The 9 Best History Tours in France

1.Louvre Museum Entry with History of Mona Lisa

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 2,823 reviews · 1 day · from $74Our pick

Meet an English or French-speaking host at 162 Rue de Rivoli, receive a short Louvre and Mona Lisa introduction, and enter through a priority access point. Your host can point you toward the Mona Lisa and other highlights, then you explore independently. Guides such as Jade, Emma, Sofia, and Rebecca have been praised for clear directions and friendly help.

“Very good experience, with a great guide who was very friendly and patient. She also explained and gave us directions, regarding where to go to see ancient Greek & Roman & Egyptian scultures and items in the Louvre.”

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2.Dark History and Ghostly Guided Walking Tour

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

Walk central Paris at night with an English-speaking guide and hear grim tales tied to Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, the Conciergerie, the Templars, and a haunted theater. The tone leans more toward dark history than pure ghost hunting. Guides such as Morgan, Catherine, Dora, Leo, and Jade have been praised for lively storytelling, humor, and extra visual details.

“I truly wish there were a way to award more than five stars, because our experience with this incredible guide went far beyond expectations. He brought the whole history to life. The depth of his insight, the fascinating details shared, and the little-known stories unearthed made the history of the Dark Side feel vivid and unforgettable. What struck me most, however, was not just his expertise, but his presence. With humor and genuine kindness toward every single person in our group, he created an atmosphere that was truly fun. It felt less like being herded through a rehearsed script and more like traveling alongside a dear friend who was thrilled…”

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3.Vieux Lyon Cultural & Historical Walking Guided Tour (English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 942 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $6Best value

Walk from Saint-Jean to Hôtel Dieu with guide Paul, tracing Lyon from medieval cathedral to WW2 Resistance history. You’ll see traboules, the Tour Rose, silk-making traditions, the Klaus Barbie courthouse, Théâtre des Célestins, and the restored hospital complex. The tour is in English, costs $6.05, and welcomes up to 18 people.

“Fantastic walking tour, we learned so much about the old town and the hidden passageways. Definitely book this tour!”

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4.Historic Center & Chartrons District Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 709 reviews · 3 hours · from $42

Ride 13 kilometers through Bordeaux with a local guide in English, French, or Spanish. You’ll see the cathedral, Grosse Cloche, both riverbanks, Chartrons, Darwin, and the Garonne waterfront. Comfortable bikes or e-bikes, helmets, a canelée from Casonnade, and a local-art postcard are included.

“The tour was fantastic! The information was very informative and well balanced between the historic and modern areas of Bordeaux. I highly recommend this tour!!”

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5.Best Of Alsace Historical Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 10h 30m · from $147

Spend 10.5 hours touring Alsace by convertible air-conditioned bus, from Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle to Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Colmar. You get castle admission, WiFi, and audio commentary in 12 languages. The driver speaks French, though guides such as Sebastian and Martin have also helped English-speaking passengers.

“Excellent day out, Sebastian our guide was amazing, funny, helpful and knowledgeable. He made the day perfect. Wonderful drive through beautiful villages and our destination s were fabulous. The castle is lovely, plenty of time to explore, lots of stops to enjoy food etc. Great value.”

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6.Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef (in English)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 503 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $133

Join chef Alejandro, also called Alex, for a four-hour English-language walk through central Toulouse. At seven landmarks, he serves fresh sweet and savory bites tied to local history, including Toulouse sausage, cheese and wine, pastries, charcuterie, and a famed regional cake. Expect plenty of standing and walking, with no seating.

“Alex was incredible! I do a lot of food tours, usually one in every new city I visit, and this was the best one I’ve ever done. Absolutely wonderful!”

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7.Small-Group Full-Day Tour of Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune Vineyards and Beaune Historical District

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 364 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $161

Travel from Dijon in a minivan for two wine tastings across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. Expect 5 to 7 wines at each stop, including Premier Cru bottles, scenic vineyard drives, and about two hours in Beaune. Guides such as Max, Stefan, Anne, and Paul bring local wine knowledge, though the depth of each winery visit can vary.

“Our guide Max was outstanding and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the two different vineyards we visited and enjoyed Max's detailed description of how important the different types of soil and the location on the slope affects the taste and character of the wine.”

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8.Guided Historical Neighborhoods Walking Tour

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

Walk through Strasbourg’s Neustadt, Place Broglie, Place Kléber, Grand’Rue, Petite France, and the cathedral quarter in 150 minutes. Guide Davide, also identified as David, explains the city’s shifting French and German past with humor, anecdotes, and useful food tips. The group is limited to 10, and cathedral entry is not included.

“The tour was great. David knows history and presents it in a fun and impartial way.”

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9.2-Hour Walking Tour of the City’s Iconic Sights and History

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 207 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $17

Start at Bordeaux’s Tourist Office and walk through the city center with a licensed guide. See the Monument aux Girondins, Grand Théâtre, Place du Parlement, and Place de la Bourse, while hearing the story of Bordeaux in English and French. The route can change with weather and group size.

“Wonderful tour guide who brought the city to life. Met a couple from Seattle, my home, and made a new friendship. Wonderful.”

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