Paris Saint Germain Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

A Friendly Guide to the Paris Saint Germain Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

If you’re considering a culinary exploration of Paris’s iconic Saint Germain neighborhood, this walking food tour caught our attention. While we haven’t personally taken it, we’ve gone through a wealth of reviews and details to give you an honest, balanced look. The tour promises a mix of French favorites—cheeses, cured meats, pastries, and even a secret dish—that’s perfect for anyone eager to savor the city’s best bites with a knowledgeable guide.

What really stands out about this experience is the small-group format, which allows for a more personal connection and a relaxed pace. Plus, the option to upgrade to a private tour makes it a flexible choice whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group. That said, it’s primarily geared toward food lovers who enjoy walking, chatting, and discovering authentic local spots rather than a quick snack stop and moving on.

One thing to keep in mind is the tour duration, which ranges from about 2 to 4 hours. This means you’ll want to dress comfortably and be ready for some strolling through charming streets. This tour suits those who want a deep dive into Parisian flavors—especially if discovering the neighborhood’s history and hidden culinary gems sounds appealing.

Key Points

• Small-group or private options cater to different preferences for intimacy and customization.
• All tastings are included, giving you a comprehensive taste of French cheese, meats, pastries, and secret dishes.
• The tour combines history and culture with food, making it both educational and delicious.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, enhancing the overall experience.
• It’s best suited for walkers with moderate physical fitness, as the tour involves some strolling.
• The price reflects good value, considering the quality and quantity of tastings and insights shared.

Exploring the Saint Germain Neighborhood

Your journey begins at Le Bon Marché, a well-known Parisian department store, which makes for a convenient starting point. From there, the tour moves into the lively Saint-Germain-des-Prés area—a neighborhood famous for its blend of medieval streets and upscale residences. As you walk, your guide will highlight how the area’s history influences its culinary scene, making the experience informative as well as tasty.

Walking through Saint Germain gives you a chance to see the contrast between old and new Paris, with cobbled streets giving way to grand Haussmannian buildings. The guide’s commentary often includes insights into local life—how residents live today and how history has shaped the neighborhood’s flavors.

What You’ll See and Experience

You can expect to see historic sites, lively markets, and charming shops, all while sampling a variety of French delights. The inclusion of “secret dishes” at local restaurants adds an element of surprise—these are dishes that aren’t on every tourist menu but are beloved by locals.

The Food Tasting Experience

This tour isn’t just about snacking; it’s a curated journey through French gastronomy with high-quality offerings. Based on reviews, guides are well-informed about the food and the stories behind each dish, which elevates the tasting experience.

Highlights of the Saint Germain Tour

• Rich Caramels and a traditional dish of the day help you start with a sweet and savory balance.
• You’ll sample foie gras, which is a classic French delicacy, often highlighted as a memorable stop.
• The tour includes five types of the best French cheeses and four types of cured meats—a real treat for cheese lovers.
• Freshly baked bread and fine wines, including some sparkling wines, add a touch of elegance.
• The “secret dish” at a local restaurant offers a unique surprise that guests rave about.
• For those with a sweet tooth, options like artisanal chocolates, macarons, crepes, and ice creams come into play, especially on the chocolate and pastry-focused tour.

The Quality of Tastings

Guests often comment on how the food exceeded expectations, with reviews mentioning “incredible pastries” and “delicious French desserts.” The guide’s explanations about each food’s origins and significance seem to deepen the appreciation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point: Saint-Germain-des-Pres

The tour kicks off right in the hub of Saint-Germain, where your guide sets the scene with a quick walk through the neighborhood’s medieval roots, juxtaposed with its stylish present. You’ll see historic streets, learn about local lifestyles, and get a sense of how Paris’s past influences its cuisine today.

Saint-Placide & the Chocolate & Pastry Tour Option

If you opt for the chocolate and pastry version, your journey continues into the lively Saint-Placide area, stopping at artisan shops and patisseries. This segment is perfect for those who love sweet treats—think macarons, crepes, and rich pastries. You’ll get to taste award-winning pastries, authentic macarons, and creamiest ice creams, all made by local artisans who take pride in their craft.

What Makes Each Stop Special?

