The 13 Best History Tours in France

1.Louvre Museum Entry with History of Mona Lisa

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 2,823 reviews · 1 day · from $74Our pick

Enter the Louvre with priority access, hear the story of the Mona Lisa, then explore the museum freely with practical advice from a host.

“Jade was extremely personable, friendly and informative. He showed up and took us into the Louvre. Went above and beyond to take us directly to the Mona Lisa. He took pictures of our group and gave us lots of good tips we were a little anxious about the whole event but Jade quelled our concerns and took great care of us.”

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2.Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,000 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Explore Paris after dark on a 2-hour walk through executions, Templars, ghosts, Notre Dame legends, and gruesome city history.

“The tour was fantastic. Catherine did a great job explaining the details of every stop we were making and the history behind it. She was also very thorough and answered any questions we had. It was a really fun time and very informative as well.”

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3.Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $6Best value

Explore Vieux Lyon with Paul on a two-hour English walking tour of silk history, traboules, food culture, courthouses, and Hôtel Dieu.

“Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable. Tour was relaxed and informative. Helpful suggestions for additional things on your own.”

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4.Historic Center & Chartrons District Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 709 reviews · 3 hours · from $42

Cycle Bordeaux’s UNESCO center, Chartrons, riverfront, and Darwin hub with a local guide, e-bike option, and canelée tasting.

“Magic Mike was very knowledgeable and we loved the experience. The Ebikes are really cool. Bordeaux is a beautiful must visit city as well.”

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5.Best Of Alsace Historical Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 10h 30m · from $147

See Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, the Alsace Wine Route, and Colmar on a full-day trip from Strasbourg.

“A lovely day out with our guide Martin, we saw everything on the itinerary and more along the way..plenty of water offered on what was a very hot day,thank you for a very enjoyable day,”

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6.Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 503 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $133

Taste Toulouse with chef Alejandro on a four-hour walking tour linking local dishes, historic sights, and seven creative food stops.

“The food was delicious, the history was fascinating, and the host (Alex) was very engaging. I Highly Recommend this tour.”

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7.Small-Group Full-Day Tour of Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune Vineyards and Beaune Historical District

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 364 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $161

Explore Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune with two tastings, Beaune free time, scenic vineyards, and a small expert-led group.

“Our guide Max was outstanding and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the two different vineyards we visited and enjoyed Max's detailed description of how important the different types of soil and the location on the slope affects the taste and character of the wine.”

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8.Top Landmarks & Historic Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 346 reviews · 2h 30m · from $42

Ride Bordeaux’s landmarks, bridges, wine quarter, and old gates with a local guide on comfortable bikes for $42.

“This was an excellent way to see Bordeaux and its most prominent historical sites and the city. Giving a good understanding of Bordeaux’s origins. Jean Cristou was a fantastic guide, painting a wonderful picture of the beautiful city of Bordeaux.”

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9.Le Marais/Paris – The Historic, Trendy, Jewish, LGBT district

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 341 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $48

Explore Le Marais with Jill or Eric, from Place des Vosges to Jewish and LGBT landmarks, artisan shops, architecture, and local stories.

“Tour guide was excellent. She was thorough and knowledgeable in the area of The Marais including the Jewish and Gay quarters. She pointed out great sites for pictures and explained alot of history about the area. I would highly recommend her tour for people interested in Jewish and LGBT culture and history in the area.”

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10.Guided Historical Neighborhoods Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 275 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Walk Strasbourg’s grand squares, Petite France, and cathedral quarter with a lively local guide on this small-group history tour.

“The tour was great. David knows history and presents it in a fun and impartial way.”

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11.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $107

Trace Paris fashion from Palais Royal to Chanel’s Rue Cambon with private guide Ivo, designer stories, couture history, and shopping tips.

“Ivo was very informative. The tour was tailored to our interests. Our daughter studies fashion and the conversation between Ivo and her was fantastic. So personable.”

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12.2-Hour Walking Tour of the City’s Iconic Sights and History

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 207 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $17

See Bordeaux’s grand squares, riverfront, theater, and revolutionary monuments on a bilingual two-hour walking tour for $17.37.

“Brigette was a truly passionate guide who loves her city. Her insight and knowledge was remarkable 👏 even giving us a peak behind some closed doors!!!”

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13.Bordeaux Historic and Gourmet Food Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $103

Explore Bordeaux on foot with canelé, chocolate, cheese, ham, wine, monuments, and local food shops in a small three-hour group.

“This was a well spent 4 hours in Bordeaux. The guide was lovely and the pace of the walking tour was good. The stops were well planned and the little chocolate kitchen was especially informative. The lunch back at the office was also good. The dining area is in an apartment building but is the office of a local wine tour group.”

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