Explore the French capital on a sightseeing cruise along the River Seine and continue along Canal Saint-Martin. See Parisian landmarks, including Notre Dame and the Hotel du Nord before sailing into the underground vault. Start your day in Paris with one of its most enchanting attractions, and take a cruise along the Canal Saint-Martin and River Seine. Embark in the center of the Parc de la Villette, and cruise gently along the canal to Rue de Crimée’s elevated bridge, as it goes through the Bassin de la Villette, before entering the magnificent Rotonde by Ledoux. Your adventure begins with the first lock at the Récollets Center, where you will catch sight of the Hotel du Nord. Discover the Canal Saint-Martin, filled with the poetry of its romantic paths and pedestrian bridges, bordered by chestnut trees and populated by fishermen. Then, the boat will be plunged into darkness as you enter a tunnel of more than 1-mile, taking you through a mysterious underground vault that is perforated by light holes. Filled with magic and beauty, when you emerge into the light at Arsenal Port, you will see the July Column of Place de la Bastille ahead of you. This is when you enter the River Seine. From here, take a short cruise along the River Seine, past the Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité, to end your tour just after midday at the Musée d’Orsay.

Embark on a romantic cruise close to the Musée d’Orsay on the River Seine. Marvel at the Tuileries Garden, Musée du Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more. You will admire the scenic panoramic views before continuing to the entrance to the Canal Saint-Martin, where Bastille Square towers above you. Enter a 1.24-mile tunnel, lit by perforations that let in the light of day, and soak up the magic and beauty of a subterranean world. Once you emerge from the tunnel, you will discover the magical Canal Saint Martin, a surprising aquatic path surrounded by a romantic footbridge and bordered by chestnut trees and fishermen. Near the Temple, admire Frederic Lemaître’s bust, the Recollets Lock, and the Hotel du Nord. Keep your ears pricked for the murmuring ghost of François Villon as you approach the Dead Lock, where the Montfaucon gibbet used to stand. The boat passes Bassin de la Villette and the arcing footbridge of rue de Crimée before reaching the Parc de la Villette, where you can admire the Cité des Sciences and Music Museum along with the magnificent themed gardens.  

On this 90-minute tour in 2 different arrondissements, your guide will show you highlights of Paris's street art scene, which has been rapidly expanding in recent years. Discover pieces including ephemeral art, and learn about the different techniques employed by the artists, including stencils, graffiti and posters. During this guided walk you’ll explore parts of the 19th and 20th arrondissements and visit the main street art sites in the French capital. Passing through Belleville, you’ll cross the rue Denoyez and admire its impressive space with graffiti-covered walls. See another side of Paris on this fascinating glimpse into the city’s thriving urban art scene.

Meeting Point: Place du Republique, in front of the Orange store (13 Pl. de la République, 75003 Paris) A guided photo walk of the Canal St. Martin neighborhood, with some photography tips, tricks and instruction, local history and pointers for where to eat, drink and explore further in this special part of town. Starting at Place de la Republique (Meeting Point: In front of the Orange store), we will walk the Canal St. Martin, stopping along the way for fantastic photo-taking opportunities, to answer any questions you might have about photography and your camera, see some of the local Paris life, and to practice small exercises you can do to help you take better pictures. We can always pause for a coffee or drink, to rest our feet and answer any other Paris-related questions you might have as well, before finishing along metro line 5. A chance to see some of details of an area only a local can relate, and away from the often crowded museums and monuments. Bring your own digital camera or phone, any brand or type, maybe some good walking shoes, charge your camera batteries and have plenty of space for pictures on your storage card, if possible. Hosted by Rick Alarcon. Photographer/videographer and Paris city tour guide, Rick has studied and worked in the visual arts for 20+ years, having captured commercial, editorial, portrait, news and fine art imagery. You can view some of his work at www.rickalarcon.com and on instagram @rick_in_paris.

Experience the best of Paris on foot with your own personal local guide during this private walking trip to the city’s must-see sights and neighborhoods. Visit Opera Garnier, the Louvre Museum, Belleville, Canal Saint-Martin, the Marais, and more. On this guided walk through the city, you’ll get to explore characteristic Parisian neighborhoods away from the tourist tide, accompanied by your own local guide. Visit the hipster quarter of Belleville and walk through its graffiti-filled streets. Then, explore the so-called old Paris, the Marais District, with its charming cobblestone streets, imposing gates, sumptuous hôtels particuliers (grand townhouse), and secret gardens. Get to know one of the trendiest quarters of the capital, the cradle of the Parisian avant-garde and also a refuge for contemporary art. Make your way along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, the perfect walking place for pedestrians, which has become an unmissable meeting point for Parisians, away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Relax and enjoy a coffee in a classic Parisian café. Later, enjoy one of the most memorable panoramic views of Paris from the rooftop of the famous Galeries Lafayette. Lose yourself in the Galerie Vivienne, one of the most emblematic-covered arcades in Paris. Before the end of your tour, stop to admire the Opéra Garnier and the Louvre Museum, one of the most prestigious in the world. 

Having a warm croissant in the cold morning, spending some time in a beautiful park or hanging out at Canal St. Martin are just a few things from the life of a Parisian. During this 2.5-hour private tour, you’ll dive into the unique lifestyle of Paris and discover the true face of the city. Get ready to explore the city away from the tourist crowds and enjoy Paris like a true local. Step into the shoes of your private, local guide and be amazed by the beautiful passages, amazing art galleries, petite boutiques and much more. Together, with your local host, you’ll make your way from the cultural Latin Quarter towards the hip and buzzing districts of Oberkampf and St. Martin. It’s a great way to take in both the bohemian-chic and urban vibes of the city. Stop by places all locals love such as Sorbonne University, Jardin du Luxembourg and Canal St. Martin. Along the route, you can also visit a cool concept store or the best organic bakery in town. Make sure to keep your eyes wide open while you wander around; you might spot some great street fashion or creative local artist working on a masterpiece. Your private, local guide can’t wait to share their own unique personal anecdotes with you and give you a glimpse into their daily lives.