France
Independent Paris: People, Places, Culture
Program No. 10034RJ
Celebrate the grand culture of Paris on expert-led walks and independent excursions, reveling in architecture, world-class museums, famed cuisine and traditional open-air markets.
Participant Reviews
Based on 84 Reviews
SHOWING
Independent Paris was a fabulous trip with a good mix of independent and group excursions. Accommodations were super; fellow travelers were social; and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly.
— Review left July 8, 2025
I loved the educational aspect of the program from both our group leader and our expert instructor. The morning talks made the sightseeing even more memorable. Our group leader was a true pro, she knew her way around Paris and also encouraged us to explore and absorb all the new experiences, even during our independent time. She was a delight to spend time with.
The hotel was located in a conveniently walkable part of the city, with a lovely courtyard for meeting up with our new friends later. The full breakfast was delicious.
The airport transfers were on time and ran smoothly.
— Review left June 23, 2025
This program offered the perfect balance of impeccably-presented lectures and fabulous tours with the opportunity for independent discovery. The expert lecturer and tour guide were both spectacular. We liked to be able to eat most of our meals on our own. This was an outstanding experience in all ways.
— Review left June 18, 2025
Good balance of structured vs independent time with the goals of seeing key sites, education to appreciate sits and history, and orienting participants to navigating and assuring success in independent exploration. I credit this success to Marianne. She initiated communication before we arrived and went well beyond in working with us individually in our plans and addressing concerns. She was like an individual travel consultant. She was endless in her ability to assist and her patience. James made topics that I was not as interested in become meaningful. His humor and commentary made it more meaningful and interesting. Paris is so complex in it's history, sites to see, and in getting around that I felt this program was necessary to my experience.
— Review left May 19, 2025
This was an excellent introduction to Paris and its culture. I feel that with the experience that it provided me I could visit it easily on my own in the future.
— Review left May 11, 2025
A great way to maximize a week in Paris-especially for art lovers-fantastic museums!!! We enjoyed guided group tours of Orsay ( Impressionists), Marmottan ( private home -now museum - good collection of Monets and Morrisots) and Louvre (overwhelmingly abundant art). During free time I was able to use our 6-day museum pass to visit Cluny ( Medieval and Paris' Roman baths), Orangerie ( 2 rooms of 6 huge Monet waterlilly panels to contemplate), Picasso, Pompideu ( modern). The initial bus tour helps with Paris orientation. The Seine dinner cruise was really nice, but because water levels were high, we could not cruise past major landmarks. We received free tickets to return- (The company honored mine when I returned the following week). The evening concert at St. Germain-de-Pres was excellent (Vivaldi, Albioni, Schubert in a beautiful setting). I especially loved visiting St. Chapelle- that and the concert were the highlights. Notre Dame is currently open with huge crowds lined up and waiting - but closed for group access until summer 2025. We had some nice educational talks and walks. Except for the bus tour, we used Paris METRO which makes Paris very accessible and beats the traffic above, but which is very packed at peak hours (mostly standing room) and requires navigating multiple flights of stairs -No elevators. Exceedingly rare escalators may not function where they do exist. Connections can involve even more stairs ( Stalingrad station=105 steps Montmartre connection. Because I fell a few days before the trip, I tried unsuccessfully to minimize metro stairs by substituting Uber to meet-up with the group before Louvre. Traffic delays held up Uber and the drop off point differed from that requested. Our guide, Nettah, was very helpful and informative. Being with the group helped with orientation to Paris and with time maximization. Marais was a nice location. Jardins du Marais was a good accomodation choice with daily bountiful breakfast buffets.
— Review left December 21, 2024
This was an excellent program and Nettah was a great group leader. All of the guides were informative, knowledgeable, entertaining and easy to listen to. As one who was in Paris for the first time, I found this program to be a great introduction to the city while at the same time offering lots of information for those who have been here in the past as well. I highly recommend this Road Scholar program.
