Explore Paris on a Side Car with a Local

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Imagine cruising through the streets of Paris, wind in your hair, in a charming vintage sidecar — sounds pretty exhilarating, right? While we haven’t had the pleasure ourselves, this Side Car Tour with Wild Side Tour consistently earns glowing reviews, boasting a perfect 5.0 rating from travelers who love its mix of excitement, culture, and personalized storytelling.

What makes this experience so appealing? First, the private nature of the tour means you’ll have a dedicated guide who knows Paris inside and out, sharing little-known facts and secret corners. Second, the stunning visuals at every stop — from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame — combined with the thrill of riding in a retro sidecar, create a memorable way to see the city. Third, the flexibility and convenience of pick-up options and a well-structured itinerary make it an easy, hassle-free adventure.

That said, one consideration is that this tour is weather-dependent; poor weather might lead to cancellations or adjustments. And because it’s a 2-hour experience, you’ll want to be mindful of your overall sightseeing schedule if you’re on a tight timetable.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, want authentic local insights, and are comfortable on a motorcycle or sidecar. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a different perspective of Paris beyond the usual walking or bus tours.

  • Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide
  • Stunning landmarks and hidden gems all seen from a vintage sidecar
  • Flexible pick-up and drop-off options for convenience
  • Ideal for adventure lovers comfortable with open-air rides
  • Weather-dependent — best on clear days for full enjoyment
  • Excellent reviews for safety, fun, and insightful commentary

One of the biggest draws of this tour is the unique mode of transportation. Riding in a vintage sidecar isn’t just fun; it offers a different perspective on the city compared to traditional walking or bus tours. You’ll feel the breeze, get up close to historic facades, and have plenty of opportunity for photos at scenic stops.

The two-hour duration strikes a good balance — enough time to hit many sights without feeling rushed. Plus, the private setup makes it a truly intimate experience, allowing for tailored stops and personalized commentary.

The price point of $129 per person might seem steep at first glance, but when you consider the exclusivity, the custom guide experience, and the photo ops at major landmarks, it offers great value. And reviews emphasize that guides like Rafael make the journey both safe and entertaining, sharing stories that bring Paris’s history to life from the seat of a retro bike.

The tour’s itinerary is packed with iconic sights and some lesser-known treasures, giving a well-rounded taste of Paris.

Notre Dame Cathedral is the starting point, with guides revealing stories behind its Gothic architecture and history. Reviewers like the Tripadvisor feedback highlight how guides like Rafael are both passionate and knowledgeable, making these stops engaging. Expect about 10 minutes here — enough for photos and a quick history lesson.

Next, you’ll pause at the Eiffel Tower. The tour ensures plenty of photo opportunities, allowing you to snap stunning shots of this world-famous monument. Reviewers particularly appreciate how the guide helps with the best angles and hidden spots for memorable photos.

Crossing the Arc de Triomphe involves navigating the Champs-Elysées, which is an experience in itself. Though the stop is brief—about 5 minutes—it’s enough to appreciate the scale and grandeur of this monument, with reviews praising the safe, confident driving and expert storytelling.

Other highlights include crossing the entrance to the Paris Catacombs and discovering the Musée d’Orsay, housed in a former train station. While the tour doesn’t include entrance tickets, the guide’s commentary makes these stops more meaningful, sharing historical and artistic insights.

The Moulin Rouge stop offers a glance at one of Paris’s most iconic entertainment venues, and the Pont des Arts bridge is noted for its romantic atmosphere and superb views of the Seine, the Louvre, and the Institut de France. Here, the guide might point out details like the love locks, a favorite photo spot among reviewers.

Continuing along the Seine, you’ll see Les Invalides, with its gilded dome and Napoleon’s tomb, and the Palais de Chaillot — both impressive sights with stories to tell. The Grand Palais and Place de la Concorde add a touch of grandeur, showcasing Paris’s Beaux-Arts architecture and historic significance.

Finally, the tour winds through residential and picturesque areas, including Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité, passing by the Sainte-Chapelle with its stunning stained glass windows — a favorite among visitors for its beauty, despite the short stop.

Expect a refreshing blend of sightseeing and storytelling. The guide, often Rafael, is noted for his passion, safety, and friendliness. Many reviews mention how he customized stops based on interests and even offered brief refreshments, like coffee in a “too cool” spot, which added a personal touch.

