Top Île-de-France Half-day 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.

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without exploring its gastronomy and French cuisine that make the city such a wonder. Book this Paris Small-Group Food Tasting Tour and choose to explore either the Montmartre or Notre Dame neighborhood with a guide who knows the best places to grab a bite. Stop at up to six locations for multiple tastings such as macarons, cheese, wine, crepes, viennoiseries, and oysters—each neighborhood tour features a unique tasting list that complements the area.

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.

Indulge your inner romantic on an atmospheric evening cruise down the Seine and see the City of Light at its most magical. Dine on a decadent 4-course dinner, accompanied by live music on-board, as you float past illuminated landmarks like the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Eiffel Tower.

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).

Make the most of this Viator Eiffel Tower ticket. This admission ticket allows for a relaxing visit to one of the world’s busiest monuments, accompanied by a host. Listen as your host adds colourful history and facts to the sights below as you look over Les Invalides, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other city landmarks.

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.

This exclusive gastronomic tour puts the tastiest treats of Paris—from gourmet cheeses to delicate pastries— at your fingertips. Get insider knowledge on the most happening hotspots in Montmartre, the city’s cobblestoned arts district, and meet some of the most talented food artisans in the capital. Enjoy up to 10 pre-selected food stops, and get a peek at landmarks along the way, from Moulin Rouge to the Sacré Coeur.

Gain entry to the famous Palace of Versailles without waiting in line with this 5-hour skip the line tour from Central Paris. With priority access to the UNESCO World Heritage site, don your audio tour (available in eleven languages) to listen as you walk through the legendary State Apartments and the Hall of Mirrors. Stroll through the lush gardens, designed by André Le Nôtre, and learn about Louis XIV, the flashy king who once inhabited this opulent residence. Round-trip transportation from two departure points in Paris via air-conditioned bus is included.

Enjoy a different way to explore the Eiffel Tower—and take the scenic route, all while saving on admission—during this tour of the tower by stairs. When booking, choose to ascend to the second floor of the landmark, or go all the way to the summit. Whichever you pick, you'll be rewarded with top-notch city views and in-depth commentary from your guide.

Versailles, once home to French royalty, is among the world’s largest and most opulent palaces. With this tour, you can get the most out of your palace visit, without having to put in hours of research time. Your guide's commentary, delivered through provided headsets, enriches your journey through this renowned landmark as you explore highlights such as the Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and Versailles' gardens.

Experience the Palace of Versailles and its elegant surrounding gardens with this private tour, complete with skip-the-line access to the palace. Your personal, private guide will escort you through the palace and out into the gardens, where you'll get to zip around on your own four-seat golf cart while learning about the property’s rich history.

Discover the Palace of Versailles—one of France’s most popular attractions—and beat the crowds on this half-day sightseeing tour from Paris. In the afternoon, meet your coach in central Paris and head straight to the palace; upon arrival, thanks to your skip-the-line tickets, you can head right in for a guided tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the palace’s ornate gardens at your own pace before returning to Paris.

Paris is renowned as the birthplace of cabaret, and during this evening show at the celebrated Crazy Horse, you'll discover the best of this risqué and entertaining art form. Book your ticket online in advance to guarantee your admission to this popular, often sold-out show. You can also upgrade to include Champagne or two drinks, served during the performance.

Taste for yourself why Paris is known as the world's gourmet capital with a walking food tour of the fashionable Le Marais district. Stroll through the charming medieval streets with a foodie guide, popping into the neighborhood’s best brasseries, boulangeries, and markets to sample French specialties like croissants, cheeses, croque monsieur, chocolates, and macarons. Top it all off with wine pairings and a tasty secret dish. Bon appétit!

Dig deep into history with an underground Paris Catacombs tour. Learn why the bones of more than six million people were deposited under the city in a complex maze of tunnels that you definitely need a guide to navigate.

Discover the dark side of the “City of Lights” with pre-booked admission tickets to the Paris Catacombs. Skip-the-line entry lets you beat the rush and jump to the front of the entrance queue. Wander through tunnels and rooms decorated in the human bones and skulls of millions of Parisians. Tickets include an audio headset with commentary available in three languages.

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.

See the major sights of Paris from the water on a hop-on hop-off Seine boat cruise. With either a 1- or 2-day ticket, glide leisurely along the river, hopping off and on when you wish to visit the attractions that most interest you, such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and Notre Dame. Or simply stay on the boat to admire Paris’ World Heritage-listed riverbanks.

First-time Paris visitors certainly have a long list of sights to see, and chances are, most of them are on the itinerary of this Paris sightseeing tour. Join your guide for a fun walk through the city, where you can see the top landmarks in just a few hours. Highlights include views of the Arc de Triomphe, Pont Neuf bridge, and of course the iconic Eiffel Tower, complete with your guide's commentary as you go.

Venture beneath the City of Light to explore the dark underworld of the Paris Catacombs. Skip the long lines and head inside this macabre tunnel system filled with the skeletal remains of more than 6 million Parisians. Hear about the remarkable construction of the catacombs from an expert guide as you walk past ornate chambers piled with decorative arrangements of bones, and gain special access to a range of chapels and chambers.

Spin through the city streets like a local and explore the French capital in style on this small-group (or private) bike tour of Paris. Follow your guide to top attractions such as Les Invalides, the Louvre, and the Eiffel Tower. Cycle along the UNESCO World Heritage–listed banks of the Seine River and stop for a break among the trees in the pretty Tuileries Gardens. As you go, soak up the city's unique ambiance.

Discover the few remaining family-run eateries in the Marais neighborhood of Paris with the insights of your local guide. Try classic French dishes, innovative pastries (patisserie), Jewish delicacies, and more as you visit both historical and modern-style eateries in this historical neighborhood. Learn about the stories behind French foods and the people who live and work in the district. Expect 11 tastings from eight dining establishments with enough samples to make a full meal.