— Review left December 17, 2024
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our first Road ScholarTrip "Paris: People, Places, Culture." We learned a lot about Paris and were very impressed with both our group leader and our scholar leader, who were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful throughout the program. We look forward to future RS trips.
— Review left November 30, 2024
Vivian and I heard about Road Scholar from my 2 sisters, both of whom strongly encouraged us to take one of your tours. When I saw the Paris tour, which would have us in Paris on our 40th anniversary, our decision was easy. Our tour leader Jo made the experience very special, and worked tirelessly to make sure that our needs were addressed and our questions answered. She was amazing. We look forward to our next Road Scholar tour!
— Review left October 26, 2024
You won't be disappointed with Independent Paris
— Review left October 24, 2024
Jo and James provided a wonderful and memorable experience.
— Review left October 23, 2024
Fabulous tip. Right balance between structured tours and free time to explore on your own. Jo and James were fantastic. You’ll be in expert hands. I’d rate them both a 6 outta 5 ! Paris is a MUST SEE ! Versailles, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, the Arch de Triumph, all the museums… so much to do ! And the food… it's French ! what can you say ? The RER and Metro make it SO easy to get around !
— Review left October 22, 2024
Jo and James allowed Paris to open like a delightful gift each day! Because they laid the perfect foundation, our days were able to unfold as joyful explorations!!! I’ll never forget Paris in October with Road Scholar!!!
— Review left October 21, 2024
A lot of walking and metro. There's another tour that busses you. Good trip. Great tour director and museum guide. Paris is a lovely city and this trip educated and took me through out the city.
— Review left October 15, 2024
Thibault was an excellent Guide. One of the best I’ve ever had. The trip was great. Particularly the dinner in the Eiffel Tower and the mini trips on Metro. Paris is wonderful. James was also a great lecture. Full of grade information.
— Review left October 5, 2024
Our guide and local expert were top-notch, and I enjoyed the program immensely. Be prepared to walk 18-20k steps per day, and you won't have as much free time as you think ... but I felt much more like a student of Paris than a tourist, which was exactly the experience I was hoping to have.
— Review left September 29, 2024
My experiences with Road Scholar on a tour of Paris were exceptional. The guide, instructor, tours, accommodations, meals, everything was better than expected. Road Scholar handled every detail so I was free to immerse myself in the full exposure. I highly recommend this tour.
— Review left September 26, 2024
If you want to get to know the best of a place, and not just sightsee and shop, Road Scholar is the way for
you to go and see the world.
— Review left September 23, 2024
I really enjoyed the program. My only disappointment was that I let road scholar book my air. I live in Houston, Texas and there are many direct flights to Paris. I was not booked on any of these, and this made my travel at least 6 hours longer each way.
— Review left September 22, 2024
One of the best trips I've been on! Road Scholar took care of all the details so we could just enjoy and learn about Paris. Group leaders were amazing and made the trip a success.
— Review left July 18, 2024
This program was excellent and exceeded all expectations! The guides were fantastic and the level of learning and experiences was exceptional. Highly recommend.
— Review left July 16, 2024
I highly recommend this Road Scholar program with Odile and James. Don't hesitate to enroll, you will be enlightened and you will be changed for the better.
— Review left June 22, 2024
I'm excited to plan my next Road Scholar trip, Road Scholar made everything so convenient, educational and exciting.
— Review left May 23, 2024
Independent Paris nicely balances time to explore (or to people gaze at a cafe) with a solid introduction to the City of Light. We felt perfectly able to see more on our own, and to appreciate Road Scholar’s highlights. Note, this is a genuine Let’s Go trip; be ready to actively explore.
