Hello! My family of 3 will be in Paris for 2 days prior to joining a Tauck Family riverboat cruise. I had booked a toruguide through Tours with Locals for a full day. Hitting up some of the sites we would not be seeing as part of the family tour. Anyway, I learned today that she booked someone else in our spot without telling me and I am scrambling. Could you please recommend organized tours or guides that I could consider? There are just so many options and trying to find something suitable for us. My daughter is 10, but going on 22! She loves all things history and typical 'kids' tours isn't really her thing. Any advice would be appreciated. Wanting to see Saint Chapelle, Montmartre, and the Musée d’Orsay. Really, just learn from a local and hang out was the original plan!
Thank you!
Posted by
Loire Valley
757 posts
It's a problem with all booking sites - if someone books a tour while you're thinking about it the guide has no option but to accept the booking. I agree it's not fair, but if the guide doesn't accept the booking they're in danger of being temporarily delisted.
I know this because it happened to a friend - she refused a booking on the grounds she already had an enquiry for the same day and was told she would be watched very carefully for the next three months and any recurrence would result in her being removed.
As a tour company it's difficult. You have to be listed on Tours by Locals and Viator, but it's something many would prefer not to do.
Posted by
Phoenix🌵
2731 posts
Look at https://www.takewalks.com/paris-tours/ to see if any tours interest you. Or grab a guidebook and tour on your own.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thanks! She was on tours by locals and saved our date. I told her I would be back in touch on what we wanted to do and when I conatcted her with our list-she told me she booked someone else! I was shocked and of course this last there are very few options. Touring with just a book not an option. Things really come alive (especially for kids) when you get a tour. Thank you again.
Posted by
Tucson
4154 posts
Follow Horsewoofie's link and/or go to the RS section on Paris here online for more ideas:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/paris
Be sure to check out all the sections for advice and guidance.
Our son took his 2 older daughters to Paris for a blitz trip a few years back. They were 12 and 10 at the time. The older one didn’t want to bother doing any research. The younger one ate it up and participated in all the planning. Can you guess who had the best time?!
You might find that you don't really need a guide or that an all day tour might be too much in terms of time, info input and money. Based on our son's experience, involving your daughter in the planning could make the experience better for everyone.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA
63 posts
Check out the Paris Walks website to see their organized walks/tours. These are group walks, but you can also request a private guide to lead you on most of their walks (instead of group). There is a link on their website for info about private tours. We took one of their walks with a private guide recently and it was great!
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2186 posts
You might check out the website for The Earful Tour and see what you think. . He offers some Paris tours and might be able to design something for you individually. I discovered him through one of the RS guides, Vero, but I don’t have any personal experience. I did just order the books he’s written for children and they are very good and I’ve watched some of his YouTube videos.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1137 posts
I believe the previous comment meant to say The Earful "Tower." Damn spell correct!
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2186 posts
Thank you for correcting that!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2745 posts
I use Cory Frye, A French Frye in Paris, and he’s been very good. He has videos you can watch to see if you’d like him on YouTube. He’s excellent on history, however
I’ve watched some the earful tower guy videos. I don’t think I will book anything with him. His style is just not for me , but you might like it
I would recommend, looking at videos before you book if possible
Posted by
Paris
32 posts
Maybe a boutique company rather than a big one? For the Sainte Chapelle, something like this : https://artjourneyparis.com/notre-dame-sainte-chapelle-private-tours.html
Posted by
Darmouth, MA, USA
350 posts
I second Paris walks!
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2299 posts
hey hey vizgal8
paris-by-tuk-tuk.com
look at the different tours they have and where they go, tour 1 (grand tour of paris)
retro-tour.com
couple tours on a sidecar motorcycle but will need 2 cars
oldtimersparis.com
the secret tour of paris or tell your driver what you wish to see and if possible.
cedricsparis.com
tour in a 2CV car with different tours
2cvparis.com
few tours available. look at where they go, how long a tour.
the grand 2cv tour
lapetitefrenchieparis.com
check the tours they offer.
your daughter may think this is a fun tour to do and see so much in a fun way
worldofwanderlust.com/angelina-paris
we went to the one at 226 rue de rivoli. had brunch and the best hot chocolate. gorgeous counter with all the pastries and had a fun time.
sit at a cafe outside with a drink and people watch. not much time but do enjoy your time there.
aloha
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7295 posts
Simon, thank you for your local info. It sounds to me like the full-day booking was only explored, not "booked". But the guide should have said that she did not have full power over the courtesy-hold. (?) If it's now actually "late", then she was risking a no-income day with the hold.