Paris Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to get a true taste of the city’s culinary scene, a walking food tour with Secret Food Tours could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally done this exact experience, hundreds of travelers rave about it, giving it a perfect five-star rating and a 95% recommendation rate. It’s a well-reviewed way to sample local bites, learn about French culture, and enjoy a more intimate side of the city.

What immediately stands out about this tour are two things: the quality of the food tastings—which include everything from macarons to oysters—and the small-group setting that keeps things personal and relaxed. A key plus is the flexible neighborhood options, either Montmartre or near Notre Dame, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests.

However, one aspect worth considering is the duration and pace—at about three hours and 18 minutes, it’s a decent chunk of time on your feet, with plenty of walking involved. This tour is best suited for food lovers eager to explore Paris in a more engaging, flavorful way, but it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a very relaxed, sit-down experience or traveling with very young children.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups limited to 12 travelers ensure personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Diverse Tastings: Up to six stops offering everything from cheese, wine, and bread to macarons, oysters, and regional tarts.
• Flexible Neighborhoods: Choose between Montmartre or Notre Dame, two areas rich with history and vibrant food scenes.
• Educational and Fun: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories about the food, culture, and history of Paris.
• Value for Money: For around $128, you get a mix of tastings, drinks, and local insights—hard to beat for a satisfying cultural experience.
• Not for Everyone: Requires about three hours of walking, and the itinerary might change based on weather and availability.

What to Expect on Your Food Tour in Paris

This tour offers more than just eating—it’s about experiencing Paris through its flavors and stories. You’ll meet your guide and small group at a designated spot in one of your chosen neighborhoods, with morning and afternoon options to suit your schedule. Expect to spend roughly three hours exploring, with plenty of opportunities to sit down, take photos, and chat with your fellow travelers.

Montmartre Option

In Montmartre, one of Paris’s most iconic neighborhoods, your guide will take you to an artisanal shop to sample some of the finest chocolates and macarons. You’ll then enjoy a freshly made crêpe—learn the difference between a crêpe and a galette—and stop at a traditional boulangerie to taste fresh French bread and baguettes. The highlight for many is visiting a local cheese shop to sample a selection of cheeses, alongside cured sausages and hams from a nearby butcher. The tour culminates in a “secret stop,” where you’ll feast on all the gathered goodies paired with a carefully selected wine.

Notre Dame Option

The Notre Dame route, meanwhile, focuses on exploring the historic heart of Paris. You’ll indulge in viennoiseries, regional tarts, and a savory galette from Brittany. Oysters and regional desserts are also on the menu, giving you a taste of the city’s coastal and sweet traditions. As you stroll near Pont Marie, your guide will highlight hidden gems and share stories about Parisian life and cuisine.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What Makes Each Stop Special

Montmartre: This area is famous for its bohemian roots and stunning views of Paris. The tour starts with artisanal chocolates and macarons—these are authentic, high-quality treats that showcase French pastry craftsmanship. Sampling a crêpe at a local spot gives insight into French breakfast culture, while the boulangerie visit reveals why French bread is revered worldwide. Cheese lovers will enjoy the selection from a top cheese shop, and cured meats at a local butcher adds a savory touch. The “secret stop” promises a communal feast with food and wine in a cozy setting.

Notre Dame: This neighborhood offers a more historic, river-adjacent experience with a culinary focus on regional specialties. You’ll start with viennoiseries—think buttery croissants or similar pastries—and move on to oysters, which are quite the delicacy in France. Tarts and desserts reflect regional flavors and French pastry artistry. The tour emphasizes discovering hidden gems, so you might find small bakeries and shops that travelers often miss.

The Food and Drinks

Both tours include a generous variety of tastings. From artisan chocolates, macarons, and crepes to cheeses, cured meats, and fresh bread, the experience covers the essentials of French cuisine. Also included are fine wines, which are thoughtfully paired with the food to enhance the flavors.

Reviews frequently mention the quality of the wine—many guests say it’s a highlight—along with the knowledgeable guides who explain the history and traditions behind each dish. Several reviewers note that there’s enough food to satisfy even hearty appetites, so coming hungry is a good idea.

The Guides and Group Size

Most reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Words like “amazing,” “fantastic,” and “great” keep popping up when describing the guides, with many mention of fun stories and insightful commentary. The small-group size (max 12) means you’ll get personal attention, which really makes the experience feel special.

Having a guide who’s passionate about food and Parisian culture adds a layer of authenticity that big, generic tours often lack. As one reviewer put it, “Sally enjoyed showing us around with so much knowledge of where to eat.”

The Cost and Value

At around $128 per person, this tour offers a pretty solid value—considering everything included, from multiple tastings to wine and a guided experience. Several reviews mention how much food they received, with some highlighting the “abundance of new food to try” and that by the end, they were quite full.

This isn’t just about eating; it’s about learning and experiencing. The fact that you’re exploring charming neighborhoods and hearing stories makes the price a fair deal, especially when you compare it to the cost of dining at individual restaurants.

Practical Considerations

The tour is designed for most travelers, with good accessibility near public transit. You should be prepared for about three hours of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, but keep in mind the minimum drinking age is 18.

Weather can impact the experience—if it’s rainy or very cold, some stops might be affected, but the tour provider states they’ll reschedule or offer a full refund if conditions force cancellations.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Reviews highlight that guides like Nina, Emmanuel, and Luz make the experience memorable. One said, “Her tour was so much fun, educational and delicious,” emphasizing the combination of fun and learning. Others loved the variety of foods, with remarks like “You will not be hungry” and “The food was varied and delicious.”

A few reviewers pointed out minor negatives, such as the tour feeling more like a gathering in a room at times, but overall, guests felt it was a worthwhile, tasty adventure.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re a foodie eager to try authentic French dishes and learn about local culinary traditions, this tour is a fantastic fit. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, intimate experience rather than a large, rushed group. It also suits travelers who enjoy walking and exploring neighborhoods in depth.

While not specifically tailored for kids, families with older children who enjoy food might find it fun, but it’s primarily geared toward adult tastes and the wine aspect.

This walking food tour offers a delightful way to experience Paris beyond the usual sightseeing routes. The combination of well-curated tastings, engaging guides, and intimate group size creates a genuine, immersive bit of the city’s culinary culture. Whether exploring Montmartre or the Notre Dame neighborhood, you’re set for a flavorful adventure that will satisfy your curiosity and your stomach.

The value lies not just in the amount of food but in the stories, local insights, and the chance to taste authentic specialties you might never find on your own. It’s an experience that suits food lovers wanting a personal touch and a deeper understanding of Parisian life.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and standing, so good footwear and a decent appetite are key. If you’re after a relaxed, sit-down meal, this isn’t it—but if you want a lively, tasty exploration, it hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but keep in mind the minimum age for alcohol consumption is 18. It’s mainly geared toward adult food lovers.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, including multiple stops and walking between them.

What neighborhoods can I choose from?
You can select either the Montmartre or Notre Dame neighborhood, each offering its own unique sights and food options.

Are drinks included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes fine wines paired with foods at certain stops.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is near public transportation and takes place in accessible areas, but specific accessibility details aren’t specified, so check with the provider if needed.

What is the group size limit?
Groups are limited to 12 travelers to ensure a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Most travelers book around 51 days ahead, so it’s smart to plan early to secure your spot.

If you’re ready to explore Paris through its flavors and stories with a friendly, expert guide, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Just come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy discovering the city’s culinary heart.