— Review left May 22, 2024
If you’re unsure about visiting a foreign city on your own for the first time — especially one where you don’t speak the language — yet you’re seeking the freedom and time to explore your way, then this program is for you. You’ve got a Group Leader at your fingertips who can offer information, advice and helpful hints as you need them, along with the option of educational lectures, museum visits and some specially curated outings along the way. After each day and night that I spent exploring on my own, I felt safe returning to the hotel — located in the heart of one of the best neighborhoods of Paris — with the Metro a mere block away. So go ahead … eat the croissants and baguettes, drink the wine, stroll the Seine, stand under the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles at night, immerse yourself in a café among the locals over a long meal, and meander the winding cobblestone streets leading to ancient cathedrals and castles. Make Paris your own, knowing Road Scholar’s got you covered on this independent learning adventure!
— Review left May 22, 2024
Excellent program if you are interested in getting a broad overview of the neighborhoods and primary museums of Paris. I enjoyed the free time allowed to explore on my own.
— Review left May 20, 2024
Independent Paris: People, Places, Culture was the first Roads Scholar my husband and I had taken. It was the perfect size (17 lovely people) and had a wonderful group leader, Penny Olds. We walked a lot: averaging around 6 miles a day. The expert guides provided excellent information. We loved our hotel, Les Jardins du Marais: beautiful, convenient and accomodating. Great schedule and locations. Highly recommended!
— Review left May 15, 2024
Wonderful tour with extensive historical and practical materials led by top-notch instructors. A tremendous amount of coverage of the history and physical being of Paris, the neighborhoods, architecture and culture, was covered. Activity level was accurately described.
— Review left April 23, 2024
My husband and I had a wonderful time on this trip. Our group leader did a fantastic job organizing our activities, guiding our group on the metro, and developing contingency plans when necessary. For example, when the crowds at Montmartre were excessive, she scouted out walkways for us to take that were both scenic and of limited incline to avoid the extreme steepness of the terrain, taking us past and explaining significant landmarks along the way. The lectures on the history and culture of the city were both interesting and informative. One of the most delightful experiences of this trip was the evening concert at Saint-Chapelle. The venue was beautiful and the musicians were superb. It is unlikely that we would have thought to do a concert if we had traveled without Road Scholar. This program offers a good balance of guided activities and free time for personal exploration.
— Review left April 23, 2024
Any chance you get to travel with Laura Leguey and James McKenzie take advantage, they are terrific.
— Review left April 1, 2024
Such a wonderful first Road Scholar trip. Can't say enough about our wonderful group leader, Jo Lurie, who looked after our every need. Our tour guide James gave us such an insightful and enlightening tour of the districts and museums of Paris. The hotel and meals were good and there was free time to explore on your own. I would recommend this tour without hesitation.
— Review left November 22, 2023
I spent a weekend in Paris as a study-abroad student in Strasbourg. This whet my appetite for more of Paris and my husband and I found this trip a dream come true. It was rich, exciting (and an exhausting) experience. Thank you Road Scholar.
— Review left November 1, 2023
I loved my trip to Paris! I was in awe of the beautiful works of art we saw, accompanied by our very knowledgable guide. Fun trip participants and an excellent leader Jo Lurie.
— Review left October 24, 2023
Well organized, educational plus it gave us time for our own independence. Jo Lurie went WAY over the top in her assistance and guidance. James was wonderful in guiding our daily events and passed along excellent information about Paris.
— Review left October 13, 2023
Any program with Thibault as a group leader would be a success. He was energetic, enthusiastic, and always entertaining. He made each of us feel welcome and engaged. The picnic in the park he planned on his own was a highlight of the trip. His leadership was exemplary. Overall, the trip was a good value. We especially enjoyed the independent time to explore neighborhoods. Although it is rated as most active, participants may choose to skip planned field trips so they can go at their own pace.
— Review left October 12, 2023
I could not have been more pleased with our Paris program. Thibeault and James were outstanding leaders/educators. Road Scholar far exceeded my expectations with this program and I look forward to participating in future trips.
