Paris: Private Custom Highlights and Gems Tour with a Local

Planning a trip to Paris can feel overwhelming—so many sights, neighborhoods, and experiences waiting to be uncovered. This private tour from City Unscripted promises a personalized way to explore the City of Light, guided by a local who tailors each walk to your passions. We’ve gathered all the details, reviews, and insights to help you decide if this flexible experience is your perfect Paris adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers a fully customizable itinerary, blending the must-see landmarks with off-the-beaten-path treasures. Second, the guides are passionate locals who share insider stories and authentic tips, making the city come alive. Third, the tour’s flexibility means you can choose the duration—from a quick two-hour stroll to a full-day exploration.

One consideration might be that this is primarily a walking experience, with transportation costs and tickets to attractions not included. So, if you’re looking for a more structured or transport-heavy tour, you might want to explore other options. This tour suits travelers who love exploring at their own pace, crave authentic local insights, and want a deeply personal connection to Paris.

Good To Know

• Highly personalized experience tailored to your interests and pace
• Led by passionate local guides sharing insider stories and authentic tips
• Flexible duration from 2 to 8 hours, fitting various schedules
• Includes guidance and advice for the rest of your trip
• Focus on authentic neighborhoods and hidden gems away from tourist crowds
• Walking only, with possible use of public transport for transfers

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why This Tour Offers Something Different

In a city as tourist-packed as Paris, finding a tour that truly feels personalized can make all the difference. This experience isn’t a cookie-cutter sightseeing run; it’s about discovering what excites you, whether that’s iconic landmarks or quiet corners filled with local charm. The tour’s main strength lies in its customization—after booking, you’re connected directly with your host, who learns about your interests through a questionnaire. This tailored approach ensures every step feels relevant and engaging.

It’s also clear from reviews that guides like Pascal, Roffy, and Jill are real gems. They’re not just knowledgeable—they’re genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their city, and many reviewers mention how they go above and beyond to make the experience memorable. Jill, for example, was praised for her ability to navigate the Louvre expertly, and her engaging personality made the experience both fun and educational.

The flexibility of the tour allows for spontaneous moments—perhaps stopping for a pastry at a tucked-away bakery, chatting with locals, or exploring street art. This isn’t about ticking off sights but about felt moments that bring Paris to life.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $92 per person, you receive a private, personalized walking tour led by a passionate local guide. You’ll also get insider tips and tailored recommendations for your remaining stay in Paris. The tour’s flexible start times mean you can plan around your schedule, and a pre-tour questionnaire helps your guide prepare a perfect itinerary.

However, keep in mind that food, drinks, and attraction tickets are not included**. As the tour is entirely walking-based, public transportation might be used—additional costs for these are not covered. This setup allows you to control your budget and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This isn’t a preset route. Instead, your guide will craft a route based on your interests, which means every tour can look quite different. You might start with some of Paris’s famous landmarks—such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame—if they align with your interests. But the real magic happens when your guide takes you off the usual paths.

Many reviews highlight the value of exploring authentic neighborhoods. Expect to wander through quiet backstreets filled with vintage shops, cozy cafés, and secret courtyards. For those interested in art and culture, your guide may point out street art murals, local galleries, or hidden historical sites. If you’re a foodie, you might find yourself browsing a local market or stopping for a pastry at a tucked-away bakery.

Jill’s review emphasizes her guide’s knack for showing hidden gems that aren’t found in typical guidebooks, and her ability to help with practical matters like navigating the metro or shopping. This level of personal assistance adds considerable value, especially for first-time visitors.

The Guide Experience: Authentic and Engaging

The reviews highlight how knowledgeable and accommodating the guides are. For example, Brandi mentions that Pasquale was “informative and provided such a memorable day,” while Smriti describes her guide as “very knowledgeable and accommodating.” It’s clear that guides like Pascal and Ivana are passionate about making sure your experience reflects what you care about.

Many reviewers also appreciate guides’ flexibility. Harris, for example, adapted his plan based on family needs, and Jill’s attentiveness to her client’s comfort and interests made the day smooth, enjoyable, and personalized.

Guides seem to excel at sharing stories—not just facts, but anecdotes that bring neighborhoods and landmarks to life. This storytelling aspect makes the experience feel less like a formal tour and more like exploring Paris with a friendly local.

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Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

At $92 for a private, tailored experience, this tour offers great value—especially considering the personalized attention and insider knowledge you’ll receive. When compared to large group sightseeing tours, the intimacy and flexibility make it a worthwhile investment.

On top of that, the tour’s flexibility in duration allows you to customize your day—whether you want a quick overview or an in-depth exploration. Many reviews mention guides’ willingness to adapt on the fly, which adds to the overall value.

It’s also a chance to access local tips for the rest of your trip, ensuring your time in Paris is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Plus, guides often suggest delicious food spots, which can be a highlight and save you time searching for authentic eats.

Practical Tips for Booking

• Pre-tour questionnaire helps your guide prepare a personalized experience. Be honest about your interests—whether it’s food, history, shopping, or art.
• Start times are flexible, so choose a time that suits your energy levels and plans.
• Remember, this is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some city strolling.
• If you want to visit specific landmarks, mention them upfront; your guide can incorporate them into the route.
• Public transportation might be used between sites, so budget for tickets if needed.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Travelers who love customized experiences will find this tour ideal. It suits those keen to explore authentic neighborhoods away from tourist crowds, and who appreciate local insights beyond guidebook tips. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time but want to go beyond the basics—or if you’re returning and seeking hidden corners—this tour offers a personalized approach.

It’s especially good for small groups or solo travelers wanting an intimate, flexible adventure. Since guides are attentive and adaptive, this is a great choice for families, couples, or friends who want tailored sightseeing with a personal touch.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

How long does the tour last?
The tour can be from 2 to 8 hours, so you can choose a quick overview or a full day of exploring.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s a walking experience, but it’s wheelchair accessible, so check with the provider for specific accommodations.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended. You can reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, tickets to sights and food are not included, but your guide can suggest options and insider tips.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. After filling out a questionnaire, your guide will work with you to design an experience based on your interests.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and French, making it accessible for many travelers.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation costs aren’t included, and the tour is primarily walking, with public transport used if necessary.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Private Custom Highlights and Gems Tour from City Unscripted offers a wonderful way to experience Paris on your terms. Its focus on personalization, local insights, and authentic neighborhoods creates an experience that feels intimate and meaningful. The guides’ enthusiasm, combined with the flexibility of the itinerary, ensures you’ll see the city’s highlights and secret corners in a way that suits your interests.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the essentials with a local touch, or a returning traveler wanting to uncover new spots, this tour adapts to you. The value for money is compelling, especially given the tailored approach and insider knowledge you’ll gain. If you love exploring cities with a personal guide who treats you more like a friend than a tourist, this experience will likely be a highlight of your Paris trip.

To sum it up, this tour is perfect for curious travelers seeking a flexible, authentic, and intimate way to discover Paris. It’s particularly suited for those who want to avoid cookie-cutter itineraries and instead prefer a guided experience that reflects their passions. With passionate guides, a focus on hidden gems, and the ability to customize your day, this tour offers a genuine taste of Parisian life—just as it should be.

You can check if your dates are available here: