Please note: Food tours are only available on Saturdays on an on-request basis. Fore more information on our Culinary Concierge service, please see the "Tours" page.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?
Tickets must be purchased in advance and can only be purchased by debit or credit card through an online payment link. If you wish to pay in cash, then credit card details are required in advance along with a small deposit to secure your reservation. Note: Ticket sales links are not currently active since we are operating on an on-request basis. Please contact us for specific dates.
If a food tour is sold out, can I get on a waiting list?
Please email us (info@parisfoodtour.com) to let us know what date you are interested in if you do not see availability.
How much walking is involved?
Tours typically last around 3 hours, and participants can expect to be standing or walking for a majority of the time. We walk at a casual pace and provide at least one seated resting location.
How much food is served on the tour?
Taste of Paris includes tastings from 6-7 locations, enough to be considered a light lunch. If you eat breakfast in the morning, then take our tour at 11am, you can expect to be satisfied.
What types of food are served on the tour?
A list of the types of food tasting locations can be found on the Tours page. Food-tasting locations can change without notice.
Are any beverages served on the tour?
We will stop at a wine tasting location. You can purchase water and/or beverages at the beginning of the tours at the specified meeting location.
Do we just walk around and sample food?
Absolutely not! Taste of Paris is an informative cultural tour. We combine architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture and culinary insight into a unique 3-hour experience. We explain French customs and social norms surrounding food, including Paris waiters, café culture, the restaurant experience, the menu, other diners, how to interact with shop owners, etc. By understanding cultural differences, your dining and eating experiences will be heightened and enjoyed for the remainder of your trip and all future visits. Imagine walking through Paris eating a buttery croissant while learning about French culture and Paris history. That beats a museum any day!
What restaurants will we visit on the tour?
Keep in mind that this is a tasting tour, not a restaurant tour. Most food tastings are done on the go, and the food is provided by specialty food stores and artisans, like bakeries and chocolate shops, in order to show you the specialties Paris is famous for. However, the tour guide will point out great restaurant recommendations in the neighborhood, and we provide a list of recommended restaurants so you can continue to have delicious culinary experiences during the rest of your stay.
Can I reschedule my tickets or get a refund?
We cannot refund or reschedule tickets because your space is being guaranteed for that tour. This includes late arrivals and no shows. Tours start promptly, and it is your responsibility to be on time at the correct location. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
If I am bringing an infant or very young child, do I need to purchase a ticket for them?
If you are bringing an infant/very young child and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase a ticket for them. However, please let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets by indicating in the "notes" section.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, Taste of Paris gift certificates are available. To purchase or learn more about our gift certificates, please email us (info@parisfoodtour.com) your inquiry. This makes a great gift for students studying abroad or anyone taking a trip to Paris.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes. Please email us (info@parisfoodtour.com) and ask about booking a private tour.
Do your tours have anything to offer someone who lives in Paris?
Absolutely! For food tours based in the U.S., the majority of customers are locals, so we believe Paris natives and expats will equally enjoy our tours. Locals participate to learn about the neighborhoods and the city in which they live as well as take advantage of knowing the best specialty food store locations and local restaurants in Paris’ tastiest neighborhoods.
Does the tour guide accept gratuities?
If you enjoy the service your tour guide provides, gratuities are greatly appreciated. The standard gratuity in the service industry is 15%.
What if I have dietary restrictions or food allergies?
Please let us know if you (or anyone in your group) has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, allergy, etc.) in the "notes" section when you purchase your tickets. If we know in advance, we will try our best to accommodate your needs, although there is no guarantee. There are some tasting locations where it is very difficult to find substitutions (for example, finding an alternate food tasting for a dairy allergy in a cheese shop or a diabetic in a pastry shop).
Can I shop during the tour?
We ask everyone to please wait until after the tour to make any purchases so that we can stay on our food-tasting schedule and continue the tour in a timely manner. We suggest that you allow time at the end of the tour to return to your favorite locations and stores in the neighborhood, so you can have sufficient time to browse and shop at your leisure. The tours are on a schedule to arrive at each tasting location so it’s important to stay on schedule so the food is freshly prepared for the participants.
When should I take the tour during my trip?
We highly recommend taking our food tour at the beginning of your visit to allow plenty of time to revisit the wonderful shops, stores, & restaurants for the remainder of your visit. There is not a better day of the week versus another.
Is a Taste of Paris food tour appropriate for children?
Our culinary walking tour has been developed for food and culture lovers wanting to learn more about France and its food. Since children have a limited attention span, a 3-hour walking tour may not be suitable for them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing, walking along busy sidewalks, crossing cobblestone streets, and going in tiny shops, please consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child. With that said, if you are bringing an infant, or a child below the age of 3, and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase a ticket for them. However, please do let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets. If you have further questions pertaining to tickets for children, please contact us.
Is your walking tour wheelchair- and/or stroller-accessible?
Unfortunately, wheelchairs and/or strollers are not recommended on our tours due to the many narrow sidewalks that we walk on, the uneven cobblestone streets that we cross, and the very small shops that we visit. However, if you still wish to bring a young child, we suggest a small "umbrella" stroller, which is easier to fold and store. Please keep in mind that at some stops you will have to take your child out of the stroller and either carry them, or have them walk.
Are tours only offered in English?
We only offer tours in English at this time. As we continue to expand in the future, we hope to add tours in other languages.
Are tours given in bad weather?
The tours are held rain, shine, or snow. We advise you to check the weather conditions for your scheduled tour date and dress appropriately. Please bring an umbrella if there is a chance of rain, as Paris can surprise you with showers! It is impossible to cancel a tour at the very last minute due to food orders being prepared for us each day. Before purchasing tickets, please be aware of the possible weather conditions for that time of year.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you are comfortable in, but be sure to have comfortable shoes since we will be doing a fair amount of walking.
What should I expect during a 3-Hour Taste of Paris walking tour?
During our tour, you will learn about French food, culture, and the history of the neighborhood while tasting delicious food prepared by some of Paris’ best artisanal shops. Most of the food tastings are served while standing in or outside of the food establishment, and there is one seated tasting during the tour. This seated tasting takes around 20-25 minutes and will allow everyone to rest and enjoy themselves. While on the tour, we go in and out of food establishments and walk around the beautiful Parisian neighborhood, stopping to learn about French culture.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Restrooms will be available at the beginning of the tour. Public restrooms are not available in many of the establishments we are visiting, but if needed, you can always go into a café.
Are cameras allowed on the tour?
Yes. Cameras and filming are allowed during the tour. We strongly encourage participants to take photos during the tour. Feel free to post them to our Facebook page.
Is there parking near the tour meeting point?
We suggest taking the metro as parking in Paris can be difficult to come by.
