Spotlight on Paris

Spotlight on Paris

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Spotlight on Paris

9 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France

Visiting: Paris, Versailles

Tour operator:

Collette

Tour code:

15692

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of France with the "Spotlight on Paris" tour. This immersive experience invites you to explore the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of Paris, from the treasures of the Louvre Museum to the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Feel the pulse of the city as you navigate the metro like a local, and indulge in the vibrant culture of neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais. Savor exquisite French cuisine with an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a delightful food tour. Capture the essence of Paris with a Seine River dinner cruise, and choose your own adventure with optional excursions to Normandy or Monet's Giverny. This tour promises an unforgettable blend of history, art, and culinary delights, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting "City of Light."

Highlights

  • Explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum with a museum expert.

  • Feel like a royal when you tour the Palace of Versailles and its gardens with a local insider.

  • Take a walk down to the Ile de la Cité to snap a picture of the facade of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame.

  • Navigate Paris like a local by riding the metro to destinations.

  • Feel like a true Parisian when you discover the beloved neighborhood of Montmartre.

  • Explore the Le Marais neighborhood’s winding streets, gorgeous old mansions, and oldest planned square in Paris.

  • Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower with unparalleled views of the “City of Light.”

  • Feel the hustle and bustle of the city with your personal foodie guide and sample French delicacies on a walking food tour.

  • Admire the city skyline as you float down the Seine on a relaxing dinner cruise.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Overnight Flight

Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Etoile

Iconic skylines of picturesque towers. A trend-setting culinary scene. The inspirational muse for the world’s greatest artists. Fashion-forward haute couture. This is the “City of Light.” Feel the essence of Paris as the locals do – with its chic cosmopolitan vibe and constant energy. You’re on your way to a 7-night stay in the thriving heartbeat of France.

Day 2 : Paris, France - Tour Begins

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Dinner

Be swept off your feet as the Paris of your dreams comes alive. Make your way down the Champs-Élysées, the hotspot for Parisian fashion, and marvel at the towering Arc de Triomphe. Words can’t do justice to the view from within the Eiffel Tower,* where you’ll enjoy an exclusive dinner featuring savory French cuisine.

Day 3 : Paris

Location: Paris

Step into the shoes of a local and navigate Le Métro – your main mode of transportation for the week. Get to know this underground system with a local pro, giving you the freedom to set off later as you wish. First stop – the Louvre Museum.** The ethereal glass pyramid at the Louvre’s entrance serves as your gateway into another realm, where ancient sculptures lead to 19th-century canvases. Wander past and marvel at the palette progeny of Raphael and Botticelli before making your way to Da Vinci’s renowned Mona Lisa. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Paris as you please. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the Tuileries Garden or elegant Place Vendôme with its glittering vitrines displaying jewelry and high-fashion designs.

Day 4 : Versailles

Location: Versailles

Channel your inner royal at Versailles – an iconic palace located in the heart of France. There’s a reason why Versailles has served as a model for countless international abodes, which you’ll discover as you wind your way through sprawling green gardens and palace halls with a local guide. From the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in the palace’s most famous sights. This evening, experience Paris’ nightlife during an optional dinner at the dynamic Paradis Latin*** for a champagne-flowing, can-can kicking, music-driven night at the cabaret.

Day 5 : Paris

Location: Paris

Make the most of a free day in the world’s most chic capital city. If you’d prefer to continue touring, you can join an optional tour to Normandy. If you choose this, you’ll retrace the history of World War II with visits to Mulberry Harbor – a WWII engineering marvel, the Normandy American Cemetery, and the D-Day landing site at Omaha Beach.

Day 6 : Le Marais

Location: Paris

Your cultural lesson continues this morning with a culinary quest through the hip and historic district of Le Marais.**** Join a local foodie and venture to the neighborhood’s beloved venues, getting a taste of the cozy shops and Parisian flavors. Along the way, meander through the flourishing trees and bright grassy patches of spectacular Place des Vosges, the oldest town square in all of Paris. Take a walk down to the Ile de la Cité to snap a picture of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame or relax in one of Le Marais’ cozy cafés and indulge in the Parisian art of people watching. As your day wraps up, make the most of an evening at leisure. Or, enjoy an optional tour taking in the city from the backseat of a retro car. Take in the City of Lights while cruising through the chic boulevards to the Montmartre neighborhood, where hip bohemia meets heaven-seeking basilicas.

Day 7 : Paris

Location: Paris

Enjoy your day on your own to explore Paris however you want. You may want to take an optional tour and delve into the creative mind of Claude Monet and let the art scene leave its impression on you with a visit to his countryside home at Giverny.***** Stroll through the colorful living work of art that is Monet’s garden, where you’ll see the source for the artist’s inspiration, including the setting for his iconic Waterlilies.

