Top France Historical Tours

Especially in peak season, the lines at the Palace of Versailles can be hard to believe. Skip them—without waking up at the crack of dawn—on this eminently civilized guided tour with a round trip transportation from Paris. Your guide will show you the most magnificent of the 2,000 rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors, the King’s State Apartments, and the King’s Private Apartments, then introduce you to the magical 2,000-acre (800-hectare) gardens.

Visit the Palace of Versailles with skip-the-line admission, and avoid standing in the entrance queue before touring this royal chateau. On this 90-minute tour, follow a knowledgeable guide around the palace to see the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments and Hall of Mirrors. Then head outside independently to explore the expansive gardens at your leisure (note: an additional fee for the garden is required on days when the fountain show or musical show take place).

Visit the D-Day beaches during this full-day trip from Paris to Normandy. Stop at Omaha Beach to learn stories and historical facts about WWII; stop at the Juno Beach Center; pause at the American Cemetery. Gain fascinating insights from your guide into the sacrifices of Allied soldiers and the French citizens they liberated. Upgrade to a small-group tour when booking for a more personal experience.

Paris’ Louvre is one of the world’s largest art museums, so don't waste your time waiting in line. Head straight inside, with your priority access admission, to see three of its biggest crowd-pleasers, including the unavoidable gaze and wry smile of Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa." On the guided tour, hear fascinating tales and tidbits about these unmissable masterpieces. With the accompaniment to the Mona Lisa option, your host will take you directly to the famous painting room. After coming face to face with several artworks by great masters, you’re free to explore the Louvre independently.

Access the Eiffel Tower with this tour that includes summit access. Proceed to the second level to survey the city from the viewing platforms while listening to commentary about Paris culture, traditions, and history. Then, proceed to the summit to see Gustave Eiffel's private apartments and sip Champagne from the onsite bar (own expense).

Short on time in Bayeux but keen to see Normandy’s World War II US D-Day sites? Visit some key 1944 American locations on this half-day tour from Bayeux. Journey by air-conditioned minivan to Omaha Beach and Pointe du Hoc, where US troops landed on June 6th. Gaze at the cliffs and beaches as your expert guide shares detail and stories of the landings and forces involved. Finish at the American Cemetery to pay homage to those who lost their lives. Numbers are limited to 15 for a more personalized experience.

Discover the charms of one of Paris' most popular neighborhoods on a walking tour of Montmartre, a district known for its artists and historically bohemian vibe. Start at the Moulin Rouge and see where artists like Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Pissarro lived and worked. See sights like the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, and get insights from your guide about the art, music, food, and history of Montmartre.

Pedal your way around the parks of Versailles and enjoy timed entrance to the magnificent palace on this full-day tour from Paris. Learn the secrets of palace life, the truth about Marie Antoinette and the palace’s role in the French Revolution on a bike tour of Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet and the Petit and Grand Trianons. Next, bypass the queue and head straight inside the Palace of Versailles, where you have time to explore independently and discover the King’s apartments and famous Hall of Mirrors.

Gain a unique anglophone perspective of Paris as you explore the city with an English guide. Explore the City of Lights' most memorable attractions on a comprehensive tour that visits more than 30 sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Moulin Rouge. Stop to pick up some snacks (own expense) in the Latin Quarter, stroll through atmospheric Montmartre, and admire the views from the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

Head to the coast of Normandy to visit Mont-Saint-Michel on this day tour from Paris. You'll receive an orientation from a guide, and then enjoy time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site independently with an audio guide or by wandering the hilly streets at your leisure. Transportation is by coach from Paris.

Breeze past the crowds outside the Eiffel Tower with this convenient tour. In the company of your guide, gain priority access to the tower's second level. Delve into the history of one of the world's most famous monuments and discover the exhibits and maps on display. Then, instead of rushing down, have free time to soak up the views on your own once the tour has finished.

