The Best Airbnb Experiences in Paris
There’s a lot of walking tour companies in Paris. I’ve taken hundreds (I’ve reviewed my favorite tour companies in this post). Besides formal tours, there’s another thing I love to do in Paris: Airbnb Experiences.
Airbnb Experiences are like the holy grail of tours: they are unique, off-the-beaten path, and run by locals who just want to share something they love. They aren’t cookie cutter walking tours or activities lead by a guide holding an umbrella. I absolutely love Airbnb Experiences. They are one of my favorite things to do in any city and, frankly, I don’t think nearly enough travelers do them. Whenever I run polls about them, half usually say they have never heard of them!
Now, I am telling you about them and urging you to add them into your itinerary on your next visit to Paris. Paris has a huge amount of Airbnb experiences and I’ve probably done between 20-25 of them. Here is my list of the top Airbnb Experiences in Paris:
Rediscover Jacqueline Marval
Jacqueline Marval was an impressionist painter who hung around Matisse, influenced Picaso, and was then largely forgotten to history. This exclusive gallery tour hosted by Paris-born curator Camille showcases her family’s 40-year effort in collecting Marval’s art and showcasing her legacy to the world. She tours you through their gallery, telling you about Marval’s life story and the history behind each piece. I didn’t know anything about Marval before this and it was really interesting to learn about her story and see her beautiful paintings. She was super talented. The experience also culminates with champagne served on a secluded terrace. All in all, this is an amazing experience to learn about a forgotten artist in the beautiful setting. Plus, Camille is well integrated into the Parisian art scene and can give you suggestions on what galleries and temporary exhibits to visit.
Savor French Wine and Cheese in a Hidden Shop
This was an amazing and intimate wine and cheese tasting hosted by certified expert, Erwan. In this cozy, no-classroom atmosphere, you’ll sample six unique French wines paired with six cheeses and fresh bread. Erwan shares the stories behind each bottle, making this experience both educational and delightful. I’ve taken a lot of wine and cheese classes in Paris and this was one of the best. The wines and cheeses are super unique and tasty and Erwan really gives you a detailed but easy to understand overview of wine and cheese in France. He’s super personable and funny and I think this is one of the best wine and cheese experience in Paris.
Sweet Tooth Tour of Old Paris
Katia is a lifestyle and food journalist who has written for some of the top publications in the world (like Vogue). She’s a pastry expert who will teach you a lot about pastries, France’s culinary history, and take you to some of the famous shops around the center of town. We tasted so many pastries that by the end I was like “I need a break.” That’s exactly what you want! It offers a lot of value for your money. If you have a sweet tooth, you have to take this Experience.
Explore Haussmann’s Paris with a Historian
In this experience, you join Ivan, a history expert, who will walk you around the center of Paris, explaining the history of the city and its architecture and development. He uses a lot of good historical pictures to explain his points, is really nice, and very engaging. The tour last around 2 hours and I learned a lot (and not to toot my own horn or anything but I used to run a similar tour so I also know a lot so if I can learn something, that means the guide is really good)!
Learn Art at Musée d’Orsay in Paris
I’ve done a lot of art tours of the d’Orsay but this was one of my favorites. You get skip the line access (which is great because the line for this museum has long lines) and then a wonderful in-depth tour about how the Impressionism movement came about, it’s legacy, and detailed information about the main artists of the area (Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, etc.). My guide, Hugo, was incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. When you book, be sure to ask for him. He’s so good!
French Wine Class with a Sommelier
Thierry, your sommelier, is a fun and knowledgeable host who goes into great detail about French wine. This class was an education. He’s generous with his pours and really gives you a lot of information on French wine, the regions, and how to figure out tasting notes. It’s definitely a more “serious” wine tasting. My friends and I learned so much! It was one of the most educational wine classes I’ve ever taken and Theirry is really good at making wine approachable!
While there’s tons of walking tour and experience options in Paris, I think you do yourself a disservice if you don’t take at least one Airbnb Experience while you visit. You really get to learn and experience new and different aspects of life, Paris history, and food. And, to me, these ones are the top of the top so be sure to book one of them on your next trip!
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!
For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Paris. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, transportation and safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today!
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Book Your Trip to Paris: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
For suggested hostels, here is a list of my favorite hostels in Paris. If you prefer hotels, these are my favorite hotels.
And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of Paris!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (for budget travelers)
- World Nomads (for mid-range travelers)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Paris?
Be sure to visit my robust destination guide to Paris for even more blogging tips!
