Tours of Monuments

The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was never supposed to be around for this long. Built between 1887 and 1889, it was meant to be dismantled by 1909, though the Dame de Fer (Iron Lady) continues to dominate Paris' skyline today. The largest man-made structure in the world at the time, it was later used as a transatlantic radio communications hub in World War I. The Eiffel Tower has now become a Parisian icon and I would love to share its secrets with you on a tour. There are two main ways to visit: the stairs (674 steps!) and the lift. The second floor has the main viewing platform at 116m (380 ft) above ground level, with breathtaking views of the city, shops and cafés. The entire city can be seen from there and in my opinion, it has the best views. There is also a lift to the summit, taking you 276m (905ft) above Paris. The summit is small, but is fantastic for taking in the city with a glass of champagne in hand. Each option also includes the first floor, with its deck chairs, reception rooms and restaurant.

The Eiffel Tower is open everyday from 9:30am to 11pm. I can arrange tours based on availability of tickets and other tours which may already have been booked. I can arrange tours for up to 8 people. Headsets will be provided. For most visitors, I recommend a 1.5-hour tour including a short 20-minute walking tour from Trocadéro, taking you to the second floor via the lift. For the summit, expect a 2-hour tour. Please be aware that due to weather conditions, the summit can close at short notice and that if this is the case, partial refunds will be issued and you will still be able to visit the second floor. The summit option must be chosen at the time of booking as it cannot be purchased on the day. For the stairs, expect a 2-hour tour including a stop on the first floor. Express 1-hour tours using the lift are also available. Using the lift, this tour is wheelchair-friendly, though you will need to bring your own mobility gear.

Prices are available on the Prices page. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your plans and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Available in English, French and Spanish.

Uncover the Iron Lady's secrets.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Discover Paris' beating heart on Île de la Cité.

Notre-Dame de Paris lies on Île de la Cité, where Paris was founded almost 2300 years ago by a Celtic tribe called the Parisii. In 1163, when Paris was the largest city in Europe, bishop Maurice de Sully decided that a new cathedral should be built, leading to its construction. Through its more than 850-year existence, Notre-Dame de Paris has survived through various periods of neglect, even having its status as a cathedral ripped away during the Revolution, being known instead as the "Temple of Reason" in the 1790s. Napoleon Bonaparte changed this trajectory - he held his coronation here in 1804 and invited Pope Pius VII, though he famously crowned himself. Inspired by a wave of popular support from Victor Hugo's classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc restored the cathedral to its former glory while adding its iconic spire in the 19th century, which tragically collapsed in 2019 following a dramatic fire. Thousands of skilled artisans worked tirelessly to open it back up within the 5-year deadline set by President Macron; no better said than done, as in 2024, to much avail, the cathedral re-opened its doors. On a tour together, we can experience this piece of living history, exploring the emblematic Île de la Cité, the impressive exterior and expertly-restored interior.

Notre Dame de Paris is open everyday from 7:50am to 7pm but please bear in mind that it is an active place of worship. As a result, no tours can take place during church services, Saturday afternoons or on Sundays. Church services vary from day to day so I suggest getting in touch with me to see what time is suitable for a tour. The maximum group size for this particular tour is 5 people. The cathedral does not permit headsets, so you will have to stay close to me. Skip-the-line tickets are not available, with wait times depending on the season and day - sometimes no wait, sometimes up to 30 minutes. I usually recommend a 1.5-hour tour, including a walking tour of the surrounding island, though this can be shortened to 45 minutes for the cathedral interior only. Inside the cathedral, shoulders and knees must be covered and hats must be removed. This tour is wheelchair-friendly.

Prices are available on the Prices page. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your plans and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Available in English, French and Spanish.

The Opéra Garnier

Take in the history and beauty of the one of the world's greatest opera houses.

A symbol of Paris' prowess in the performing arts, the Opéra Garnier is widely considered to be among the world's most beautiful and prestigious opera houses. Built between 1861 and 1875, it gets its name from its chief architect, Charles Garnier, who designed it in a 'Napoleon III-style' as he described it to the then-emperor's wife, Eugenie. This style was eclectic, borrowing elements from the Baroque, classicism and the Renaissance. The Grand Staircase welcomes spectators in style, the extravagant chandeliers shine brightly and marble and gold leaf abound in the Salons of the Sun and Moon. The entire building exudes opulence, making Marc Chagall's auditorium ceiling all the more controversial when it was revealed in 1964; originally shocking audiences with its modern style, it has since garnered praise for depicting scenes from 14 different operas. It is also the inspiration behind Gaston Leroux's novel The Phantom of the Opera - initially adapted for the big screen in 1925 and later into a highly successful musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Immerse yourself in the glamour of a bygone era with an expertly guided tour of this unique Parisian landmark.

The Opéra Garnier is an active performance venue as well as a historic monument. Opening hours vary depending on the day and tours can take place between 10am and 5pm when there is availability. To book, I ask that you give me at least 3 different sets of dates and times that suit you as that is what is required by the venue for each reservation, even just for one person. I can arrange tours based on availability of tickets and other tours which may already have been booked. Due to rehearsals, some spaces can close with no notice given, including the auditorium with the ceiling painted by Chagall. If this is the case, I will show you other parts of the building. The maximum group size is 30. I usually recommend a 1.5-hour tour of the Opéra Garnier. If tight for time, this can be reduced to 1 hour, and for an additional thorough look at the exterior, extended to 2 hours. This tour is easily adapted to be wheelchair-friendly, though you will have to bring your own mobility gear.

Prices are available on the Prices page. Please don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss your plans and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Available in English, French and Spanish.

Why choose a Hamish in Paris tour?

I'd be honoured to show you around the City of Love!

5 years of local experience

I've come to know Paris inside and out!

I'm proud to wear my guiding licence on each tour.

As a native English speaker, I also speak perfect French and Spanish.

Accredited by the French Ministry of Culture

Fully trilingual

One price, no surprises

Prices listed include all taxes, tickets, guiding services and more.