Paris has countless guided walks and tours, but one of my favorite ways to experience the city is through Airbnb Experiences. These local-led activities are often off the beaten path, intimate, and focused on a real passion—nothing cookie-cutter. I’ve done two dozen or so in Paris; here are the ones I think are the most memorable and why they’re worth adding to your itinerary.
Rediscover Jacqueline Marval
This gallery tour is led by Camille, a Paris-born curator who helps tell the story of Jacqueline Marval, an impressionist-era painter who moved in circles with Matisse and Picasso but was largely forgotten. Camille shares her family’s decades-long effort to collect Marval’s work, and she guides you through the paintings while explaining Marval’s life and context. The visit ends with champagne on a quiet terrace—a lovely way to learn about an overlooked artist and get insider tips on current gallery shows.
Savor French Wine and Cheese in a Hidden Shop
Hosted by Erwan, a certified wine expert, this cozy tasting pairs six distinctive French wines with six cheeses and fresh bread. The atmosphere is relaxed—no classroom feel—and Erwan mixes tasting notes with entertaining stories about each pairing. If you want an accessible, educational, and delicious introduction to French wine and cheese culture, this is one of the best options I’ve tried in Paris.
A Frenchie Food & Wine Experience
For a higher-end meal, this tasting at Altro Frenchie (by Chef Greg Marchand) combines a sparkling aperitivo, standout wines chosen by a head sommelier, and a chef-curated multi-course tasting lunch. You’ll enjoy several glasses of wine, cheeses or starters, and a substantial six-course menu. It’s pricier but excellent value for a special culinary treat.
Secrets of the Tower with an Eiffel Descendant
Meet Savin Yeatman‑Eiffel at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for a family-centered look at its creation. This walk focuses on rarely seen photographs, sketches, and heirlooms from a private family collection, and explores the controversy and debates that surrounded the tower’s building. It’s a unique historical perspective you won’t get on standard tours. Note: this experience does not include going up the tower.
Black Presence in Paris: A Historical Tour
This thoughtful walking tour explores the contributions of Black people in Parisian history—figures like Josephine Baker, Félix and Eugénie Éboué, and pioneering political leaders. Starting near the Panthéon and ending by the Luxembourg Palace, the host highlights cultural, literary, and political influences often missing from mainstream history walks. It’s eye-opening and well worth taking for a fuller picture of Paris’s past.
Inside Paris’s First Microbrewery
Visit a microbrewery run by its owner, Antoine, in a neighborhood many tourists miss. The tour covers the story of craft brewing in Paris, the brewing process, and what makes each beer unique, and it includes generous tastings. It’s a great, engaging example of the kind of small-scale, local experiences that make Airbnb Experiences special.
Why take an Airbnb Experience in Paris?
They’re intimate, local, and often reveal corners of the city and slices of culture larger tours miss. Even taking one experience can add depth and personality to your trip. Whether you love art, food, history, or craft beverages, there’s likely an experience that fits your interests.
Planning tips for Paris
– Flights: Use a broad search engine to compare routes and prices across many airlines and sites.
– Accommodation: Decide whether you prefer hostels, budget hotels, or guesthouses and book early in popular seasons. Use established booking platforms to compare options and rates.
– Travel insurance: Protect against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Popular options for travelers include plans geared to digital nomads, mid-range travelers, and travelers over 70, as well as services that provide additional repatriation coverage.
– Neighborhoods: Pick an area that matches your priorities—proximity to museums, nightlife, or quieter residential streets—and factor metro access into your choice.
Final thought
If you’re visiting Paris, try at least one Airbnb Experience. They’re a simple way to meet passionate locals, learn something new, and see the city from a different angle. Each of the experiences above offers a distinct slice of Paris—art, food, history, or craft culture—and together they show why local-led activities are worth seeking out.
