If you’re a traveler like me, you’ll agree that the best way to experience a new destination is by immersing yourself in its culture, history, and of course, its cuisine. On my recent trip to Paris this past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the city in-depth through two Context Travel tours that left me with unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for the City of Lights. Despite visiting Paris a few times before, these tours allowed me opportunities to discover and learn more about the city in exciting new ways. Context offers walking tours in over 60 cities around the world, with expert guides ( 80% having MA or PhD-level degrees in their fields of expertise) who all share a belief that travel is the ultimate form of education.

Allow me to take you on a virtual journey in this article and share why you should consider these tours (and any Context tour!) for your next adventure…

Paris Food Tour: Essentials of French Cuisine

Let’s start with a delicious Paris Food Tour: Baguette to Bistro with Context Travel. As a self-proclaimed foodie, this 2.5 hour experience was nothing short of a gastronomic dream. Our tour was led by Andres, a knowledgeable local guide who’s also a trained chef and Certified Wine Educator; we knew we were in good hands. This Context food tour takes you through the rich history of Paris’s culinary culture. Our adventure took place on the Left Bank, specifically the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, where our guide introduced us to the basics of French cuisine and the significance of ingredients in French cooking. From the moment we strolled through the cobbled streets, I was enchanted by the scents from all the quaint bistros and bakeries.

Our first stop was a local fromagerie where I discovered the world of French cheeses. The varieties were endless, and our guide’s expertise helped us navigate this cheesy wonderland. I was shocked to learn that France has nearly 400 types of cheese! Along with our cheese purchases, we also bought a delicious sausage to enjoy at our next stop with mouth watering bread. Next up was an artisanal boulangerie where we bought the perfect French baguette to accompany our cheese and sausage feast. I enjoyed tasting so many different unique flavor profiles from the cheeses, and also learning about what defines a good baguette and why it’s so important to the Parisian table.

This wouldn’t be a true French gastronomy tour without stopping for some wine! I loved visiting a traditional, family-owned wine shop that’s been open since 1905. We enjoyed a few tastings, and a highlight was Armagnac which I tried for the first time. This is a French brandy made from white wine grapes in the Gascony region in southwest France.

The tour concluded with a visit to two patisseries where we enjoyed a selection of French desserts, as well as a famous hot chocolate drink. We learned the secrets behind crafting delicate pastries, but for me, the pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the macaron tasting. The dainty, colorful confections were a burst of flavors, and I couldn’t resist taking a box of these sweet treasures to savor later. This Parisian food experience with Context not only satisfied my taste buds but also provided insights into the culture and history of French cuisine. It was an unforgettable culinary journey that left me with a profound appreciation for the art of French food and the importance of quality ingredients. I always enjoy learning through food and recommend a food tour to anyone at the beginning of your trip.

Louvre Museum Tour: A Guided Crash Course

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Louvre Museum, home to thousands of works of art, including the legendary Mona Lisa. While the Louvre can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, Context’s Guided Crash Course of the Louvre offered an enlightening and enjoyable experience.

Fiona was our guide for this tour, an art historian, who greeted us at the museum’s entrance and immediately set the tone for our exploration of one of the world’s greatest art collections. The best part? We skipped the long lines, allowing us more time to appreciate the art. We began with a brief introduction to the history of the Louvre, its architectural evolution, and its transformation from a royal palace to a global art treasure trove. Our guide’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge of art history were contagious, making even the most intricate details of the museum’s history come to life.

The tour was well-paced, ensuring that we didn’t feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Louvre. We focused on a curated selection of masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and of course, the enigmatic Mona Lisa. I was fascinated to learn that one of the reasons why the Mona Lisa is so popular and heavily guarded is because it it was stolen by an Italian Louvre employee in 1911 and it took two years to recover it! Our guide provided more interesting insights into the artists, techniques, and historical contexts behind these famous works, allowing us to see them in a new light which was refreshing for me as it was not my first visit to the Louvre.

One of the tour’s highlights was the visit to the Napoleon Apartments, a section of the museum that often goes unnoticed by casual visitors. The opulence and grandeur of these rooms were astonishing, and our guide’s storytelling brought the history of Napoleon’s reign vividly to life. It was a nice break from the traditional paintings and sculptures that you’d expect to only find inside the museum. Throughout the tour, our guide encouraged questions and discussions, creating an engaging and interactive experience. Whether you’re an art aficionado or a novice, this tour caters to all levels of art appreciation.

As our tour concluded, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the Context Travel experience at the Louvre. It transformed what could have been an overwhelming visit into a captivating journey through the world of art and history. I left the museum with a deeper understanding of the masterpieces I had encountered and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of art.

Lastly…

My summer in Paris was made all the more memorable by the enriching experiences provided by Context Travel. From the delectable Paris Food Tour, where I explored the essence of French cuisine, to the enlightening Louvre Museum Tour that unveiled the secrets of world-renowned art, both tours left us with beautiful Parisian memories.

Context Travel’s commitment to providing knowledgeable, local guides who are passionate about their subjects made all the difference. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or an art lover, these tours offer an immersive and educational way to explore the heart and soul of Paris. So, if you’re planning a trip to the City of Lights, don’t miss the chance to embark on a Context Travel adventure. It’s not just a tour; it’s a cultural odyssey that will leave you with a deeper connection to the rich tapestry of Parisian life. Bon voyage!