FRENCH Private Bespoke tour University and or Harry Potter

Exploring Oxford with a Private, French-Guided Tour

If you’re dreaming of strolling through Oxford’s ancient streets or imagining yourself in the wizarding world, this private, French-guided tour promises a tailored experience. With options to explore the city’s iconic university or dive into Harry Potter film locations, it’s perfect for fans and culture lovers alike.

We particularly appreciate the chance to customize the tour — whether you’re curious about the university’s architecture or Harry Potter’s magical inspirations. The fact that guides are bilingual (or native French speakers) makes it accessible for international visitors. However, the 100-minute duration may feel a bit brisk for those seeking a leisurely deep dive into Oxford’s many treasures.

This experience suits visitors who enjoy flexible, intimate tours, especially those with specific interests like Harry Potter or Oxford’s academic history. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a private setting with personalized attention.

Good To Know

• Customizable Experience: Choose between a general historic tour or Harry Potter-specific sites.
• Bilingual Guides: Tours are led in French, ensuring clear communication.
• Flexible Inside Access: Visit one college or the Bodleian Divinity School (extra negotiations possible).
• Authentic Local Insights: Guides are knowledgeable and can tailor the tour to your interests.
• Affordable Entry Fees: Included entry to one university site (up to £3).
• Short but Sweet: 100-minute duration fits well into a busy sightseeing day.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose This Tour?

This private tour offers a welcome alternative to crowded, large-group sightseeing options. Instead, you get a personalized guide who can adapt the itinerary to what interests you most. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fanatic eager to see the real-life inspirations behind Hogwarts or a history buff intrigued by Oxford’s medieval architecture, this tour is designed for flexibility and authentic engagement.

The cost of approximately $134.70 per person may seem steep for 100 minutes, but when you consider the private, tailored experience, plus the potential inside visits (including the Bodleian Divinity School or one college), it offers solid value – especially when split between a small group.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: 15 Broad Street

Your day begins outside the Tourist Info Centre at 15 Broad Street. The meeting spot is easy to find thanks to the red sign and signage for “Visit Oxford Tours.” The guide will be wearing a red lanyard, making it straightforward to spot. The tour itself lasts around 90 to 120 minutes, providing enough time to soak in the highlights without feeling rushed.

The Guided Walk: Exploring Oxford’s University and City

Your guide — all bilingual or native French speakers — will lead you through Oxford’s historic streets. The focus can be adapted, whether you want a broad overview of the university’s architecture and history or a Harry Potter-themed exploration of filming locations and literary inspirations.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Inside the University and Harry Potter Sites

The tour includes visits to one of Oxford’s colleges or the Divinity School at the Bodleian Library. Typically, guides can arrange access to colleges like St Johns, Exeter, Wadham, Oriel, All Souls, or St Edmund Hall, depending on what’s open that day and time.

The Divinity School, famous for its Gothic architecture, served as Hogwarts infirmary in the films — a highlight for Harry Potter fans. If you’re willing to pay extra, negotiations may allow entry into a second college or venue, provided it costs less than £3. Entry to the Duke Humfrey’s Library or Christ Church is not included and usually requires separate tickets, which are often sold out well in advance.

What You’ll See and Learn

Expect a balanced mix of storytelling and architectural appreciation. The guide will share insights into the university’s history, discussing its 39 colleges, some dating back to the 1200s, as well as the film inspirations for Harry Potter.

For those interested in the film series, learning why JK Rowling chose Oxford as her filming location adds a magical dimension to the walk. The Divinity School’s role in the Harry Potter saga makes it a must-see, and other favorite sites often include the iconic courtyards and cloisters that look just like they stepped out of a fairy tale.

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The tour runs for 100 minutes, which makes it an excellent option for a quick but meaningful immersion. With a private group, travelers get the advantage of personalized attention and the flexibility to ask questions or request additional stops.

Cost and Entry Fees

At $134.70 per person, the tour offers good value when considering the private nature and guided expertise. The entry fee for one college or the Divinity School is included (up to £3), but if you want to go inside another college, that incurs extra costs paid directly on the day.

Timing and Availability

Starting times vary, so checking availability in advance is advisable. The tour ends back where it began, so it’s easy to continue exploring Oxford afterward or grab a bite nearby.

Accessibility and Language

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. The French language guide ensures visitors who prefer to learn in their native tongue will have a smooth experience.

When and When Not to Book

Travelers should note that during Christmas or university graduation dates, access to certain venues may be limited. Key graduation dates include September 27-28, November 8-16, and in 2024, January 18, March 1-8, and May 16-17-31. During these times, availability inside colleges and the Bodleian might be restricted.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is highly recommended for travelers who value personalized, flexible sightseeing. Harry Potter fans will enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories and familiar filming locations, while history and architecture lovers will appreciate the insights into Oxford’s centuries-old university.

Couples, small groups, or individuals seeking a private guide will find this tour especially appealing — it’s not best suited for those wanting a comprehensive, slow-paced deep dive but rather as an engaging, bite-sized exploration.

The Sum Up

This private, French-guided tour of Oxford offers a fantastic blend of cultural, educational, and Harry Potter-related sights, all tailored to your interests. Its strength lies in the flexibility and intimacy it provides — ideal for small groups or couples wanting a more personal experience.

While the duration is short, the tour’s focus on key landmarks and insider stories makes it a worthwhile option for those with limited time but a desire for meaningful engagement. The inclusion of one entry site adds value, and guided negotiations for additional inside visits can make your experience even richer.

If you’re seeking a private, engaging, and customizable introduction to Oxford — whether as a general city tour or Harry Potter adventure — this experience is a smart choice.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts between 90 and 120 minutes, making it a compact yet engaging experience.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it is designed for private groups, allowing for personalized attention and customization.

In what language is the tour guided?
Guides lead the tour in French, which is perfect for French-speaking travelers or those comfortable with the language.

Can I visit inside the colleges?
You can visit inside one college or the Divinity School included in the tour. Negotiations on the day may allow access to a second site, but extra fees apply.

Are entry fees included?
Entry to one of the university sites is included (up to £3). Additional college visits are extra and paid directly.

What if I want to see Christ Church or Duke Humfrey’s Library?
These venues are not included in this tour due to entry costs and limited access. For Christ Church, special tours are available separately.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all participants.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended to make the most of your experience.

What happens during university graduation or Christmas periods?
Access to some venues may be restricted during these times, so it’s best to check availability before booking.

In brief, this private French-guided tour offers a flexible, insightful way to explore Oxford’s storied university or Harry Potter filming locations. It’s a perfect fit for those wanting a tailored experience with expert guidance, all at a reasonable price considering the personalized service.

You can check if your dates are available here: