Secret Paris: Cheese, Art, and Local Life(FH)
Paris, France





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Cheese? Check. Macarons? Check. Art? Check. Join a local guide on this Paris tour to experience the mindblowing gastronomic feats, instantly recognisable architectural icons, and secret spots that make Paris so endearing.
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Highlights
- Wander through the luxurious, hidden streets of Paris with a local
- Savour a sugary-sweet macaron at a popular Parisian food shop
- Enjoy the elegant surroundings of the Louvre’s garden
- Admire medieval & renaissance-era architecture in Le Marais
- Become a cheese connoisseur at a Parisian fromagerie
- Experience the bustling vibe of a busy French market as you become a Parisian for a day
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Meeting point:
Place de la Concorde Under the Obelisk (Metros 1, 8, 12, Stop “Concorde”) Your tour guide will be holding an Urban Adventures sign.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.00 AM
- Ending point:
Musée Pompidou, Le Marais
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a macaron in Paris’ most illustrious food shop, a cheese tasting session in a French fromagerie.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature and tips or gratuities for guide.
Get to know the City of Light through the eyes of a local on this tour full of tantalising treats and cultural gems! Start your Paris tour right in the heart of one of Paris’ most expensive and fashionable areas, where luxury, elegance, and beauty are around every corner. Stop in at an illustrious food store and take the chance to sample a mouth-watering macaron, a delicious French speciality, and an ultimate Paris travel experience.
Your Paris city tour continues towards the iconic Louvre, home to some of the world’s most celebrated art. The enigmatic Mona Lisa and gorgeous Venus de Milo both live in this treasure trove of fine art. We won't be stopping in (it can take hours, no - days, to properly explore the grand Louvre!), but we will wander through an arcade that offers a free glimpse into the famous sculpture gallery, relax in the well-manicured gardens, and enjoy some of the best sightseeing Paris has to offer.
Next on this Paris food tour, head to a lively Parisian market to indulge in one of France’s most popular gastronomic pleasures - cheese! Perhaps taste some smooth, mild Brie or sample a slice of pungent Roquefort – known as the ‘King of Cheeses’. Afterwards, amble through Paris’ secret arcades to discover quirky shops, unique boutiques, and one of the oldest buildings in Paris.
Finally, walk to the fascinating, medieval neighborhood of Le Marais. Full of sweet shops, patisseries, boutiques, and cafes, Le Marais offers insight into French culture and the secret Paris local way of life. Finish the tour in the forecourt of Paris’ contemporary art gallery, an incredible example of modern architecture. Climb to the top for panoramic views of France’s enchanting capital – a fitting finale to this revealing tour of Paris’ best kept secrets.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a macaron in Paris’ most illustrious food shop, a cheese tasting session in a French fromagerie.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature and tips or gratuities for guide.
Dress standard: Standard dress, comfortable walking shoes, and an umbrella, depending on the weather.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Please note that the cheese shop we are working with is closed on Monday morning. We will replace this activity with another inclusion.
Closure of sites: A visit to the viewing platform at the top of the Modern Art Museum (Centre Pompidou) is not included on Tuesday tours as it is closed on this day.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour. Children younger than 6 are permitted at no extra cost, but please make sure you inform our guides of this before you take the tour.
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Local contact
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