Paris is a city that offers a wide range of experiences, making it ideal to complement your trip with the best excursions and tours in Paris. This way, you’ll get to know the capital more deeply and enjoy a fantastic vacation from new perspectives.
In this article, we recommend what we consider the best excursions, guided tours, and sightseeing options in Paris, where expert guides will share in-depth history and fascinating anecdotes about the sites you visit, whether you’re strolling through historic streets, taking a boat cruise, or exploring one of the city’s many museums.
1. Excursion to Versailles
A day trip to Versailles from Paris is a top choice for those spending several days in the capital, as it is only about 20 kilometers away and one of the most beautiful complexes in France, even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This palace was also the residence of several French monarchs, including Louis XVI and his wife Marie Antoinette.
The tour begins inside the palace, featuring rooms such as the Hall of Mirrors and the King and Queen’s Apartments. These are richly decorated spaces that reflect the power of the monarchy at that time. With the guidance of an expert Spanish-speaking guide, you’ll learn much more about the history and details of each room you visit.
Beyond the palace itself, the Gardens of Versailles are also worth exploring. A masterpiece of French landscape gardening, the gardens are vast, filled with trees, flowers, fountains, sculptures, and ponds where you can even go boating.
The tour usually lasts a half-day and includes round-trip transportation from Paris, making it convenient and worry-free. Alternatively, you can travel on your own by taking the RER C train, which arrives in about 30 minutes, or by using a tourist bus. However, organized excursions, like the following, tend to be the most convenient options:
2. Guided Tour of Paris
Next, we suggest a guided walking tour of Paris, which is the best way to explore the city with a professional guide who explains all the details in Spanish about the monuments and landmarks you pass by. These tours allow you to visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and other hidden gems that you wouldn’t discover on your own.
A guided tour of Paris typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours, and some tours offer the option to travel comfortably in transportation such as buses, which is an excellent choice if you’re with children or elderly companions. Note that guided tours are particularly popular during peak season, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot.
These tours are comprehensive and provide a depth of cultural and historical knowledge far beyond the typical free tours, which usually only work on a small tip basis. In our opinion, guided tours are the best way to experience the city, as they allow you to go beyond just seeing buildings and streets.
Many agencies and freelancers offer this type of tour, and we recommend the following:
- Paris Tour by bus, boat ride, and Eiffel Tower
- Private tour of Paris + Airport transfer
- Private tour of Paris with a Spanish-speaking guide
- Tourist bus with a Spanish-speaking guide
- Comprehensive Paris tour with tickets included
3. Night Tours of Paris
For something a bit different, consider taking a night tour of Paris, as the city transforms at night with its illuminated monuments and streets, creating a romantic atmosphere. A night tour is undoubtedly one of the most unique and enjoyable excursions available.
Night tours typically last between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the itinerary, and offer a range of transport options, from walking to panoramic buses or even bicycle tours, which provide a unique perspective.
Some monuments that are especially striking at night include the Eiffel Tower (fully lit with a light show on the hour), the Arc de Triomphe, and the recently restored Notre Dame Cathedral. Don’t miss a romantic cruise along the Seine River, where you can view other monuments while enjoying dinner.
With each of these options, you’ll experience Paris in new and unforgettable ways, enriched by the city’s history, elegance, and unique nighttime charm.
By the way, tours often fill up quickly on weekends and during peak season, so it’s recommended to book in advance.
- Night Tour of Paris
- Night Bike Tour + Seine River Boat Ride
- Open-top Bus Night Tour
- Paris Mysteries and Legends Tour
4. Seine River Cruise
The Seine River flows through the heart of the city, and most of Paris’s iconic monuments are located along its banks. This makes it a perfect setting for a romantic cruise where you can enjoy breathtaking views, whether by day or at night (nighttime offers a special charm with the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame illuminated).
This tour is ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, as well as for couples seeking a unique, romantic experience. Seine cruises usually last between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the type of tour you select. Here are some popular options:
- Sightseeing Cruise: A quick trip with multilingual commentary on the monuments and their history.
- Dining Cruise: Similar to the sightseeing cruise but enhanced with a romantic, upscale French dinner.
- Lunch Cruise: Like the dinner cruise but during the day, letting you see the landmarks under sunlight.
A tip for dining cruises: reserve ahead of time as seating is limited. Additionally, carefully plan the timing of your cruise to fit smoothly into your day’s itinerary.
Here are some recommended options:
- 1-Hour Seine River Cruise with Audio Guide
- Gourmet 3-Course Dinner Cruise on the Seine
- Dinner Cruise with Panoramic Views
- Paris Tourist Boat: Batobus
5. Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum
A guided tour of the Louvre Museum is an essential experience if you’re passionate about art, history, and culture. As one of the largest museums in the world, it houses an unparalleled art collection. You’ll see iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, as well as an extensive collection of ancient artifacts from Egypt and Mesopotamia.
This tour in Spanish provides unique insights into the artworks, as an expert guide will explain the details and significance of each piece. Louvre tours usually last between 2 and 3 hours, focusing on the museum’s most famous artworks due to its vast scale.
With over 35,000 pieces ranging from antiquity to the 19th century, the museum itself is also a sight to behold, especially the iconic glass pyramid at the main entrance, a favorite for photos.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to avoid delays and ensure everything is in order.
- Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum in Spanish
- Eiffel Tower Summit Visit, Louvre, and Cruise
- Skip-the-Line Entry to the Louvre
6. Excursion to Disneyland Paris
We continue our list of top Paris excursions with a classic: a visit to Disneyland Paris. Whether you’re going with a partner, children, or even on your own, immersing yourself in this world of magic and fun is always a great way to enjoy and have an unforgettable time.
