I Ji
I love walking tours. They are the best way to explore a city. Food tours, history tours, or art tours—they all work! Walking tours help you learn about a place and meet locals. You can also ask guides for tips on restaurants, attractions, or getting around.
Why I Recommend Context Travel
My first walking tour was in 2006 in Prague. It was free through a hostel, and I was hooked immediately. Since then, I have taken hundreds of tours. One company I always recommend is Context Travel.
Founded in 2003, Context uses guides who are experts with advanced degrees. This means you get in-depth knowledge, not a scripted tour. Learning about a city becomes much more interesting and meaningful.
WWII Tour in Paris
Recently, I joined Context’s WWII Paris tour. Even though I’ve visited Paris for 15 years, I knew little about this era. This tour taught me so much.
The tour begins in St. Germain, moves through the Luxembourg Gardens and Latin Quarter, and ends at Hotel de Ville. We learned about the Nazi occupation, daily life under restrictions, the French resistance, and liberation in 1944. The tour lasts about three hours.
Expert Guides Make the Difference
My guide, Gil, has lived in France for 20 years and holds degrees in politics and literature. He shared first-hand photos and historical documents. This made the history come alive. Context guides always provide these unique insights.
Why Context Stands Out
Context tours are different from most walking tours. You learn from real experts. Tours can last up to three hours. They also offer half-day, full-day, and day trips. Context operates in over 70 cities and covers both popular attractions and hidden gems.
Plan Your Trip to Paris
Flights: Use Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights.
Accommodation: Book hostels on Hostelworld or hotels on Booking.com. See my favorite hostels or hotels. Check neighborhood tips for the best areas to stay.
Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I recommend SafetyWing, World Nomads, Insure My Trip, or Medjet for added coverage.
Additional Resources: Check my travel resources page and Paris guide for more tips on visiting the city.