Discover Paris in Style Aboard a Classic French Vintage Car!

Traveling through Paris can be a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and selfies, but experiencing the City of Light in a vintage French car adds a layer of charm and intimacy that’s hard to match. This private tour, operated by Parisian Road Trip, offers a one-hour jaunt in a classic Citroen 2CV—arguably one of the most iconic French vehicles—giving you a personalized, relaxed way to see some of Paris’s most famous landmarks.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the combination of a beautifully restored vintage car with a knowledgeable, friendly guide who is eager to customize your route based on your preferences. It’s perfect for those who want a leisurely, Instagram-ready adventure without the hassle of navigating busy streets or crowded tour buses. A potential drawback? While the price of around $117 for up to three people might seem a tad steep compared to other city sightseeing options, the exclusivity and authentic charm more than make up for it.

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a unique, photo-friendly experience and those who value personalized attention. If you love the idea of exploring Paris in a fun, nostalgic way while soaking up expert insights, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: The tour is tailored to your interests, allowing for stops and photo sessions as you wish.
• Iconic vehicle: The Citroen 2CV enhances the Parisian experience with its classic charm.
• Landmarks and views: Pass by the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Invalides, Place de la Concorde, and Place-Vendôme.
• Expert guides: Guides like Guillaume are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility.
• Photo opportunities: Several stops, like Trocadéro Gardens and Place de la Concorde, are perfect for capturing memorable shots.
• Value for money: While the price might seem high for just an hour, the personalized experience and exclusivity add significant value.

An Authentic Look at the Experience

This tour offers a fresh way to see Paris—by classic car, driven at your pace with your interests in mind. We loved the idea of gliding through the city’s most famous sights in a vintage vehicle that’s both stylish and a conversation starter. The Citroen 2CV, with its charming, quirky design, instantly transports you to a different era, making your sightseeing feel more like a leisurely road trip than a rushed tour.

The fact that this is a private experience means you won’t be part of a large, impersonal group—just your party and your guide, Guillaume, who comes highly recommended for his knowledge and personable approach. Reviewers have noted Guillaume’s ability to share captivating stories about each site and to adapt the route based on the group’s interests. One review particularly highlighted Guillaume’s enthusiasm and how he made the experience feel personalized, with the ability to stop for photos whenever you wanted.

The tour is designed to be flexible, with the ability to stop at various landmarks for quick photos or longer looks. The itinerary, although brief at around 1 hour, includes iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower (from the esplanade), Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, the gilded dome of Les Invalides, and the historic Place de la Concorde. The stops are timed for about five minutes each—enough to snap some photos and soak in the atmosphere.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Eiffel Tower

While the tour doesn’t include going up the tower, passing by the Eiffel Tower on your vintage ride is a thrill in itself. The Eiffel Tower is just a quick stop, but many reviewers find that the views and the photo opportunities from the esplanade are unbeatable in a vintage car. A reviewer noted that Guillaume’s storytelling made the brief view even more memorable.

Stop 2: Le Trocadéro et son esplanade

This garden, originally built for the 1937 Universal Exposition, offers a classic view of the Eiffel Tower and is praised by visitors for its expansive green lawns and iconic backdrop. It’s a perfect spot to capture dramatic photos, especially with the Tower in the background. The review mentions that Guillaume was happy to stop here for pictures and friendly enough to share interesting tidbits about the gardens.

Stop 3: Arc de Triomphe

One of Paris’s most recognizable monuments, the Arc de Triomphe is at the western end of the Champs-Elysees. The tour provides a quick glimpse, but you’ll get enough time to appreciate its grandeur and history, according to reviews. Many guests appreciated Guillaume’s insights into the monument’s significance and history.

Stop 4: Champs-Elysees

The famous avenue is about 1.9 km long and lined with shops, cafes, and theaters. Passing through it in a vintage car makes the experience feel like a scene from a French film. The review highlights the car drawing attention, with passersby waving and smiling, adding to the fun.

Stop 5: Invalides

With its gilded Dome, Les Invalides is a striking sight. The tour offers a brief but elegant view of this historic monument, and travelers can enjoy the perspective of seeing it from a different angle in a cozy, open-top car.

