Context has carefully crafted an itinerary that allows for an enchanting look at the illustrious city of Paris in one day. You will stroll down boulevard-lined streets, admire legendary works of art in the Louvre, and dwell on the power of Gothic architecture on the Île de la Cité. In the company of an expert historian or art historian, you will spend 8 hours unpacking the cultural and historical heart of “the City of Light."

Paris started as a small island town on the banks of the Seine River, at the Île-de-la-Cité, which is where you will begin your time together. You will meet at a local cafe bright and early for a briefing on Paris and the surrounding area before embarking on your ‘Paris in a Day’ tour. With these useful foundations, we'll then head over to la Grande Dame de Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral. You will learn about the medieval Gothic style and its architectural innovations as you explore the exterior of one of Paris’s masterpieces. You will discuss gargoyles, rose windows, flying buttresses, and all the Gothic features which represent this impressive period of architecture and engineering. You will also touch on the fire and the impact this had on the structure. You will continue this medieval theme as you walk towards the Left Bank. You will spend some time meandering through the Latin quarter, discussing anything from churches (Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, Saint-Séverin, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés) to literary cafes to the bohemian spirit that emerged in the 20th century. You may spend some time in the Luxembourg Gardens as you soak up this vast expanse of green symmetrical beauty, commissioned by Queen Marie de Medici in 1612. 

Your route will continue across the Pont des Arts as you head to the Right Bank. You may take some time to explore the grounds of the Palais Royal as you discuss the French monarchy and all its intricacies in alluring surroundings or gaze up at the elaborate Opéra Garnier. At this point, you will take a break for lunch. Fueled on delicious french food,  you will head to the grand finale of your Context Paris full-day tour: the Louvre Museum. Your expert guide will dive into the Louvre's vast collection, carefully selecting key works—a mixture of masterpieces (Venus de Milo, of course) and unknown treasures—to craft a narrative of kings, emperors, and the accomplished artists who served them. You will spend the remainder of your time touring the spectacular museum before you finish with an introduction to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. You can leave with your guide or remain in the Louvre to explore freely at your leisure.

At the end of your immersive, full-day itinerary, you will emerge with a deeper understanding of this charming metropolis. You will have ventured across the city to sites relevant to Paris's historic, cultural, and artistic identity. Your "Paris in a Day" tour will leave you with a chic Parisian taste to add to our cultural palate.

Mobility concerns? Check out our Paris in a Day, with Context: By Car tour, a replica of this tour with car service. Traveling with kids? See our family version of this tour, which has been specially designed for younger learns and is led by family-friendly expert guides.