The Essentials of Paris in a Classic Open Top Car Citroën DS

Traveling through Paris in a vintage car isn’t your average sightseeing experience. Instead, it’s one that feels like stepping back in time, especially when done in a charming open-top Citroën DS. This tour offers a glimpse of Paris’s most famous landmarks while riding in style, with just your group and a knowledgeable guide to keep things intimate and tailored.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the personal touch and the comfort of the vintage car. Listening to insightful commentary while cruising past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre creates a relaxed, immersive vibe. However, a note worth considering is the potential for traffic delays, which can impact the flow and noise levels during the tour. It’s best suited for travelers who love unique experiences, classic cars, and exploring at their own pace without feeling rushed.

If you’re after a memorable, well-paced overview of Paris’s highlights—especially if you’re into vintage style or prefer a private, flexible outing—this tour could be just right. It’s also a good pick for those who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more personalized approach to discovering the City of Light.

Key Points

• Private and personalized experience with just your party and a guide.
• Comfortable vintage car with an open roof for better views and photo opportunities.
• Extensive itinerary covering major landmarks, with insights and history provided.
• Ideal for small groups of up to four people, ensuring an intimate experience.
• Good value for the money considering the private nature and extensive sightseeing.
• Potential traffic delays might affect the pacing and noise levels during the tour.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour, offered by Classic 60’s Paris Tours, aims to combine the charm of vintage Paris with the convenience of private transportation. For about three hours, you’ll be riding through some of the city’s most iconic sites in a beautifully maintained Citroën DS from the 1960s. The open-top design means you’ll get unobstructed views and plenty of opportunities to snap photos, which is a real plus in such a photogenic city.

Starting Point and Overall Atmosphere

The adventure kicks off at 10 Place de la Concorde, right in the heart of Paris. From here, your guide picks you up and begins pointing out landmarks from the moment you hit the streets. The private aspect means you’re not on a large bus or with strangers — just your group and the guide, creating an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and informative.

The Landmark Stops and Their Charm

The itinerary is packed with highlights, each offering its own unique appeal. First up is the Champs-Elysées, often called the most beautiful avenue in the world. Cruising down this grand boulevard, you’ll feel like royalty, especially with the classic car adding a touch of glamour.

Next, driving around the Arc de Triomphe lets you appreciate its grandeur from close up—your guide will even stop for photos and explanations of its architecture. While the roundabout can be hectic, being in a vintage car makes the experience more enjoyable than navigating it on foot.

The Eiffel Tower stop is brief but meaningful. Your guide explains its architecture, and you’ll get a chance for memorable pictures. Be aware, the ticket to go up the tower isn’t included, so if you want to ascend, it’s an extra expense.

Passing by Invalides, Grand Palais, and crossing the Pont Alexandre III gives you glimpses of Paris’s architectural diversity. The ornate bridge and the grand exhibition centers make for excellent photo ops. The tour also includes stops at Place de la Concorde and Place Vendôme, where the historical significance is just as captivating as the sights themselves.

Inside the City: Rich History and Architecture

The tour doesn’t just focus on the external facades. As you glide past places like the Palais Garnier and Louvre Museum, your guide offers insights into their history and architecture, enriching your visit with stories you might not find in guidebooks.

The stops at Notre-Dame and the Pantheon allow you to admire some of Paris’s most iconic religious and cultural landmarks. While you’ll stop briefly for pictures and explanations, the tour doesn’t include entry tickets, so if you want to explore inside, you’ll need to plan extra time and expense.

Montmartre and the Artistic Heart of Paris

One of the more colorful parts of the tour is the Montmartre area, with stops at Basilique du Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, and the charming streets of Rue de l’Abreuvoir. These spots highlight Paris’s bohemian past and vibrant art scene. The Maison Rose and Rue Lepic are especially Instagram-worthy, and your guide can fill you in on the district’s artistic history.

The lively Pigalle district, with its famous cabaret Moulin Rouge, offers a glimpse into Paris’s entertainment scene of the 60s, adding a bit of nostalgic flavor to the tour.

The Final Stops and Broader City Views

Heading back towards the Seine, the tour passes by significant spots like the Madeleine, Palais Bourbon, and Luxembourg Gardens. The Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are perfect for imagining the literary and artistic gatherings of Paris’s past.

The tour concludes near the Elysee Palace, giving you a well-rounded view of the city’s political and cultural hubs. With so many stops, you’ll find the experience both enriching and visually stimulating, perfect for first-time visitors eager to get a broad sense of Paris.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews consistently highlight the guide’s knowledge and the overall enjoyment of the vintage car experience. One reviewer called it “the best way to start our first visit to Paris,” noting Benjamin’s friendliness and informativeness as big pluses. The open-top car received praise for its comfort and panoramic views, making sightseeing more engaging.

However, some travelers mentioned traffic as a potential downside, with one noting that heavy Paris traffic made parts of the tour less audible and a bit frustrating. This is worth considering if you’re on a tight schedule or if you prefer a more relaxed pace without the noise of city traffic.

The consensus is that this tour offers excellent value for a private, personalized experience with lots of photo opportunities, especially if you’re a fan of vintage cars and French architecture. The price is reasonable for what you get—a small-group tour with a dedicated guide and a unique vehicle.

Price and Value Analysis

At $436.76 for up to four people, this tour is a good investment if you value privacy, comfort, and a tailored experience. Given that it’s private, you won’t be sharing your guide or vehicle with strangers, which elevates the experience significantly. For couples or small groups of friends, it’s a luxury way to explore without feeling like just another tourist.

While the cost might seem high compared to walking tours or hop-on-hop-off buses, the benefits are clear: you’re riding in style, with a knowledgeable guide, and you get the flexibility to customize your stops and pace. Plus, the photos and memories captured during this ride will make it a highlight of your trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who love vintage aesthetics, appreciate personalized service, and want to see the highlights of Paris in a compact timeframe. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a broad overview without the crowds, or for those celebrating a special occasion who want to add a touch of elegance to their trip.

If you’re comfortable with the potential for city traffic and appreciate a relaxed, informative outing, you’ll probably find this tour to be quite worthwhile. It’s less suited for travelers who prefer longer, more in-depth visits of individual sites, as the stops are brief and focused on overview.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s exclusively for your party, with a maximum of four guests, ensuring a personalized experience.

What’s included in the tour?
You’ll have a local guide, private transportation in a vintage Citroën DS, bottled water, and a professional driver.

Are tickets to landmarks included?
No, the tour covers external views and explanations, but some sites like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are not included and require separate tickets if you wish to enter.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately three hours, giving you ample time to see many landmarks without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 10 Place de la Concorde and ends back at the same spot.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is designed for small groups and provides brief stops, but it may be less ideal for very young children given the duration and traffic.

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

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor some stops or focus areas based on your interests.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered at the meeting point, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a stylish, intimate way to see Paris’s most famous sights, this vintage Citroën DS tour ticks many boxes. The combination of personalized narration, beautiful scenery, and the nostalgic charm of a classic car makes it a memorable way to begin or deepen your Paris experience. It’s especially appealing if you want a relaxed, boutique-style outing with plenty of photo ops.

While traffic might sometimes slow things down and the tour is brief, the overall experience offers a rare chance to enjoy Paris from a different perspective—luxuriously, comfortably, and with a touch of vintage flair. Whether celebrating something special or simply craving a unique way to explore the city, this private tour is definitely worth considering.

In summary, this tour is best for those who value personalized service, vintage style, and a diverse overview of Paris in just a few hours. If you love history, architecture, and stunning views, and don’t mind the occasional traffic delay, it’s a delightful way to see the city with a dash of old-world elegance.