The 15 Best History Walking Tours in France

1.Paris: Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour

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

Walk central Paris after sunset with an English-speaking guide such as Morgan, Catherine, Katherine, or Leo. Hear grim tales around Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, and the Conciergerie, with ghost stories, Templar lore, murder, and a few disturbing images. Choose a shared or private tour.

“Our guide shared some interesting trivia. He was informative with a good sense of humor. He was considerate enough to ask me if I was ok with him sharing a particularly ghastly picture on the tour. If you like some chills and spooky stories this tour is a must:)”

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

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

Join Paul from Free Tour Lyon for a two-hour English walk through Vieux Lyon and central Lyon. Expect the Saint-Jean cathedral, secret traboules, silk history, the Tour Rose, Resistance-era sites, the Célestins Theatre, and Hôtel Dieu, with practical advice on food and museums.

“A very nice & wide variety of places of interest. Our guide, Paul was very knowledgeable & engaging. My only issue was that our group was too big & there were no audio devices, which would have been easier to hear everything our guide was saying as the group got spread out at certain points.”

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3.Strasbourg: Guided Historical Neighborhoods Walking Tour

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

Walk Strasbourg’s key historic districts with a local English- or Italian-speaking guide, often Davide or David. Over 150 minutes, you’ll connect Neustadt, Place Kléber, Petite France, and Notre Dame Cathedral, with stories, useful food tips, and time for photos. Cathedral entry is not included.

“We had a great tour with Davide. He’s funny and knows a lot of historical facts. And of course he also knows, where to find the best coffee :) Thanks a lot, we enjoyed your tour very much”

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4.Strasbourg on Foot: Historic Center and Petite France with a Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 223 reviews · 2 hours · from $34

Walk from Place Kléber through Strasbourg’s cathedral district, Rohan Palace, Gutenberg Square, Saint-Thomas, the Covered Bridges, and Petite France. Guides such as Stef, Leila, and Stefania add stories, local tips, and an Alsatian sweet tasting. The tour runs in English or Spanish.

“I love how passionate Steph was with the history and culture of Alsace and Strasbourg. This was matched with the knowledge and information she has impated to the group. We all had a fantastic time.”

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5.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

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

Join Ivo, a fashion professional with advanced training in fashion design, for a private two-hour walk through Paris’s couture quarter. Visit Palais-Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, Chanel’s Rue Cambon address, and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré while discussing designers, style, history, and shopping.

“This is a fantastic tour in the heart of Paris’ fashion district. We learned so much from Ivo who made it a great day.”

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

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

Join a licensed guide for a two-hour walk through central Bordeaux, from the Monument aux Girondins and Allées de Tourny to the Grand Théâtre and Place de la Bourse. The tour runs in English and French, with guides such as Bruno, Christine, Hubert, and Jenny leading different departures.

“Can be wet Well worth doing when in Bordeaux Great historical background to the city Our guide was a fountain of knowledge”

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7.Paris City Center w/ Notre Dame interior | Exclusive Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · 2 hours 40 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Join a private English-language walk from Notre Dame through Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle, Pont Neuf, the Louvre, Palais-Royal, and Tuileries Gardens. Guides such as Eden, Adrien, Jay, and Maria bring Paris history to life, while the Notre Dame interior visit is unguided.

“It was pouring rain during this tour.. however Adrien was excellent! Super knowledgeable and friendly. A perfect Guide!”

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8.Hidden Paris: Explore Medieval Marais on a Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 185 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Spend two hours walking from the Centre Pompidou through medieval Marais, Rue des Rosiers, Place des Vosges, and toward Bastille. An English-speaking guide such as Paloma, Benoit, Linda, or Camille leads a small group of up to 12, with a French pastry tasting and local advice along the way.

“Cecelia was a fabulous guide who was very informative. She was very well informed. We loved this tour!”

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9.Paris: Le Marais & Montmartre Jewish History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 170 reviews · 3h 30m · from $80

Spend three and a half hours with an English-speaking guide tracing Jewish life in Le Marais and Montmartre. Expect Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue, the Shoah Memorial, artists’ landmarks, public transport between neighborhoods, and a final walk to Sacré-Cœur. Groups are capped at nine.

“The tour was informative, and the guide (Ben) was well-prepared, knowledgeable, and explained the material very well.”

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10.Avignon: History and Legend Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 122 reviews · 2 hours · from $23

Spend two hours walking Avignon with local guide Ana Maria, or Ana, through medieval lanes, grand squares, the Popes’ Palace area, the cathedral, and the Pont Saint-Bénézet. Expect lively stories, local context, and a sound device, but no paid monument entry.

“This tour was wonderful! Extremely informative and engaging. Highly recommend!”

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11.Strasbourg: Private Walking Tour of the Historical Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 107 reviews · 2 hours · from $235

Start at Place du Quartier Blanc for a private, two-hour walk through Strasbourg’s Grand Island. Your guide leads you to Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 13th-century covered bridges, Place Broglie, and medieval churches. Tours are available in eight languages, with no cathedral entry included.

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12.Mont Saint Michel: Village History and Legends Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 96 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $58

Walk through Mont Saint Michel with an Italian, French, or English-speaking guide. You’ll hear the island’s legends, learn how tides shaped its story, visit lesser-known lanes, and tackle plenty of stairs. Guides such as Bibi and Bousso bring the thousand-year-old site to life.

“Our guide obviously loved her job. She was passionate about the Mont and very knowledgeable.”

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13.Strasbourg: Historic Center Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 88 reviews · 2 hours · from $34

Walk Strasbourg’s historic center with a private guide in English, French, Spanish, or Italian. See Notre Dame Cathedral, Petite France, Place Kléber, Place Broglie, Place Saint-Étienne, and Place de la République, with time for local tips and route changes.

“The guide was super nice and taught us a lot about the city, she also showed us some nice places to eat! Recommended!:)”

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14.Avignon: Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 84 reviews · 3h 30m · from $89

Walk Avignon’s medieval center with a local guide such as Zahra or Clara, stopping at Les Halles, shops, and eateries for Provençal dishes, tapenade, cheese, wine, biscuits, and dessert. The small group tour lasts 210 minutes and includes at least four tastings, water, and one alcoholic drink.

“Zehra was great — friendly and informative. The food was lovely.”

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15.Bordeaux Historic and Gourmet Food Walking Tour

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

Meet at the Girondins column for a three-hour English-language walk through Bordeaux. Along the way, taste canelé, chocolate, cheese, South West French ham, and wine while learning how Bordeaux’s wine trade shaped the city. Groups are capped at eight, with guides such as Quentin, Crystal, Theo, and Rémi leading past departures.

“Quentin, our guide, was excellent!!! He was very knowledgeable about Bordeaux history as well as humorous and entertaining. The food and wine provided were classically good. Quentin answered all or our questions and did not make us feel rushed or hurried. I would highly recommend this tour, especially with Quentin.A Troy delightful experience”

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