Stroll along the Canal St Martin like Amélie Poulain, get lost in Le Louvre, don’t pay attention to the rude waiters and eat A LOT of croissants.
Paris is a city rich in culture and history, making it an ideal destination for large groups looking to immerse themselves in a variety of experiences. Whether your group is interested in art, history, music, or French cuisine, Paris offers plenty of cultural activities to explore. Here are 8 fun and enriching cultural activities that a group of 30 or more can enjoy in Paris:
1. Private Guided Tour of the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous art museums in the world, and a private guided tour is a great way for large groups to explore its vast collection. A knowledgeable guide can lead your group through the museum’s highlights, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and other masterpieces. With a private tour, your group will have a more personalized experience, avoiding the crowds and learning about the museum’s treasures in depth.
- Best for: Art and history lovers.
- Tip: Book the tour in advance and request multiple guides to break the group into smaller sections for a more intimate experience.
2. Exclusive Cooking Class and Market Tour
For a hands-on cultural experience, consider booking a private French cooking class for your group. Start the day with a guided tour of a local Parisian market, where you’ll learn about French ingredients and food culture. After shopping, the group will head to a kitchen where a professional chef will guide everyone through preparing a classic French meal. It’s a fun and interactive way to bond over food while learning about French cuisine.
- Best for: Food enthusiasts, team-building activities.
- Tip: Opt for a cooking class in a private kitchen that can accommodate large groups or book a session with multiple stations for hands-on participation.
3. River Cruise on the Seine
A private Seine River cruise is a quintessential Parisian experience and a fantastic way for large groups to see the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Musée d’Orsay. Many companies offer private boat charters for groups, and you can customize the cruise with a live guide, catering, or even live music for an extra special experience.
- Best for: Sightseeing, photography, relaxing group activities.
- Tip: Choose an evening cruise to see the city illuminated, including the stunning Eiffel Tower light show.
4. Private Tour of the Palace of Versailles
A short trip from Paris, the Palace of Versailles offers an unforgettable experience for large groups. A private tour will take your group through the palace’s opulent rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Apartments, while providing insights into the history of French royalty. You can also explore the magnificent gardens, fountains, and the smaller palaces, such as the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette’s Estate.
- Best for: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers.
- Tip: Opt for a private guide to navigate the busy palace more easily, and consider including a visit to the gardens in your tour.
5. Fabulous Cabaret Show at Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris
For an evening of entertainment, book a group package at one of Paris’s legendary cabaret shows, such as the Moulin Rouge or Lido de Paris. These shows offer a dazzling display of French cabaret, including dancing, live music, and elaborate costumes. Large groups can enjoy dinner and a show for a full Parisian night out, with VIP options available for more exclusive seating.
- Best for: Evening entertainment, French culture.
- Tip: Book early for large groups to ensure the best seating arrangements.
6. Walking Tour of Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most charming and historically significant neighborhoods in Paris, known for its bohemian past and artistic heritage. A private walking tour of Montmartre can take your group through the district’s winding streets, visiting landmarks like the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, the Place du Tertre (famous for its street artists), and sites associated with famous artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Toulouse-Lautrec.
- Best for: Art lovers, history buffs, photography.
- Tip: Consider adding a stop at the Musée de Montmartre to learn more about the area’s artistic history.
7. Wine Tasting in a Parisian Cellar
Experience French wine culture with a private wine tasting session in a Parisian wine cellar. A sommelier will guide your group through a tasting of a variety of French wines, from Bordeaux to Burgundy, along with cheese pairings and explanations of French wine-making traditions. Many wine cellars in Paris can accommodate large groups and provide an intimate atmosphere to learn about French wine culture.
- Best for: Wine lovers, cultural exploration.
- Tip: Customize the tasting to focus on a particular region of France or specific types of wine, depending on your group’s preferences.
8. Private Tour of the Opéra Garnier
For a touch of grandeur and architectural beauty, arrange a private tour of the Opéra Garnier. This 19th-century opera house is one of Paris’s most iconic buildings, famous for its stunning interiors, including the Grand Staircase, Chagall’s ceiling fresco, and the Plafond de l’Opéra. A private tour allows your group to explore this magnificent building without the crowds, learning about its history, architecture, and significance in the world of opera and ballet.
- Best for: Architecture enthusiasts, performing arts lovers.
- Tip: Combine the tour with tickets to a performance at the Opéra Garnier for a full cultural experience.
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