Briefly mentioned in the RS Paris Guide, these strolls are organized by a non-profit, volunteer organization Paris Greeters. We were privileged to take two tours, one of the Latin Quarter and the other of the Passy, led by a Robert, an American ex-Pat living in Paris. It was simply a delight to walk about with a "personal guide" (it's not a group tour, you get a one on one experience), who shares personal insights as well as historical and cultural commentaries in the three to four hour stroll.
A request for a stroll is managed thorough the web site ( http://www.greeters.paris/?lang=en) , then details are finalized via email. A week or two after the tour is concluded, a thorough customer satisfaction survey is emailed and a donation is solicited.
Bon voyage.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10205 posts
Craig, thank you for bring up the Paris Greeter program. I have been recommending this for years. I've done 2 tours with Paris Greeters. One in 2011 and one in 2014. It is really nice to have a tour personalized just for you.
Other cities have 'Greeter' programs too. Last year I submitted applications for both Paris and London. I never got a response from the London Greeters.
Posted by
Morrison, CO, USA
891 posts
Did you tip you Paris Greeter and/or how much do they hope to get as a donation? Sounds like a good program, I'll keep it in mind for next time we are there, thanks.
Mimi
Posted by
California
743 posts
We loved our Paris Greeter. Our guide was a retired Parisian doctor who likes to practice her English. We had hoped to have the same experience in Lyon, but our greeter cancelled on us the day before our walking tour.
Posted by
Durham, NC, USA
335 posts
I've taken multiple walks with the Paris Greeters volunteer group and enjoyed them all. They are very good at matching you up with a volunteer who can provide the specific type of experience you're interested in: history, cultural, food/markets, fashion, etc. Last year they even provided us with a wonderful lady who translated for us when we went to a museum where the guide spoke only French! One of my favorite walks (several years ago) was in the 15th, where Alain showed us his favorite food shops. We gathered goodies as we went, stopped at a street market for more goodies, and then had a picnic in a small park! They do not take tips but do ask for a contribution toward running their all-volunteer organization. I highly recommend.
Posted by
Washington
121 posts
I agree! My wife and i have used them on two trips! They are wonderful!
Posted by
Illinois, USA
127 posts
Craig,
I have some time on my own in Paris before my tour starts this spring. Do they require a minimum # of persons to do a private tour.? I would to be able to do this on a Monday when the biggies are all closed?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10205 posts
No minimum amount of people. It a private tour for you and any travel companions you may have.
Posted by
North Georgia, USA
1097 posts
We did this in Munich, largely in the rain! The lady who guided us was a trooper, though, and we finally had to break away to have dinner. It was our arrival day in Munich and we went straightaway and met up with her. We were tired and hungry and wet and cold. I think she'd have continued to walk with us as long as we wanted. She left us with a great dinner recommendation. She also did not accept a tip but asked us to contribute to the program.