History Walking Tours in France: 11 Guides Who Know the Back Streets

1.Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour

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

Walk central Paris at night with an English-speaking guide such as Morgan, Catherine, Dora, or Leo. Over two hours, hear grim tales of executions, Templar mysteries, Notre Dame’s eerie symbols, a haunted theater, the Opera House ghost, and a Parisian vampire legend. Expect more dark history than nonstop ghost stories.

“Absolutely loved our tour, learned so much about the city. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and so friendly. I would highly recommend .”

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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 of Free Tour Lyon for a two-hour English walk from Saint-Jean Cathedral through Vieux Lyon’s traboules, silk-making past, WW2 stories, food culture, and modern Presqu’île landmarks. The tour ends at Hôtel Dieu and costs about $6.05, with tips commonly given directly to the guide.

“Paul gave us an amazing glimpse into Lyon with wonderful suggestions on how to spend our remaining time in the city. He was entertaining, knowledgeable and maneuvered us around brilliantly. His love of Lyon comes through.”

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3.Guided Historical Neighborhoods Walking Tour

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

Spend 150 minutes walking Strasbourg with an English- or Italian-speaking guide, often Davide, through Neustadt, Place Broglie, Place Kléber, Grand’Rue, Petite France, and the cathedral square. Expect lively stories, local food tips, and a clear introduction to Strasbourg’s changing past. Cathedral entry is not included.

“David provided an interesting and fun tour of Strasbourg. He was animated and kept the group moving along at a good pace.”

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4.Paris City of Fashion History Private Guided Walking Tour

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

Walk Paris’s fashion quarter with Ivo, an experienced fashion guide with advanced training in the field. In two private hours, you’ll connect haute couture, art, psychology, and Parisian history at Palais Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Rue Cambon. The route ends near Place de la Concorde.

“Ivo is very knowledgeable as well as charming and amusing. He adapted his tour very well to my interests”

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5.Le Marais & Montmartre Jewish History Walking Tour

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

Spend 210 minutes with an English-speaking local guide such as Benjamin, Benoit, or Pierre-Louis, walking through Le Marais and Montmartre. You’ll see Jewish landmarks, the exterior of Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue, the Shoah Memorial, artists’ haunts, and Sacré-Cœur. The group is limited to nine, with public transport included.

“Our guide was really doing an excellent job - the topic is not at all an easy one to present. On top with the ongoing war in Middle East. And he managed that in an excellent way. As well super knowledgeable about history. On top very friendly and one can see that he enjoys what he is doing.”

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6.Avignon: History and Legend Walking Tour

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

Walk Avignon’s old center with local guide Ana Maria, whose lively stories connect the Pope’s Palace, Pont Saint-Bénézet, cathedral, squares, and tucked-away lanes. The two-hour tour costs $23, runs in English or Spanish, and uses listening devices so you can hear clearly. Paid monument entry is not included.

“Our guide Anna Maria brought the city of Avignon alive with her enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the history.”

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7.Private Walking Tour of the Historical Center

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

Spend two hours with a private guide in Strasbourg’s historic center, from Place du Quartier Blanc to Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 13th-century covered bridges, Place Broglie, and medieval churches. Tours run in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese. Ask about a family-friendly pace when booking.

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

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

Follow an English, French, or Italian guide through Mont Saint Michel’s medieval village, hearing its legends, tide lore, and story of the Abbey. Expect steep lanes, many stairs, and a possible bridge walk or free shuttle ride. Guides such as Bousso and Bibi add local stories, practical tips, and lesser-known corners.

“Great tour, very informative and useful! My tour guide was very communicative, well informed and educated!”

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9.Historic Center Walking Tour

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

Spend two hours with a private guide exploring Strasbourg’s key squares, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the lanes of Petite France. Guides such as Jean-Pierre, Andrea, Marius, and Nahama tailor the walk to your interests, explain the city’s French and European past, and suggest places to eat and visit afterward. Walking and public transport are included.

“We had a lovely stroll through the key sections of historic Strasbourg and enjoyed the dialogue and stories from our guide, Amelie. She is a lifelong resident and is well-steeped in the local culture and history. We love history and food and asked about the Alsatian dishes. This orientation helped us decide what we wanted to see and eat in the following 2 days of our travels. Very happy with our experience!”

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

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

Spend three and a half hours walking Avignon’s old town with a guide such as Zahra, Clara, or Nastassja. Stop at Les Halles, local shops, eateries, and historic streets for at least four tastings, one alcoholic drink, and water. Expect Provençal specialties such as tapenade, olive oil, cheese, wine, biscuits, and seasonal dishes.

“Loved the historical aspect as well as the tasting selections. Zahra was very knowledgeable about the history and area and made great recommendations. Tour moved around seamlessly. Meeting point easy to find as Zahra posted a pic of herself and a photo of exact meeting point with an arrow !!”

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11.Historic Paris Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 78 reviews · 2h 30m · from $31

Spend 150 minutes walking central Paris with an English-speaking guide from Walkative Tours. Hear stories about the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Napoleon, Quasimodo, the Mona Lisa theft, and the French Revolution while seeing Sainte-Chapelle, Pont des Arts, the Tuileries Gardens, grand boulevards, and more. Guides such as Tom, Harry, Thomas, and Yazid bring the past to life.

“The Guide was excellent and very informative we really enjoyed the walk highly recommend it.”

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