Paris Saint Germain Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

If you’re looking for a way to truly taste Paris beyond the usual tourist spots, the Saint Germain Walking Food Tour by Secret Food Tours offers an engaging and authentic experience. With a perfect 5.0 rating from hundreds of reviews, this tour promises not just delicious bites but also insights into the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and local life. Whether you opt for the food-focused or the dessert-centric version, this experience is designed to hit all the right notes for food lovers and curious travelers alike.

One thing we love about this tour is the small-group setting, which feels intimate rather than rushed, allowing for personalized interaction and meaningful stories. Another highlight is the variety of tastings — from cheeses and cured meats to macarons and chocolates — ensuring your palate gets a true Parisian education. That said, the tour involves walking for around 2 to 4 hours, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, while the price of about $155 per person isn’t cheap, many guests feel it’s a worthwhile investment considering the quality of food, guides, and local insights. Perfect for those wanting an interactive, food-centered exploration of Saint Germain, especially if you’re eager to uncover hidden culinary gems.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Guided by knowledgeable hosts who share insights into Parisian culture and history.
• Tasty variety: Includes cheeses, cured meats, pastries, chocolates, and sometimes a secret dish at a local restaurant.
• Flexible options: Choose between a small-group or private tour for a more personalized experience.
• In-depth neighborhood exploration: Walk through the historic streets of Saint Germain, discovering how the area’s past influences its food.
• Ideal for food lovers: Not just about tasting but understanding the stories behind each item.
• Good value for the experience: Although priced at around $155, the numerous tastings and expert guidance make it worthwhile.

An Authentic Stroll Through Saint Germain’s Culinary Scene

The Saint Germain food tour is a fantastic way to experience Paris’s Left Bank, an area renowned for its artistic history, lively cafes, and charming streets. The tour begins at Le Bon Marché, a Parisian department store that is itself a symbol of elegance and shopping history. From there, the guide — often someone with a wealth of local knowledge like Etienne or Dunya — leads you on a relaxed walk through medieval streets contrasted with grand Haussmannian architecture. This initial segment is as much about soaking in the neighborhood’s ambiance as it is about the food.

Guests consistently appreciate guides with strong local knowledge. Rachel_E, one of many glowing reviewers, appreciated Etienne’s combination of culinary expertise and storytelling, noting how he explained the area’s influence on local cuisine. Another guest, Estelle_P, pointed out how the tour included visits to markets and shops, along with a delightful meal featuring goodies bought along the way. This personal touch elevates what could be a simple tasting to a full culture.

What to Expect on the Saint Germain Tour

The tour spans 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you opt for the standard or private version, and involves walking through some of the most picturesque parts of Paris. The itinerary is flexible and subject to change based on weather, availability, or local circumstances, but some constants make the experience memorable.

Stops include:

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Starting point, where you’ll see a stark contrast between medieval streets and the opulence of Haussmannian buildings. You’ll learn how the neighborhood’s history shapes its food culture. Expect to sample Rich Caramels, Foie Gras, and French Cheeses like Camembert, Roquefort, and Comté. Guests like Bob_B praise Nana’s well-organized approach and her well-researched explanations, making each tasting both educational and fun.

• Market and shop visits: You’ll visit local spots where artisans craft creamy macarons, chocolates, and baked goods. Dunya or the guide may purchase some goodies during the tour, which you’ll later enjoy in a communal setting, often culminating in a French meal paired with wines or Champagne.

• Secret dish experience: One of the tour’s highlights is the inclusion of a secret dish at a local restaurant. This element adds an unexpected and exclusive touch, giving you a taste of the hidden culinary gems that aren’t on the typical tourist radar.

The Dessert & Pastry Tour (Optional)

For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate & Pastry variation takes you to Saint-Placide, where you’ll indulge in delicate macarons, crepes, and award-winning pastries. The guide will introduce you to French desserts like Choux pastries, Shortbread cookies, and creamy ice creams, all while sharing stories about their origins and the artisans behind them. Guests like Sarahmario describe this as “the highlight of our trip,” noting the knowledgeable guide and the quality of treats.

