There are numerous walking tour companies in Paris. I’ve experienced hundreds (I’ve shared my favorite tour companies in this article). In addition to formal tours, there’s another activity I enjoy in Paris: Airbnb Experiences.
Airbnb Experiences are like the ultimate tours: they are distinct, explore lesser-known areas, and are conducted by locals eager to share their passions. They aren’t standard walking tours or activities led by a guide holding an umbrella. I truly adore Airbnb Experiences. They rank among my favorite activities in any city, and honestly, I believe far too few travelers take advantage of them. Whenever I conduct surveys on this, half typically indicate they’ve never heard of them!
Now, I am sharing this information with you and encouraging you to include them in your itinerary for your upcoming trip to Paris. Paris boasts a vast array of Airbnb experiences, and I’ve likely participated in around 20-25 of them. Here is my compilation of the top Airbnb Experiences in Paris:
Rediscover Jacqueline Marval
Jacqueline Marval was an impressionist artist who associated with Matisse, influenced Picasso, and was largely overlooked by history. This exclusive gallery tour led by Paris-born curator Camille highlights her family’s 40-year dedication to collecting Marval’s art and promoting her legacy. She guides you through their gallery, sharing Marval’s life story and the background of each artwork. I had no prior knowledge of Marval before this, and it was fascinating to discover her narrative and view her stunning paintings. She was incredibly talented. The experience also concludes with champagne served on a private terrace. Overall, this is a remarkable opportunity to learn about a forgotten artist in a beautiful environment. Additionally, Camille is well embedded in the Parisian art community and can recommend galleries and temporary exhibitions to visit.
Savor French Wine and Cheese in a Hidden Shop
This was an incredible and intimate wine and cheese tasting led by certified expert, Erwan. In this cozy, non-classroom setting, you will taste six distinctive French wines alongside six cheeses and fresh bread. Erwan narrates the stories behind each bottle, making this experience both informative and enjoyable. I’ve participated in numerous wine and cheese classes in Paris, and this was among the best. The wines and cheeses are exceptionally unique and delicious, and Erwan provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand overview of wine and cheese in France. He’s personable and amusing, and I consider this one of the finest wine and cheese experiences in Paris.
A Frenchie Food & Wine Experience
If you seek something more upscale, consider this tasting experience at Altro Frenchie by Greg Marchand. He’s a renowned chef featured on Chef’s Table. The experience begins at Frenchie Caviste with a sparkling aperitivo on the terrace, followed by a head sommelier guiding you through a tasting of three distinctive wines from the cellar. Next, you’ll move next door for a chef-curated tasting lunch. I think it offers excellent value for the price. You receive four glasses of wine, cheese, and a flatbread to start, followed by an extensive tasting menu (six courses) with even more wine. It’s truly exceptional value if you’re looking for a high-end food experience.
Secrets of the Tower with Eiffel’s Descendant
In this experience, you join Savin Yeatman-Eiffel, a filmmaker and direct descendant of Gustave Eiffel, at the base of the Eiffel Tower for a perspective on the construction of the Eiffel Tower through his family’s viewpoint. You’ll discover the scandalous debates that arose during its creation, view seldom-seen family photos, sketches, and heirlooms from a private Eiffel archive. I think this is a really engaging way to learn about the Eiffel Tower. Not only do you receive the historical information that every other tour provides, but you also gain a unique insider family perspective that you won’t find anywhere else. (Note: You do not ascend the tower during this tour.)
Black Presence in Paris: A Historical Tour
This is a remarkable tour that educates you about the contributions of Black individuals in France, a topic that many standard history tours overlook. Beginning at the Panthéon, the host, Binkady, shares the stories of pioneers like Josephine Baker, Félix and Eugénie Éboué, and a formerly enslaved man who overcame Napoleon. Along the journey, you’ll learn about the impact of Black women writers at the Sorbonne and conclude outside the Luxembourg Palace, where you’ll hear about groundbreaking Black leaders such as Severiano de Heredia and Gaston Monnerville. I gained a lot of knowledge on this tour, and Binkady is an exceptionally engaging and interesting tour guide. He previously worked for the Opera, so he has extensive insight into shows throughout the city.
Inside Paris’s First