I enjoy exploring walking tours. Long-time readers are aware that I consistently suggest engaging in these experiences first upon arriving in a city. It’s irrelevant what type you choose—food, history, art—just participate in some form! They’re an extraordinary way to gain insight into a destination, orient yourself, and converse with a local about the city’s lifestyle. (Additionally, you can request recommendations from your local guide regarding restaurants, attractions, or navigating the city! A win-win!)
I’ve been partaking in walking tours since my initial backpacking journey in 2006 when I joined a hostel’s complimentary walking tour in Prague. I became fascinated, and over the years, I’ve taken countless tours organized by numerous companies. There are numerous walking tour companies available, but one of my top picks is Context Travel.
Founded in 2003, I’ve been utilizing and endorsing their services since 2010 when I first discovered one of their tours in Rome. I accompanied an art historian around the Vatican, where I not only gained knowledge about the Vatican itself but also the narratives behind the artwork. Since that time, I’ve participated in numerous tours with them.
What consistently differentiates Context is that instead of utilizing regular individuals trained as guides, they engage experts (those with MA- or PhD-level qualifications!) in their respective fields to lead the tours. This ensures you have an individual who genuinely understands the subject matter. You receive insights into intricate details that only a specialist would be familiar with.
On a recent visit to Paris, I took Context’s Paris WWII History Tour. I have substantial knowledge about Paris. After visiting for 15 years, having lived there briefly, attending probably over 50 tours, and reading many books about the city, I sometimes feel like I’m preparing for a degree in Paris history.
However, my focus on the city mainly revolves around the 1920s (I adore the Jazz Age!) and medieval history. My familiarity with World War II Paris is limited. Sure, I possess some general knowledge, but not many specifics, so I was eager to embark on this tour to delve into a significant era in recent Parisian history.
The tour guides you from St. Germain through the Luxembourg Gardens to the Latin Quarter and then up to Marias before concluding at the Hotel de Ville. It details the onset of the Nazi occupation, daily life during that period, the resistance movement, the fate of the Jews, and, ultimately, liberation. (It spans approximately three hours.)
As I noted earlier, the expert guides are what makes Context Travel exceptional, and my guide, Gil, was no exception. He’d been residing in France for nearly two decades, holds a degree in politics and literature, and has been a guide for over ten years. (Note: A couple of guides conduct this tour, and they are all specialists.) He possessed all sorts of obscure details and brought along an iPad loaded with images and primary source materials.
We commenced in St. Germain by discussing how the Germans swiftly seized Paris and how, initially, daily life remained relatively unchanged as they established control. Local Parisians continued with their everyday routines (albeit under restrictions). Since France capitulated so rapidly, the fighting never reached Paris, so the city suffered no damage.
As we walked, we paused at buildings that were utilized during the war (the current Mandarin Oriental hotel was formerly the Gestapo headquarters…spooky), and discussed how the resistance eventually emerged and functioned within the city. The tour progresses chronologically as you walk, with Gil discussing collaborators, the eventual expulsion of Jews, and how the victories of the larger French army in Africa resulted in crackdowns within the city. Finally, we arrived at the Hotel de Ville (city hall) and witnessed the grand finale as Parisians and Resistance fighters liberated the city from Nazi control in August 1944. The images of individuals and firsthand documents he presented significantly enhanced the understanding of life and resistance in WWII Paris. I left feeling thoroughly educated.
And that’s why I endorse Context Travel. You genuinely receive intricate details and facts along with a comprehensive exploration. There are many walking tour companies available—each worth recommending—but Context consistently stands out due to the caliber of their tour leaders. You aren’t receiving a guide who’s merely rehearsed a script, but rather someone with profound subject matter expertise. One of my favorite tours involved walking down NYC’s renowned 42nd street with an award-winning architect. From architects to historians to artists to chefs, the guides here are trained specialists, making it quite uncommon.
Context is perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of a subject or location. Whether you’re visiting the Louvre or taking a walking neighborhood tour like this, you’ll receive a