The Best English Guided Tours in Paris

Paris, the capital of the world…
The City of Light is the world's tourism capital. It is the most visited city in the world, with over 40 million tourists in 2024.

Paris: the City of Light, the capital of food, art, and architecture. With sights like the Sacré-Cœur, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, it’s easy to follow the crowds and visit the tourist spots. And we don’t blame you!

However, if you were looking to get away from the hubbub, to the more authentic places that Parisians themselves visit, why not take a tour? It's a great way to discover the city, get around, and learn a little bit from the locals! In this blog, Theatre in Paris brings you three little-known English-language guided tours, plus a bonus theatre workshop!

On the program: tours of Printemps Haussmann, guided tours of Secret Paris, a visit to the Palais Garnier Opera House and, last but not least, a Theatre Workshop!

Guided Tour of Printemps Haussmann

Guided tour in French, English, Spanish, German and Dutch.
Available all year round.

The most emblematic department stores in Paris. Le Printemps Haussmann opens its doors to you for an exclusive visit for groups of 10 or more!

This department store was built in 1865 by Jules and Augustine Jaluzot. It revolutionized retailing at the time by creating a place dedicated to elegance and innovation, and is now a historic monument.

A visit to Printemps Haussmann is an invitation to step back in time and discover the secrets of the building's architecture, from its majestic façade to the details of its interiors. Let yourself be dazzled by the floating staircases, the sumptuous stained-glass windows, and the glass dome which bathes the entire building in light. You can also go behind the scenes of the department store: in the underground galleries and machine rooms, you will discover the inner workings of this very special little world.

Finally, enjoy an exceptional panorama over the roofs of Paris. This breathtaking view allows you to admire Paris like never before.

By booking a group tour of 10 people or more, you will benefit from reduced rates. The guided tour lasts an hour and a half and is available in French, English, Spanish, German, and Dutch.

Hidden Paris Guided Tours

Guided Tour in English.
Available all year round.

How much do you know about the City of Light? To discover the secrets of Paris, Theatre in Paris and Interkultur are offering you the chance to explore the capital on three guided tours in English. You can book a guided tour individually, with total group sizes being around 20 people.

• THE HIDDEN PARIS GUIDED TOURS:
  • • Jewish Marais Guided Tour
    • You will visit the emblematic district of the Parisian Jewish community, the ‘Pletzl’. With its discreet synagogues, kosher bakeries and commemorative plaques, let yourself be carried away by this district and retrace the major stages of the Jewish presence in Paris, from immigration to the memory of the Shoah.
  • • Parisian Passages Guided Tour
    • Come and discover the hidden treasures of the 19th century and immerse yourself in the Paris of the Belle Epoque. The passages and galleries of Paris are brimming with elegant glass roofs, old bookshops, unusual shops and cafés from another era, revealing the commercial and artistic soul of a bygone Paris.
  • • The ‘Occupation and Liberation of Paris’ Guided Tour
    • This tour retraces the dark and heroic hours of the Second World War. Following in the footsteps of the Resistance, you'll discover the streets where many battles were fought, and the symbolic sites of this period up to the Liberation of Paris in August 1944.

Guided Tour of the Palais Garnier Opera House

Guided tour in French and English.
Available all year round.

Palais Garnier: A Jewel of Parisian Grandeur.

Step into one of Paris's most splendid opera and ballet houses – the iconic Palais Garnier. This historic edifice stands as one of Europe's largest, inviting discovery and awe.

Uncover the rich history of this architectural marvel through one of our three captivating guided tours. Choose from 'Intermezzo at the Palais Garnier', 'The Palais Garnier in the Belle Époque', or 'The Mysteries of the Palais Garnier'. Each tour offers a unique perspective, with 'The Mysteries' lasting an hour and fifteen minutes, while the others are an hour and a half.

Inaugurated in 1875, this magnificent Opera House boasts over 2,000 seats, making it Europe's largest lyric theatre. The Palais Garnier is truly one of Paris's most emblematic monuments, brimming with exquisite paintings, sculptures, and historic costumes waiting to be admired.

Your journey begins at the elegant Rotonde des Abonnés, leading you to the mystical statue of Pythia, and then up the breathtaking marbled Grand Staircase. From there, you'll marvel at the Grand Foyer, whose sheer splendour and clever interplay of mirrors and windows beautifully echo the Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. Many more surprises await you within the grandiose Palais Garnier!

These exclusive tours are available for groups of 10 or more.

The Theatre Workshop Experience

In partnership with the esteemed Astoria Company, we now present an unparalleled immersive theatre experience.

Designed for groups of six, this unique programme provides two hours of intensive coaching by professional actors. Participants will prepare a play, which they will then have the distinct opportunity to see professionally performed later that very evening. Choose from acclaimed works such as Ionesco's The Lesson or The Bald Soprano.

This experience extends beyond performance, offering an insightful introduction to the subtleties of acting, the intricate art of costume design, and the meticulous preparation of stage props. Participants are invited to select their preferred involvement, whether that's an on-stage role or a focus on off-stage creative aspects.

For this special occasion, your clients become the focal point of the production.

For comprehensive details, we invite you to explore our dedicated theatre workshops blog. Should you wish to arrange a workshop, please direct your requests to hello@theatreinparis.com (a direct link is also provided below).

It's your turn to choose!

So, if you're looking for an opportunity that truly blends cultural immersion with unforgettable entertainment, our new theatre programmes are designed to deliver. These excursions not only promise rich insights into the performing arts but also offer a chance for groups to become a part of the magic themselves. Though our unique partnerships, these experiences are designed to create memories that last long after the final curtain falls…

FAQ: Guided Walking Tours in Paris

• How long in advance should I book my walking guided tour in Paris?
  If you are interested in booking a group of 10 or more people for the guided tours at Opera Palais Garnier or Printemps Haussmann, we ask that you please book at least 30 days in advance. For groups of any size, we strongly recommend booking in advance of your desired dates to guarantee your place.
• Are guided walking tours for tourists?
  As the guided tours are given in several languages, they are designated for anyone looking to experience the secrets of Paris!
• What types of guided tours in English are available in Paris?
  The guided tours that we offer in English are the historical guided tours of Printemps Haussmann, Palais Garnier, and the Hidden Paris Guided Tours.
• How can I book a group guided tour?
  You can directly contact hello@theatreinparis.com or fill out the form on this page: Group Reservations.
• What languages are available for the walking tours in Paris?
  The guided tours of Opera Palais Garnier are offered in French or English. Tours of Printemps Haussmann are available in French, English, Spanish, German, or Dutch. The Hidden Paris Guided Tours are in English.
• How long do guided tours usually last?
  Guided tours typically last between 1 hour 20 minutes and 2 hours.
• Is the guided tour of the Opéra Palais Garnier available in English, and how long does it last?
  The Opéra Palais Garnier guided tour is available in English and French and lasts 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Is there a minimum group size to book a guided tour?
  Groups must be 10 people or more.
• Where can I find more information about the theatre workshop, and how do I book?
  You can directly contact hello@theatreinparis.com or fill out the form on this page: Group Reservations.
• Are the guided tours available year-round?
  The guided tours of Printemps Haussmann, Palais Garnier, and Hidden Paris Tours are available year-round.

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