Paris Walks guides Iris and Mary Ellen

Posted by Ruth (Ithaca, NY, USA) on 02/03/26 07:17 PM

Has anyone taken a walk with either of these as your guide? If so, did you like them (letter grade A through F) or what did you like/dislike about them? I’m trying to determine whether it would be worthwhile to shell out money for a private tour. There are 4 possible guides (and one will be assigned to us — I requested 2 by name but was told they might not be available).

It’s one thing to go on a group walk and pay €25 for just an “okay” guide. But if we’re going to pay much more for a private guide I’d like someone better than just okay!

Thanks!

Posted by Lindy

02/03/26 07:26 PM

1518 posts

TripAdvisor has @ 700 reviews of Paris Walks.
https://www.tripadvisor.co/Attraction_Review-g187147-d1577011-Reviews-Paris_Walks-Paris_Ile_de_France.html
My husband and I have taken three group tours with them, two with Peter (an owner) and a third one with an American man whose name I do not remember. Both were excellent. I'll be following your post as we are returning in June and might just want to do another tour. I generally like group tours (PW has a max of 12 people, I believe) because many times the other tourists add to the information/discussion/perspective. Then, again, a private tour might be made to fit your own schedule which is nice.

Posted by Ruth OP

Ithaca, NY, USA

02/03/26 08:02 PM

931 posts

Lindy — when in June will you be in Paris? I just sent you a private message!

Posted by Lindy

02/03/26 08:45 PM

1518 posts

Hi Ruth, I replied to your private message. Lindy

Posted by Elizabeth

L'Occitanie, France

02/03/26 09:39 PM

11607 posts

I used to know Iris personally. She is a certified guide who has passed the rigorous French government exams to be a guide. She is by no means one of the students with a script to read and a hat to pass for donations. She has created many tours, including the Chocolate Walk that many others have copied. She has appeared on a PBS travel programs. I know she is in high demand from overseas travel agencies booking private tours for clients.

I have paid many private guides over the years, some were requested once we arrive at a hotel or even on site at the monument, but I have never been concerned about their training in European countries where the governments require guides to pass rigorous exams. The only time we've ever gotten a dud was in the US where anyone can declare themselves a guide.

I don't know the other person.