Most visitors ride the elevator at the Eiffel Tower, but travelers with a sense of adventure can save time by taking the stairs. Climb the 704 steps to the second viewing platform of the Eiffel Tower on this guided tour and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Champs-Élysées. Opt for a ticket to the summit and take the lift to the very top.

Marvel at the Loire Valley's opulent châteaux and taste its famous locally-made wine during this full-day tour from Paris. First head to Château de Chambord-the inspiration for Disney's `Beauty and the Beast´ for a guided tour. The next stop is the town of Blois, where you´ll have just under two hours to enjoy some free time. Then visit the elegant Château de Chenonceau and embark on a tour through its intricately carved stone walls, rich hanging tapestries and intimate chapel.

The Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ most visited attractions—save yourself a ton of time by prebooking this Eiffel Tower Tour. An optional summit access upgrade and Seine Champagne cruise upgrade are offered.

Discover the beaches of the D-Day landings on this guided day trip to Normandy from Paris. Focusing on the sites where heavy losses were suffered by American soldiers, the tour stops at the Omaha Beach Visitor Centre, Utah Beach Museum, and the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Enjoy free time on the beaches and hear poignant tales about the events of June 6, 1944. During this full but inspiring day of sightseeing, revitalize with a cup of traditional cider and lunch at a waterside restaurant.

Pay tribute to World War II’s American heroes on this half-day small-group tour of Normandy’s defining D-Day sites. Start at Omaha Beach, where your driver/guide will take you back in time to the brutal landing depicted in the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan; continue to the towering Pointe du Hoc cliffs, boldly scaled by US Rangers; finish at the Normandy American Cemetery and visitor center. Tour excludes entrance fees.

Explore one of the world's most important collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art on this guided tour of the Musée d'Orsay. Instead of trying to navigate the museum on your own, you'll enjoy insight from a guide to make sure you see the top pieces and learn about the artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Renoir. And with skip-the-line entry, you're ensured a hassle-free visiting experience.

With just one day to experience Provence, this full-day tour from Avignon includes the famous lavender fields (seasonal), picturesque hilltop towns, and Provencal markets. Visit historic landmarks such as Senanque Abbey and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard; explore the towns of Roussillon, les Baux de Provence, and Gordes; and follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Saint Remy de Provence.

Experience the glamorous resort towns, white-sand beaches, and ocean views of the French Riviera on this full-day tour. With an extended tour duration, you’ll enjoy a packed itinerary with stops in Antibes, Eze, Saint-Paul de Vence, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Visit the local market in Antibes, admire the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, and see the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.

Prepare to be inspired by some of the world’s most famous artists as you step inside the iconic Louvre Museum. Choose from a private or small-group tour and head straight to the front of the queue with skip-the-line entrance, then journey through art history. With the help of your expert guide, see masterpieces like the 'Venus de Milo' and the 'Mona Lisa,' learn about the evolution of art around the world, and discover little-known gems that many visitors miss.

Discover the cultural highlights and delectable bites of France’s capital on a culinary tour of Paris. Spend the afternoon strolling past the city’s iconic monuments with a guide and enjoy intermittent samples of pastries, chocolate and freshly baked bread. Listen to commentary of Paris’ rich heritage and receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to only eight people.

Navigate one of the world’s largest and busiest art museums with ease—and follow your guide straight to the collection highlights without getting lost—on this Louvre tour. Pick from several start times, meet your guide outside the museum, and head straight in, thanks to your pre-reserved tickets. Once inside, you’ll see highlights like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Nike of Samothrace, and more, all while learning the stories behind the masterpieces.

Visiting the Louvre can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, so why not enjoy skip-the-line access and personal attention from your guide on a small-group tour? Journey through the history of art as you explore one of the world’s biggest and most famous museums on this 2.5-hour tour, with numbers limited to eight. See iconic works like the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, discover little-known masterpieces, and learn how to distinguish different art styles and techniques. After your tour, spend as long as you want exploring the museum independently.