Day 8 : Montmartre

Location: Paris

Meals Included: Dinner

It’s your last day in Paris – spend the morning exploring the hip bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre. Blending artistic roots and quirky modernity, this 18th arrondissement neighborhood is home to classical painters and cultural provocateurs. Choose how you discover the area because it’s your choice! Venture into the Musée de Montmartre and glimpse the roots of cabaret and the lives of Paris' most famous artists with a local guide -OR- head inside Sacré-Coeur and take in the city from this iconic hilltop basilica. Tonight, say salut as you toast to the end of your Parisian getaway, admiring the city skyline as you gently float down the Seine on a dinner cruise.

Day 9 : Paris - Tour Ends

Location: Paris

Au revoir! Your tour comes to a close today.

What's Included

  • Louvre Museum Tour

    Explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum with a museum expert.

  • Palace of Versailles Tour

    Feel like a royal when you tour the Palace of Versailles and its gardens with a local insider.

  • Notre Dame Visit

    Take a walk down to the Ile de la Cité to snap a picture of the facade of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame.

  • Metro Navigation

    Navigate Paris like a local by riding the metro to destinations.

  • Montmartre Exploration

    Feel like a true Parisian when you discover the beloved neighborhood of Montmartre.

  • Le Marais Neighborhood Tour

    Explore the Le Marais neighborhood’s winding streets, gorgeous old mansions, and oldest planned square in Paris.

  • Eiffel Tower Dinner

    Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower with unparalleled views of the 'City of Light.'

  • Parisian Food Tour

    Feel the hustle and bustle of the city with your personal foodie guide and sample French delicacies on a walking food tour.

  • Seine River Dinner Cruise

    Admire the city skyline as you float down the Seine on a relaxing dinner cruise.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours such as the Normandy D-Day Beaches & American Cemetery with Lunch, Monet in the Country: Giverny Home & Gardens Tour, and Paris by Night Vintage Car Tour with Dinner are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare to and from Paris is not included.

Experiences

Navigate Paris like a local by riding the metro to destinations.Feel like a true Parisian when you discover the beloved neighborhood of Montmartre.Explore the Le Marais neighborhood’s winding streets, gorgeous old mansions, and oldest planned square in Paris.

Options

Paris: Paris by Night Vintage Car Tour with Dinner Explore more of the culinary scene of the “City of Light” with a gourmet dinner before spinning the wheels of time from the backseat of a retro car, cruising through the chic boulevards and peering up at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe from a vintage Citroën 2CV. An icon of the French motor industry, the idiosyncratic 2CV (short for Deux Chevaux, i.e. two horsepower) was in production from 1948 until 1990, and sets hearts a-flutter with its instantly recognizable design. Your personal driver will drive you down the Champs Elysees, past iconic bridges and grand plazas, and by sites such as the Opéra Garnier and the Ile de la Cité. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.




Paris: Paris by Night Vintage Car Tour with Dinner Explore more of the culinary scene of the “City of Light” with a gourmet dinner before spinning the wheels of time from the backseat of a retro car, cruising through the chic boulevards and peering up at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe from a vintage Citroën 2CV. An icon of the French motor industry, the idiosyncratic 2CV (short for Deux Chevaux, i.e. two horsepower) was in production from 1948 until 1990, and sets hearts a-flutter with its instantly recognizable design. Your personal driver will drive you down the Champs Elysees, past iconic bridges and grand plazas, and by sites such as the Opéra Garnier and the Ile de la Cité. Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.




Paris: Showtime in Paris! Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.


Please note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children. If less than 10 travelers pick this optional, the same can operate using taxi as a transport.

Paris: Showtime in Paris! Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.


Please note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children. If less than 10 travelers pick this optional, the same can operate using taxi as a transport.

Paris: Showtime in Paris! Join us for a spectacular evening in one of Paris’s most beloved institutions, the famous Paradis Latin. Situated in a building associated with Napoleon and rebuilt by Gustav Eiffel himself, the Paradis has been running here since 1889. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner with wine, then bring on the champagne and let the show commence! Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 10 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.


Please note that as a typical Parisian cabaret, the show does contain some tasteful nudity and may be considered unsuitable for children. If less than 10 travelers pick this optional, the same can operate using taxi as a transport.

Paris: Monet in the Country: Giverny Home & Gardens Tour Step away from the city and take in the countryside on a trip to Claude Monet’s home at Giverny. See the home where the impressionist’s passion for art and gardening blossomed. Tour the house where Monet worked and lived for more than 40 years. Then, take in the colorful garden that inspired his art, including the iconic Waterlilies piece. Duration approximately 6 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 20 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.




Culinaries

Enjoy an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower with unparalleled views of the “City of Light.”Feel the hustle and bustle of the city with your personal foodie guide and sample French delicacies on a walking food tour.Admire the city skyline as you float down the Seine on a relaxing dinner cruise.

Must See

Explore the treasures of the Louvre Museum with a museum expert.Feel like a royal when you tour the Palace of Versailles and its gardens with a local insider.Take a walk down to the Ile de la Cité to snap a picture of the facade of the awe-inspiring Notre Dame.

