Paris: Side-Car Tour of Paris’s most Beautiful Monuments

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Paris in a way that feels both stylish and adventurous, a vintage sidecar tour might just be your perfect match. This 1-hour 30-minute ride whisks you through the city’s most famous sights in a charming, open-air vehicle, making it a truly unique way to explore the City of Light. Whether you’re after perfect photo opportunities, insightful stories from local guides, or just a fun experience, this tour offers a memorable glimpse of Paris in a way that’s both intimate and exhilarating.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines the thrill of riding in a vintage vehicle with the opportunity to see Paris’s iconic landmarks up close. The inclusion of hotel transfers makes it convenient, especially if your schedule is tight or you’re arriving from another part of the city. That said, it’s worth noting that during busy times, the ride can feel a bit traffic-heavy, which might affect the duration of your experience. This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a fun, photogenic, and informative highlight reel of Paris without spending hours on foot or in large buses.

Key Points

• Authentic Vintage Experience: The open-air sidecars provide a unique, immersive way to see Paris’s architecture and atmosphere.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides share interesting stories and tips, enhancing the sightseeing with local insights.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off save time and add comfort to your day.
• Iconic Landmarks: The tour covers Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Invalides, and the Louvre.
• Photo Opportunities: Multiple photo stops are included, so you can capture memorable shots.
• Limited Duration: Just 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick highlight without a long commitment.

A Closer Look at the Side-Car Tour

This experience is designed to give you a taste of Paris’s most celebrated sights, but from a perspective that is both charming and exhilarating. The vintage sidecars, reminiscent of classic 20th-century motoring, are open-air, which means you’ll feel the breeze as you glide past the city’s bustling streets. It’s an intimate way to connect with the city’s ambiance and take in the sights from a slightly different angle than a typical vehicle or walking tour.

What’s Included & How It Works

You’ll be riding in a private group for up to two passengers, with a professional driver and a friendly local guide. The guide, who is fluent in both English and French, provides commentary about each landmark, adding context and stories that you wouldn’t get just by snapping photos on your own. The tour includes gloves and helmets for safety and comfort, plus a pick-up at your hotel, which is a significant plus for those wanting a seamless experience.

Itinerary Highlights

Notre Dame: Your journey begins near this Gothic masterpiece, where your guide might share some of the lesser-known facts about its architecture and history.

Eiffel Tower: Riding around this world-famous icon, you’ll get a fresh perspective that’s different from the typical tourist crowds.

Arc of Triomphe & Champs-Elysées: Cruise along the broad avenue, capturing the grandeur of Paris’s most famous boulevard with plenty of photo stops.

Invalides & Louvre: The tour encompasses these monumental sites, giving you a quick but rundown of their significance.

Authentic Stories & Local Insights

One reviewer praised Raphael, the guide, for making the tour unforgettable with his impressive knowledge, especially about Notre Dame. Others appreciated how the guide took them to places they wouldn’t have discovered alone, emphasizing the value of local expertise. A common theme among reviews is the friendly, professional attitude of the guides and drivers, which makes the experience accessible and enjoyable.

What to Expect During Your Ride

While the route is fixed, the timing and traffic conditions can influence your experience. One traveler noted that early evening tours might be affected by heavy traffic, which can mean less sightseeing time at each stop. The guide’s smooth driving and storytelling help make the most of the ride.

The photo stops are a highlight, with guides often pointing out the best angles and hidden gems for snapping a postcard-worthy shot. The open-sidecar design means you’ll want to prepare for weather variations—wearing layered clothing is advisable, especially if it’s a cooler day.

Pros & Cons Based on Reviews

• Pros: The guides, especially Raphael, are highly praised for their friendliness and deep knowledge. The views are stunning, and the witnessed smiles and waves from passersby add to the fun.
• Cons: Limited availability and the potential for traffic congestion during busy hours can impact the overall experience. The cost reflects the exclusivity and personalized nature of the tour, but some might find it on the pricier side.

The Price and Its Value

At $233 for up to 2 people, this tour is an investment in a memorable and photogenic experience. Considering it includes hotel transfers, helmets, gloves, and a private guide, it offers a good amount of value—especially for couples or friends wanting an exclusive sightseeing adventure. If you’re after a fun, stylish way to see Paris’s landmarks without waiting in lines or battling crowds, this is a cost worth considering.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers looking for a unique way to see Paris while capturing fantastic photos. It suits those interested in local stories, authentic vintage vehicles, and a more personalized tour experience. However, if you’re sensitive to traffic or that’s your main concern, you might prefer a different sightseeing method. It’s also ideal for visitors who want a short but impactful overview of Paris’s highlights.

The Sum Up

The Side-Car Tour of Paris offers a delightful blend of adventure, history, and style. With knowledgeable guides, convenient hotel pickups, and the chance to ride in a beautifully preserved vintage vehicle, it’s a fun way to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks. While the experience’s speed can be affected by traffic, the personalized attention and scenic stops make it a worthwhile addition to your Paris itinerary.

This tour shines brightest for those who crave a memorable, photogenic, and authentic way to explore Paris without sacrificing comfort or intimacy. It’s especially suited for travelers who value local insights and want to try something different from typical city tours.

If you’re after a stylish, fun, and informative way to enjoy Paris’s sights, this sidecar adventure could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional driver, a local guide, helmets, and gloves for each passenger.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long, making it a quick but comprehensive highlight of Paris.

Is this tour private?
Yes, the tour operates as a private group for up to two passengers, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I bring my child?
While the tour is for two passengers, one reviewer mentioned they couldn’t bring their son because it might be uncomfortable, so check with the provider about child age restrictions.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll visit Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Invalides, and the Louvre, among others.

Is this tour suitable during bad weather?
Since the sidecars are open-air, rain or cold weather can impact your comfort. It’s advisable to check the forecast and dress accordingly.

How does traffic affect the experience?
During busy hours, heavy traffic may shorten the duration at each landmark. Still, guides aim to make the most of the ride despite these conditions.

What makes this tour different from other Paris sightseeing options?
The vintage sidecar offers a stylish, nostalgic, and fun way to see the city, combined with insightful commentary that a bus or walking tour might not provide.

How do I book this experience?
You can reserve your spot through Wild Side Tour via the provided booking platform, with the option to reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.