The ride itself is quite comfortable, with plenty of room for larger travelers and the chance to switch between the front seat and the sidecar basket, as some reviews mention. The experience is safe; guides are praised for their confident driving and clear instructions, leaving passengers free to relax and enjoy the views.

Timing is flexible, and the tour is designed to avoid heavy traffic — a bonus for those who want scenic, slow-paced rides through iconic streets. The 2-hour window makes it easy to slot into a day of sightseeing or as a standalone highlight.

Photography is a major perk — many reviews mention how the stops are perfect for capturing postcard-worthy shots. The guide’s knowledge enhances these moments, pointing out the best angles and hidden corners.

  • Booking in advance is highly recommended, as most travelers book around 26 days ahead. The tour has a high demand, likely due to its popularity and positive reviews.
  • The price of $129 per person is quite reasonable considering it’s a private tour, exclusive guide, and immersive experience.
  • Pick-up options mean you don’t have to worry about transportation to the meeting point, adding to the tour’s convenience.
  • While the tour does not include admission tickets for landmarks, the guide’s commentary compensates by providing fascinating context.
  • The weather is a key factor — rain or strong winds could affect the experience. The tour provider offers refunds or rescheduling in case of bad weather.
  • Participants should be comfortable sitting in an open-air vehicle and enjoy a bit of adventure.

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Rafael, for making the experience engaging and safe. Comments like “he took us to all the sites on the left bank” and “stopped along the way for pictures” show how personalized the tour can be. Many mention feeling like they saw Paris from a whole new perspective — especially thanks to the combination of traditional landmarks and secret spots.

The fun factor also shines through, with one reviewer describing it as “a blast” and “very enjoyable,” highlighting the thrill of riding in a vintage sidecar. Others appreciate the safety, noting guides who are “very safe and drive very safely,” which is vital for such an open-air experience.

The photos captured during the tour are often described as magical, with stops at the Eiffel Tower and Pont des Arts offering perfect framing for memorable images. A few reviewers mention how the experience exceeded their expectations, with some calling it an “unforgettable Paris adventure.”

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who aren’t afraid of open-air rides and want to see Paris from a different angle. It’s perfect for couples looking for romantic photos, small groups seeking a fun, intimate outing, or solo travelers eager for local insights. If you value expert storytelling and stunning vistas, this tour hits the mark.

However, it’s not the best choice for travelers with mobility issues or those who dislike riding in an open vehicle. Since the experience is weather-dependent, a clear, sunny day will maximize enjoyment.

The Side Car Tour of Paris with Wild Side Tour offers a distinctive way to see the City of Light. It combines the thrill of riding in a vintage vehicle with the insider knowledge of passionate guides, making it a memorable highlight for anyone wanting to explore Paris beyond the usual routes.

While it costs a bit more than traditional tours, the exclusivity, flexibility, and photo opportunities make it worth considering. The reviews consistently praise the quality of guides, especially Rafael, and the chance to witness Paris’s most famous landmarks with a twist.

In short, this tour is best for those craving a fun, intimate, and scenic adventure, ideally in good weather and with a sense of adventure. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a unique experience, you’ll likely come away with stories to tell for a lifetime.

Is this tour private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group will participate.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you ample time to see many sights without feeling rushed.

What landmarks are included in the itinerary?
The tour covers Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Paris Catacombs, Musée d’Orsay, Moulin Rouge, Champs-Elysées, Pont des Arts, the Conciergerie, Les Invalides, Palais de Chaillot, Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde, Hôtel de Ville, Île Saint-Louis, Pont Alexandre III, Île de la Cité, and Sainte-Chapelle.

Are tickets to landmarks included?
No, admission tickets are not included, but the guide provides contextual information to enhance your experience.

What is the price?
$129 per person, considering the private guide, unique experience, and photo opportunities, it offers good value.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most bookings are made around 26 days in advance, but last-minute availability depends on the provider.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers participate, but children should be comfortable riding in an open vehicle and enjoying outdoor weather.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather, and consider a hat or sunglasses for sunny days.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour may be canceled or rescheduled if the weather is poor; refunds or alternative dates will be offered.

How many people can fit in the sidecar?
Each sidecar accommodates two passengers: one in the sidecar and one seated behind the driver.

This vintage sidecar ride through Paris promises an experience filled with stunning views, authentic details, and a healthy dose of fun. If you’re after a memorable, personalized way to see the city’s highlights and secret spots, this tour could be just the ticket.