Paris Private Tour by Vintage Car with Wine Tasting

Exploring Paris in Style: A Review of the Private Vintage Car Tour with Wine Tasting

If you’re dreaming of seeing Paris from a different angle—luxurious, intimate, and with a dash of elegance—this Private Tour in a Vintage Car might catch your eye. We’ve looked into this experience, which promises a charming ride through the City of Light in a classic 1963 Peugeot, combined with visits to famous landmarks and a tasting of unique natural French wines. It’s marketed as a classy way to explore, but like any experience, it’s not without its quirks.

What makes this tour stand out? One, it’s completely private, meaning you’ll get your guide’s full attention, making it a more personalized and relaxed way to take in the sights. Two, the inclusion of wine tasting at a local merchant adds an extra layer of enjoyment, especially if you’re a fan of discovering lesser-known wines. That said, a potential downside is the limited time at each stop—those quick photo ops might leave some wanting more detail or a deeper visit.

This experience is likely best suited for visitors who appreciate a touch of luxury, are interested in seeing both iconic landmarks and hidden corners of Paris, and enjoy a bit of wine as part of their sightseeing. It’s also ideal for those who want a more private, tailored tour rather than a large group bus or crowded walking experience.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience in a vintage car for a more relaxed and intimate way to explore Paris.
• Includes a wine tasting of natural French wines—an attractive addition for wine lovers.
• Flexible scheduling with numerous tour times to fit your itinerary.
• Coverage of major landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre-Dame, along with less traveled neighborhoods.
• Potential for shorter stops during unforeseen events like protests or delays.
• Cost is around $133 per person, which reflects the private, boutique nature of the tour.

What to Expect on the Tour

This tour is designed to be a two-hour journey through Paris, but keep in mind that the actual car ride lasts about 1.5 hours, with another half hour dedicated to wine tasting. You’ll start at the Pantheon’s cellar area and finish there too, which makes it convenient for those staying nearby or using public transport.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point & Introduction
The tour begins at the cellars of the Pantheon (174 Rue Saint-Jacques). From here, your guide will set the tone for an elegant, relaxed exploration. You’ll be in a beautiful vintage Peugeot 404, which immediately raises the experience’s appeal. Think of it as a moving museum piece, with charm and character.

First Stops: Quiet Corners & Iconic Landmarks
Your first quick stops include Place Dauphine and Place de la Concorde—two squares packed with history and beautiful architecture. These are perfect for some initial photos and soaking in the atmosphere without the crowds.

Famous Streets & Architectural Marvels
Next, you’ll glide down the most famous street in the world—probably the Champs-Élysées—and pass by the Arc de Triomphe, Napoleon’s monument celebrating victory. The guide might give you some interesting stories about these structures, making each photo more meaningful.

The Eiffel Tower & Military History
The Eiffel Tower gets a dedicated stop, offering the chance for photos and a walk around the base. Although the stop lasts just about 10 minutes, it’s enough to capture that iconic shot and appreciate the city’s most recognizable feature. The tour continues past the Army Museum and prestigious military schools, giving insight into Paris’s historical depth.

Cultural & Literary Neighborhoods
Moving into the area of philosophers and writers, the tour includes a visit to Eglise Saint-Sulpice, famously featured in the Da Vinci Code. Here, you can step inside and snap some interior shots—an optional visit included in the tour.

Wine Tasting & Unique Sights
Around the Latin Quarter, you’ll visit Les caves du Panthéon, where a 30-minute natural wine tasting awaits. The guide will introduce you to some unusual natural French wines, appealing to those curious about lesser-known varieties. This part of the experience is praised for its friendly environment and quality wines.

Ancient & Modern Paris
Then, you’ll explore the Arenes de Lutece, an ancient Roman stadium, and finish with a stop at Notre-Dame de Paris, the heart of the city and a symbol of resilience. Although only a quick photo stop, it’s an essential part of Paris’s identity.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

One enthusiast, George, called it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”. He loved the magical ride in a vintage car, highlighting the driver’s informational, funny, and friendly approach. For him, the privacy and style made it special, especially as a newlywed couple.

