours in 12 major cities worldwide!
Can I reschedule my tour?
- Yes! You can reschedule free of charge if you notify us at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. For rescheduling within 24 hours, a fee applies to cover guide payments, unused tickets, and company costs (no profit is made on this fee). If you booked through a booking platform likeor GetYourGuide, you must reschedule directly with them.
What do I do if I'm running late?
- Please inform your guide as soon as possible. As this is a semi-private tour, it must start on time. If your tour is ticketed, the guide will reply to your message with the tickets so you can enter the museum or monument on your own and try to join the guide inside if possible. Please note that once the tour begins, the guide will not be able to regularly check their phone.
What do I do if I have a medical issue and can't attend the tour?
- Please let us know immediately by email to babylontoursinfo@gmail.com or by texting or calling +1 917 999 0380. Our refund policy does not cover medical issues that arise within 24 hours of the tour's start. In such cases, please contact your travel insurance provider. We can provide a document confirming you were unable to attend.
What do I do if my transport is canceled and I can't attend the tour?
- Please let us know immediately by email to babylontoursinfo@gmail.com or by texting or calling +1 917 999 0380 . Our refund policy does not cover transportation issues within 24 hours of the tour's start. In such cases, please contact your travel insurance provider. We can provide a document confirming you were unable to attend.
Can I get my tickets before the tour and meet the guide inside?
- No, as the museum is large, locating the guide inside is challenging. The guide will meet you at the designated meeting point and accompany the group inside. However, you are welcome to stay in the museum after the tour ends!
Can I stay in the museum after the tour finishes?
- Yes, you are welcome to stay in the museum until it closes.
I don't see my tickets in the email. How can I download them?
- Your guide will have your tickets. As long as you bring proof of ID, the guide's name and number, and arrive at the meeting point on time, the guide will assist you with entry.
Will my walking tour run if the weather is bad?
- Yes, our tours run rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately. Tours will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather alert from local authorities.