Each tasting spot is selected for its quality and authentic French character. For instance, the “secret dish” is mentioned as a highlight, offering an unexpected taste that surprises and delights guests. Multiple reviews note how well-organized the stops are, and how guides buy along the way, adding a personal touch to each taste.

End of Tour

Most tours conclude near Le Bon Marché or Luxembourg, giving you a central location to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

The Guide Experience: Knowledge and Charisma

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, storytelling skills, and friendliness. Guests mention guides like Etienne, Duniya, and Nana as being well-informed and engaging, which really enhances the overall experience. The guides aren’t just about the food—they offer context about Parisian culture and history, which makes the tasting feel more meaningful.

For example, one reviewer said, “Etienne was a wonderful guide! His knowledge of the local cuisine paired with his knowledge of the history of Paris and Saint-Germain was the perfect pairing.” This balance of food and history helps keep the tour lively and educational.

Group Size and Pace

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour remains intimate and flexible. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace, allowing enough time to savor each bite and ask questions. The walking is moderate—so comfortable shoes are a must, especially since the tour involves some strolling through vibrant streets and markets.

Pricing and Value

At around $155 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but it reflects a high-quality, curated experience. Considering the variety of tastings—cheeses, meats, pastries, chocolates, wines, and a secret dish—and the guidance, many reviews suggest it’s a good value. The inclusion of all tastings and a guide makes it easier to budget your day, especially compared to the cost of dining out multiple times in Paris.

The option to upgrade to a private tour can be worth it if you prefer a more personalized experience or are traveling with a small group. The private version likely offers more flexibility and tailored attention.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: 2 to 4 hours, so plan accordingly—bring comfortable shoes and be ready for some walking.
• Meeting Point: Le Bon Marché, a central and accessible location.
• Group Size: 8 to 12 people, which keeps things intimate.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate—expect some walking, but no strenuous activity.
• Weather: Tours are primarily outdoors, so check the forecast. If canceled due to weather, a different date or full refund is offered.
• Dietary Restrictions: Noted that some dietary needs might be tough to accommodate, so check in advance.
• Children: This is an adult-focused tour, especially since the area isn’t stroller-friendly and the tastings are geared toward adult palates.

Why It Could Be a Great Fit for You

This tour is ideal if you love food and want to explore Paris in a relaxed, immersive way. You’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guides, who make the history and stories behind each dish come alive. If you’re a fan of cheese, pastries, and wines, or simply love discovering local hidden gems, this experience aligns well with those interests.

On the flip side, if you’re not keen on walking or have specific dietary restrictions, it might be worth reaching out beforehand to see if accommodations can be made. The tour’s focus isn’t on high-volume tastings but on quality and storytelling, so it’s best for those who want a meaningful culinary experience.

Final Thoughts

The Paris Saint Germain Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a well-curated, enjoyable way to get under the skin of one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods. It’s especially suited for food lovers, curious travelers, and those looking to combine history with bites of Parisian life. The positive reviews highlight guided expertise, delicious tastings, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a solid choice when you want to indulge without feeling rushed.

While it’s not a cheap experience, many guests report that the quality and depth of the tour justify the price. The option to upgrade to a private experience makes it adaptable for different travel styles and group sizes. If you’re after a taste of local flavor with a side of insider stories, this tour could be just the ticket for your Paris trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
This tour is primarily adult-focused. The area isn’t stroller-friendly and the tastings are geared toward adult tastes, especially with wine and cured meats. If traveling with children, consider the logistics and whether you’ll need to carry strollers or young kids on your lap.

What is included in the price?
All food and drink tastings are included, such as cheeses, meats, pastries, chocolates, macarons, and wines. The guide’s expertise and storytelling are part of the experience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour involves walking through streets that may not be stroller or wheelchair friendly, so accessibility could be limited.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 to 4 hours, depending on the option you choose and the pace of the group.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Le Bon Marché, located at 24 Rue de Sèvres, in central Paris.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking.

Are there any dietary restrictions accommodated?
Some restrictions might be difficult to accommodate due to the curated nature of the tastings. It’s best to contact the provider in advance if you have specific dietary needs.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 people, ensuring a friendly and intimate atmosphere.

If you’re eager for a trip that combines flavorful explorations with a touch of local history, this tour seems like a fine choice. It offers a chance to truly taste Paris and learn about its neighborhoods through the eyes—and taste buds—of a passionate guide.