Stop 6: Place de la Concorde

This large, historic square is notable for its past, with executions during the French Revolution, and its current grandeur. The short stop allows for photos, with many reviewers mentioning how Guillaume’s commentary made the history come alive.

Stop 7: Place Vendôme

Built under Louis XIV, this luxurious square is known for its high-end boutiques and historical significance. A quick stop here is enough to appreciate its elegance, with reviews emphasizing the personalized attention and the stories Guillaume shared.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers frequently mention how the knowledgeable guides made the tour special. Guillaume, in particular, gets rave reviews for his friendly, flexible attitude and historical insights. One reviewer said Guillaume “went the extra mile” and was “delightful from the start,” emphasizing the personal touch that sets this apart from larger, more commercial tours.

The car itself is often praised for its charm and for drawing attention in a good way. Many guests felt like celebrities waving to passersby, and the open-air design meant they could enjoy the breeze and sights without feeling boxed in.

Several reviews highlight the photo stops, noting that guides are happy to take pictures, making it easy for travelers to capture memories. The short duration of about one hour makes it a convenient add-on, especially if you’re short on time or want a relaxed break from walking.

Price-wise, reviewers acknowledge that the tour isn’t the cheapest way to see Paris, but many feel the personalized, intimate experience and the chance to sit back in style justify the cost. The inclusion of bottled water adds a small but thoughtful touch, keeping guests refreshed amid the city’s hustle.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting point is conveniently located, with flexible pickup options, and the tour runs daily from early morning until late evening.
• The tour is designed for most travelers—those with mobility issues might want to check access, but generally, it’s suitable for most.
• Tips are not included, so if you enjoy the experience, consider tipping your guide as a gesture of appreciation.
• The tour is booked an average of 15 days in advance, so plan ahead, especially during peak seasons.
• Because the tour is private, you can customize the route, which makes it a good fit for special occasions or if you have particular sights in mind.

Is This Tour Worth It?

For those seeking a romantic, fun, and stylish way to explore Paris, this vintage car tour delivers. It combines the thrill of a classic vehicle with personalized commentary and photo opportunities, making it both an entertaining and insightful experience. The consistent 5-star reviews reflect that many travelers consider it a highlight of their trip.

However, if your priority is a comprehensive, extensive sightseeing experience or visiting interior attractions, you might want to supplement this with other tours or visits. This is more about capturing the essence and beauty of Paris in an exclusive, relaxed way.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Travelers who love vintage vehicles or want a unique photo opportunity.
• Those who prefer private tours for a more personal experience.
• Visitors eager to learn insider stories from friendly guides.
• Couples or small groups looking for a romantic, memorable ride.
• Anyone wanting a short but impactful introduction to Paris’s most iconic landmarks.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a personalized experience.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 1 hour, giving you a relaxed overview of key sights.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll pass the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Gardens, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Invalides, Place de la Concorde, and Place Vendôme.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, you’re encouraged to share your interests with your guide, Guillaume, who is flexible and happy to adapt.

Is the vehicle comfortable?
Yes, the Citroen 2CV is charming and well-maintained, suitable for a small group.

Are there photo stops?
Absolutely, several short stops are included for photos, and guides will gladly take pictures of you.

Are admission tickets to landmarks included?
No, the tour focuses on driving past the sights; entry to monuments is separate.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the weather, as the car is open-air.

Is this suitable for children or pets?
Service animals are allowed; check with the provider for specific policies on children or pets.

What is the booking process?
Most travelers book around 15 days in advance. Confirmations are sent immediately, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Paris in a vintage Citroen 2CV offers a charming, intimate, and photo-ready way to experience the city’s highlights. With guides like Guillaume, who bring history and personality to the ride, it’s a memorable option for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a personalized touch. Though the cost might seem higher than standard bus tours, the exclusivity, style, and flexibility make it worth considering for a special outing.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, stylish way to see Paris’s most famous sights with insider stories and plenty of photo moments, this tour hits the right notes. Just keep in mind that it’s a brief overview—if you want to explore interior attractions or spend more time at each spot, plan additional visits accordingly.

In essence, this vintage car tour is an excellent choice for those who want to combine sight-seeing with fun, style, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s a small adventure that captures the spirit of Paris perfectly—just hop in, sit back, and enjoy the ride.