Located very close to the capital, Disneyland can be reached through an organized tour (transport + entry) for one or multiple days, or on your own by taking the RER trains, which take around 45 minutes from central Paris.
Many visitors don’t know that Disneyland actually has two theme parks side by side: Disneyland Park (ideal for younger guests, with gentler attractions and Disney character meet-and-greets) and Walt Disney Studios Park (with more thrilling attractions geared toward adults).
Each park offers unique experiences and rides, so plan your visit accordingly, whether you want to embrace the classic Disney magic or explore attractions inspired by film and cinema.
Here are all the options available:
- Disneyland Paris Excursion by Bus
- 1-Day Ticket to Disneyland Paris
- 2-Day Ticket for Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios
- 3- or 4-Day Ticket for Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios
7. Excursion to the Loire Valley Castles
One of the most recommended day trips is to the Loire Valley Castles, a collection of beautifully preserved châteaux in an incredibly picturesque region, featuring scenic landscapes, vineyards, farmland, and stunning Renaissance castles that are open to visitors.
This tour is perfect for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of one of France’s most charming regions. Castles typically included in the itinerary are:
- Château de Chambord
- Château de Blois (skip the line)
- Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
The excursion lasts a full day, with transportation from Paris by bus (about 2.5 hours each way) to the Loire Valley, where expert guides will share the history and stories of the castles, which include entry to the sites.
Here are the top tours from Paris, as well as individual tickets if you want to plan your own trip:
- Loire Valley Castles Day Trip from Paris by Bus
- Mont Saint-Michel and Loire Castles in a 2-Day Tour
- Entry to Château de Chambord
- Skip-the-Line Entry to Château de Blois
- Entry to Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
8. Guided Tours of the Eiffel Tower
Among the most iconic tours in Paris are the guided tours of the Eiffel Tower, the city’s most famous landmark and a must-see for any visitor. Built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, it offers unbeatable panoramic views of Paris and has a rich history with fascinating anecdotes.
These guided tours of the Eiffel Tower generally last between 1 and 2 hours, and with entry included, you’ll avoid the long lines at the base. The tour will take you to various levels of the tower, where you’ll learn far more from the expert guide than you would on your own.
Levels of the Eiffel Tower:
First level: Located at 57 meters, the first level includes an observation deck with glass flooring, exhibitions on the tower’s history, shops, and a restaurant.
Second level: At 115 meters, this level offers even better views of the city. From here, you can access the elevators to the top. It also features a Michelin-starred restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Third level (the summit): The top provides the best photo opportunities in Paris, with views extending up to 70 kilometers on clear days. While there’s no restaurant at this level, there is a bar where you can enjoy a drink if you don’t mind the price.
- Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower and Seine River Cruise
- Guided Eiffel Tower Tour with Walking Access
- Dinner at Madame Brasserie in the Eiffel Tower at 9:00 PM
- Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Second Floor of the Eiffel Tower
- Skip-the-Line Ticket to the Top of the Eiffel Tower
9. Day Trip to Bruges
For a change of scenery from Paris and a chance to visit a stunningly beautiful and charming city, we recommend a day trip to Bruges from Paris. Bruges, one of Europe’s most picturesque cities, is often called the “Venice of the North” for its scenic canals and charming bridges.
Bruges is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, with historic buildings that evoke a sense of peace and timelessness. The city combines history, culture, and natural beauty with its cobbled streets and ancient structures.
This tour is an ideal way to experience a unique part of Europe without venturing too far from Paris. Strolling through Bruges feels like stepping into a fairytale, with countless opportunities to explore, take photos, and enjoy local delicacies like Belgian chocolate and waffles.
The excursion to Bruges is a full-day trip with bus transportation that takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes each way. A Spanish-speaking guide is included, as well as an audio guide in Spanish, allowing you to better understand the history and stories behind each landmark you visit in this enchanting city. Additionally, the tour includes a scenic boat ride through Bruges’ canals.
10. Day Trip to Mont Saint-Michel
I’d like to finish with one of the best excursions I’ve ever experienced: Mont Saint-Michel in the Normandy Bay. This rocky islet crowned with a beautiful abbey is truly breathtaking, offering one of the most spectacular photo opportunities.
The day trip to Mont Saint-Michel from Paris typically lasts an entire day, with a 4- to 5-hour journey each way by bus. Once you arrive, you’ll find yourself in a place where history, architecture, and nature blend into an unforgettable experience.
A Spanish-speaking guide will share insights as you walk along the cobbled streets of the medieval village, lined with numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés. You’ll have time to browse artisan shops and pick up unique local products as souvenirs.
After exploring the village, it’s time for the highlight of the trip: the Gothic abbey, a historic pilgrimage site. You’ll have access to the abbey’s church, cloister, refectory, and gardens, all expertly explained by your guide.
Please note that Mont Saint-Michel tours are highly popular, so it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season. Here are the options available:
- Day Trip to Mont Saint Michel from Paris
- Mont Saint Michel and Loire Castles 2-Day Tour
- Normandy, Saint Malo, and Mont Saint Michel 2-Day Tour
- Entrance Ticket to Mont Saint Michel Abbey
And here are some additional activity, excursion, tour, and guided tour options available from Paris:
Whether you’re looking to explore iconic landmarks or venture further afield, these tours from Paris are designed to make the most of your time in France. Each one offers unique experiences that highlight the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.