Choice Highlights

Eiffel Tower Dinner Built in 1889 as part of the World's Fair by the architecture team of Gustave Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris today. Located on the first level is 58 Tour Eiffel, a gourmet restaurant with stunning panoramic views of Paris. Since food is another big part of Parisian culture, the meal is several courses, beautifully displayed and accompanied with wine, coffee and tea.

Louvre Museum Being one of the world’s largest museums and home to the most impressive collection of art in history, the Louvre is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It sits along the banks of the Seine River in Paris and served as a fortress in 1190 and as a royal palace in the 16th century. It has grown over the years and today is a massive structure that brings delight to millions of visitors a year who enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime glance at some of the world’s most famous and treasured works.

Le Marais

Place des Vosges Wander through the Place des Vosges, the oldest town square in the city, in the heart of the Le Marais neighborhood. Once the gathering place for Parisian high society, the Place is now the spot for locals and travelers alike to relax on the manicured lawns.

Parisian Food Tour Follow a local foodie through the streets of Montogueil, indulging in specialties from family-owned stores and cozy cafes. From hot-off-the-griddle crepes to buttery pastries that melt in your mouth, you’ll get a true taste of French cuisine.

Notre Dame The world-renown Notre Dame Cathedral is far and away the most famous Gothic cathedral from the Middle Ages, with its iconic design being one of the best examples of the French Gothic architectural style in the world. Massive restoration efforts are under way to restore the Cathedral to its full glory, but the outside is still a wonder to behold.

Versailles Palace & Gardens Feel like royalty during a tour of Versailles' sprawling green gardens and palace halls with a local guide. This legendary palace is truly a work of art – from the prominent Hall of Mirrors to the opulent bedchamber of the queen, take in the palace’s most famous sights.

Montmartre Visit the hip, bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, where artistic roots blend with quirky modernity. During the Belle Époque period, Montmartre was a neighborhood filled with classical painters and cultural provocateurs, and you can still see the echoes of their influence in the neighborhood today.

Champs-Élysées The name Champs-Élysées means “Elysian Fields,” which in Greek mythology was the final resting place for the souls of the heroic and virtuous. This heaven on earth is one of the most beautiful and luxurious places in the world, spanning 1.25 miles full of rich history and all the romance Paris has to offer. Enjoy being in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world as you stroll down the street’s famous sidewalks lined with cafes, shops and theaters.

Arc de Triomphe Standing at 164' tall and at the intersection of the Champs Elysee is the Arc de Triomphe. Built for the successful return of Napoleon, yet finished after his defeat, the monument stands at the star-shaped cross point in the heart of Paris along what is referred to as the Meridian Line cutting through the city. Today it is the featured icon and terminus point for Le Tour de France and the Bastille Day celebrations for France's independence.

Choice on Tour: Sacre Coeur & Free Time in Montmarte or Musee de Montmartre While in Paris you will have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to visit the awe-inspiring Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the second highest point of the city after the Eiffel Tower, and enjoy free time to explore the area. Or, you can choose to learn about the neighborhood’s famous artists and writers at the Musée de Montmartre, a historic 17th century house that gives you a glimpse into the artistic side of town.



Sacre Coeur & Free Time in Montmarte - NEO Day 7

Activity Level: 2

Guests may have to queue in line to enter Sacre Coeur Basilica.



Musee de Montmartre - NEO Day 7

Activity Level: 2

Short walk from nearby Sacre Coeur (where guests wil have ticket to take funicular up). Ability to stand for up to 45 minutes and use stairs in museum.

Seine River Dinner Cruise

Mode of Transport

Navigate Paris like a local using the metro as your main mode of transportation, with guidance from a local pro to ensure you can explore the city with ease.

Accommodation

Stay at the Le Meridien Etoile, offering a comfortable and stylish base for your Parisian adventure, with easy access to the city's iconic attractions.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experience does the tour offer at the Eiffel Tower?

    The tour offers an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, providing unparalleled views of the 'City of Light' while enjoying savory French cuisine.

  • How will I travel around Paris during the tour?

    You will navigate Paris like a local by using the metro as your main mode of transportation, with guidance from a local pro to help you get familiar with the system.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Palace of Versailles?

    During the visit to the Palace of Versailles, you will explore the sprawling green gardens and palace halls with a local guide, including famous sights like the Hall of Mirrors and the queen's opulent bedchamber.

  • Is there an opportunity to explore Paris on my own during the tour?

    Yes, there are several opportunities to explore Paris on your own, including free days where you can choose to join optional tours or explore the city at your leisure.

  • What kind of culinary experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a walking food tour with a personal foodie guide to sample French delicacies, an exclusive dinner at the Eiffel Tower, and a relaxing dinner cruise on the Seine River.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include a Paris by Night Vintage Car Tour with Dinner, a visit to the Paradis Latin cabaret, a tour to the D-Day Beaches and American Cemetery in Normandy, and a visit to Claude Monet's home and gardens in Giverny.

  • Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?

    Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.

  • Can my children travel on tour?

    Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.

  • What is the difference between a twin room and double room?

    In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.

  • Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?

    Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.

  • Do I need a passport?

    Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.

  • Is there a lot of walking on tour?

    We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

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