Meet Laurent, your Paris private guide to the art and history of the city of light.

Laurent began his career as an international sales director in advertising, with a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Unsatisfied with his professional path, he pursued an advanced degree in art history and became a licensed guide in Paris while also using his management skills to fundraise to protect and restore French national monuments. Laurent is a specialist in painting:  from medieval altarpieces to The Impressionists, he loves the rich network of museums both big and small in Paris. A day with Laurent will immerse you in the history of French art and the lives of the artists who flocked to the City of Light.  In addition to his passion for museums, Laurent is also very interested in contemporary French culture, including wine and food!

Join Laurent on his favorite route through Paris on this full-day exploration of Impressionist art and history, and of course, a stop for a good French lunch in one of his favorite local spots!

Your day begins with a deep dive into one of the most important art museums in Paris, The Musee D’Orsay. This unrivaled collection of Impressionist masterpieces can be daunting to a first-time visitor.  Aided by Laurent’s expertise in decoding and contextualizing these iconic works, you’ll come away with a deep understanding of this important artistic movement and its place in French history.

After lunch near the museum, you will continue your exploration of Impressionism across the Seine at the Musee de l’Orangerie, an enchanting collection of paintings including the Waterlies cycle by Claude Monet.  You will use this stop to learn more about Monet’s life and times and his revolutionary painting techniques.

From here you will hop into a taxi to head north to the famed artist quarter of Montmartre, where on your afternoon stroll you will delve into the heart of 19th-century Parisian creativity. Together with Laurent, you'll visit the haunts and havens of the artistic elite at Place des Abbesses, the Moulin Rouge, and Place du Tertre.  At the Bateau Lavoir, you will see where the artists met to discuss their new artistic philosophy. You’ll admire the majestic Sacre Coeur Cathedral and the church of Saint Pierre as you take in this charming neighborhood and its sweeping views of Paris below.

What is included in the itinerary?

Paris Private Guide itineraries include the cost of your time with your private guide and usually include museum or monument entrance tickets.  Lunch and refreshments are at your expense. Accommodation is not included.  Taxi transfer to Montmartre is not included in the price of the tour.

Yes. We can adapt the itinerary based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party.

There are 7 in my group but your website won't allow me to include more than 6 participants. Can't you make an exception?

No, unfortunately, due to venue reservation restrictions, we cannot accommodate groups larger than 6 people.