However, not everyone found the tour perfect. Nancy was disappointed because they didn’t visit the main attractions like the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame for long, citing a protest that closed streets as the reason for the altered itinerary. The tour provider explained this upfront, and Nancy acknowledged the change but felt it impacted her experience.

Michelle felt the price was a bit steep for what was delivered, noting that the tour was interesting, but skipped some spots due to late arrival. Marilyn appreciated the beautiful car and driver’s interesting commentary, but also pointed out that in such a big city, the 1.5-hour drive plus wine tasting makes for a quick glimpse rather than an in-depth tour.

The Practical Side: Timing, Flexibility, and Booking

This tour typically needs to be booked about 49 days in advance, making it a good choice if you like to plan ahead. It’s priced at $133.12 per person, which for a private experience, isn’t unreasonable, but it does lean toward the premium side.

You can choose from multiple start times, allowing you to fit it into your schedule. The tour is completely private, meaning only your group will be in the car, which is perfect if you’re celebrating something special or just prefer a more tailored experience.

The duration is approximately 2 hours, but keep in mind that the actual ride in the vintage car is about an hour and a half, with the wine tasting adding another 30 minutes. It’s a compact experience—ideal if you’re looking for a quick yet elegant overview of Paris rather than an exhaustive tour.

The Value of the Experience

While some reviews mention that it might seem expensive for the quick stops, it’s important to remember what you’re paying for: the private, boutique experience, the charming vintage car, and the personal attention of your guide. For those wanting a blend of sightseeing, culture, and a touch of luxury, it can be quite satisfying.

The wine tasting adds a leisurely component that most standard tours don’t include, and the insider feel of exploring lesser-visited spots offers a different vibe from bus tours. That said, if your priority is visiting all the major landmarks in depth or spending more time at each place, this might not be the best fit.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits couples, friends, or small groups who want a private, stylish way to discover Paris without the hustle of a large tour bus. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting a highlight reel or those celebrating special occasions who appreciate a touch of vintage glamour.

If you’re more interested in in-depth visits or longer stops at major attractions, you might find this tour a bit rushed. Similarly, if your main goal is a cheap sightseeing, there are other options that focus on value over luxury.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Vintage Car Tour with Wine Tasting offers a unique, stylish way to see Paris’s most famous sights along with some hidden gems. Its emphasis on privacy and personalized attention makes it appealing for travelers seeking a more refined experience. The inclusion of natural French wines adds a thoughtful, relaxed touch that can turn an ordinary sightseeing day into something more memorable.

It’s not perfect—some stops are brief, and the price might seem high relative to the time spent at each location. But if you value quality over quantity, enjoy vintage charm, and want a private, tailored experience, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Will I see the main attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame?
Yes, these are included as stops with photo opportunities and brief visits. However, the time at each is limited, around 5-10 minutes.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, this is a private tour for your group only, providing personalized service and a more intimate experience.

How long does the car ride last?
The car ride itself is about 1.5 hours, with the total experience around 2 hours including the wine tasting.

Can I choose my preferred start time?
Yes, the tour offers numerous departure times to fit your schedule.

What’s the price per person?
It costs approximately $133.12 per person, which covers the private experience, guide, and wine tasting.

What if I arrive late?
If you’re late, the guide might need to skip some stops to stay within the scheduled time, as happened with a reviewer who arrived late.

Is the wine tasting included?
Yes, a 30-minute natural wine tasting at Les caves du Panthéon is part of the experience, showcasing some interesting French wines.

If you’re after a stylish, private way to discover Paris with a bit of wine and vintage charm, this tour might be worth considering. Just remember it’s a quick overview, so if you’re craving a deeper dive into the city’s history and sights, you might want to look elsewhere.