Food & Drink Tastings: Quality and Authenticity

Guests consistently comment on the quality of tastings. Expect a selection of five cheeses, four cured meats, and finest French chocolates at various stops. The foie gras tasting is often a highlight, with guides explaining its significance in French cuisine. The final part often involves sitting down at a local restaurant, enjoying a French meal with wines and bubbly, making it a true culinary celebration.

Value and Pricing

At roughly $155 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option, but many guests feel the value is justified considering the abundance of tastings, expert guidance, and the immersive experience. When you factor in the variety of food, local insights, and the chance to explore a historic neighborhood comfortably on foot, it’s a well-rounded package.

Reviewers like Jennifer_O praise Stephane’s good local info and stories, enhancing the value by enriching each tasting with context and background. Estelle_P found the tour’s walk to markets and shops especially memorable, making it more than just a tasting — a full neighborhood experience.

Guides and Atmosphere

The guides like Etienne, Nana, and Dunya receive consistent praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills. Their enthusiasm makes the experience engaging rather than just a series of tastings. With groups limited to 8-12 people, the atmosphere is friendly and intimate, allowing for questions and personalized interactions.

Practical Considerations

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes—the tour involves a fair amount of strolling through cobblestone streets. The activity isn’t suitable for strollers, and you should be prepared to carry any children if needed. The tour ends near Le Bon Marché or Luxembourg Gardens, convenient for exploring more or catching public transport.

While hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, the meeting point is centrally located and accessible via public transit. The tour runs rain or shine, with weather considerations possibly leading to rescheduling or refunds.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for foodies eager to understand French cuisine beyond the surface. If you enjoy tasting a variety of high-quality foods and want to learn the stories behind them, this tour offers both. It’s also perfect for small groups looking for an intimate, guided adventure that combines food, history, and culture.

Those looking for a romantic outing or a unique family activity will find the mix of tastings and neighborhood exploration appealing. However, travelers with mobility issues or who prefer less walking should note the activity involves moderate physical effort.

This tour suits adventurous eaters who appreciate artisan foods, wines, and authentic local spots. And if you’re visiting Paris for the second or third time, it’s a chance to discover a neighborhood less traveled by travelers, all while indulging in some of the city’s best bites.

The Sum Up

The Paris Saint Germain Walking Food Tour by Secret Food Tours offers a well-rounded, engaging way to explore one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods. You’ll learn about French culinary traditions, enjoy delicious tastings, and gain insights that turn a regular walk into a flavorful adventure. The guides’ expertise and the quality of the food elevate the experience from just a tasting to an authentic cultural journey.

While the price may be on the higher side for some, the value lies in the combination of guided storytelling, authentic food, and the chance to see Saint Germain through the eyes of locals. It’s an experience best suited for food lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a deeper connection to Paris’s culinary scene.

Whether you opt for the cheese and wine experience or the sweet pastry tour, this outing provides a memorable way to spend a few hours and satisfy your appetite for both food and local history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The tour features cured meats, foie gras, and cheeses, so vegetarians might find limited options. Contact the provider beforehand to see if dietary accommodations are possible.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration ranges from approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the option selected and pace of the group.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children can participate, but the area isn’t stroller-friendly, so they need to be carried if they’re very young. Be prepared for some walking.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers food and drink tastings, including cheeses, cured meats, pastries, chocolates, wines, and a secret dish. Hotel pickup and gratuities are not included.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point at Le Bon Marché is near public transit, making it easy to reach from most parts of Paris.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable, and weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves outdoor walking through different neighborhoods.

This carefully curated food adventure through Saint Germain promises not just tastings but a chance to connect with Paris in a flavorful, authentic way. Perfect for those who love good food, local stories, and exploring at a leisurely pace.