— Review left October 1, 2023
Could not have asked for a better first trip to Paris. The mix of free time and organized activities was just right for me. I managed fine without speaking French. This was also my first Road Scholar trip. I was one of the younger members of the group (I'm 62). There were two Black people and no out LGBT folks. I'm sure people of color and LGBT people would be welcomed but just know you might be the only one.
— Review left September 26, 2023
Paris is a fabulous, and others will probably go into detail about their experiences in the city. But for me, perhaps the most significant thing about the trip was that none of the things I had been worrying about actually happened. Our flights were not cancelled, and we did not lose our passports. We weren't treated rudely in restaurants and we weren't robbed on the Metro. I might do a few things differently next time -- I would try to learn a little more French, and would get some Euros ahead of time -- but I would love to do this same trip again in a year or two.
— Review left September 21, 2023
When we arrived in Paris, our first thought was "this is an awesome and overwhelming city---how can we possibly do it justice in a week"?! Turns out it was not up to us! Our Road Scholars' group leader accomplished it in fine fashion! Being surrounded by our fellow travelers, who are interesting and interested, was a significant asset to our experience.
— Review left September 20, 2023
This was a very enjoyable and worthwhile trip with a group that was a pleasure to travel with. Thibault and James proved to be a dynamic duo of knowledge, leadership, and humor. They worked very well together and were intent on helping every participant get the most out of being in Paris. The instructional component of this program was excellent, as was the entire itinerary of planned visits and activities, and having a fair amount of free time enabled us to explore Paris on our own as well. Whether a first timer or a veteran of visiting the City of Light, I highly recommend this program. Be prepared to do a lot of walking and stair climbing as you maneuver your way through the city and use the metro. It will all create memories you'll never forget.
— Review left September 19, 2023
The Independent Paris trip was my first Road Scholar adventure. I found the pace, independence, accommodations and learning to be perfect. The group leaders were wonderful. And it was a great value, as well! I found it to be the perfect travel experience.
— Review left September 11, 2023
As a relatively younger person with an advanced degree, I was admittedly skeptical about the kind of experience I'd be getting into while accompanying my mother (a Road Scholar veteran) on this, my first international trip. I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip overall: the guides (Emmanuel and Jennifer), the accommodations, the itinerary, and the people. I was especially impressed by how smooth things went overall, thanks to the work of Emmanuel and Jennifer, and how caring and careful our guides were navigating museums and other visits, navigating the metro, navigating tech (headsets). Emmanuel and Jennifer were perfect guides, bringing expert knowledge, humor and heart into every last detail. My mother and I attended a private concert at Sainte-Chapelle that, while not listed on the initial itinerary, was part of the program and it changed my life. This was one of a dozen world-opening, life-shifting opportunities I experienced. If you're a younger person thinking of taking this trip: you're not too cool or ironic to learn a lot and also have a good time.
— Review left August 21, 2023
The Independent Paris program was an excellent mix of lectures, field trips, and free time. Culture, history, cafes, museums, food - Paris has it all!
— Review left July 2, 2023
This is a great adventure. Paris is a beautifully unique city and the guides highlight different parts that make up this charm.
— Review left June 12, 2023
The program was excellent in every respect. The hotel Jardins du Marais has an excellent breakfast, with anything you could possibly want. The activity level is fast paced. In retrospect I would have chosen Paris at a Slower Pace to avoid several things in the Metro: stair climbing, pickpockets and being crammed into tight quarters with many people. Didn't see anyone with a mask. Covid remains a real risk.
I found the French people to be sweet and kind. If you follow the French rules of etiquette as described on day one of orientation, you will find the same.
— Review left May 31, 2023
No matter which program you attend, domestic or overseas, Road Scholar is far ahead of other companies. Best programs, best prices. Frank
— Review left May 24, 2023
The trip of a lifetime! What an amazing experience I had on the Independent Paris trip. I would recommend the trip and specifically our group leaders, Thibault and James, as the ideal way to experience Paris for the first time!
— Review left May 21, 2023
Had a great time in Paris. Got a real feel for the city and the venues that were visited. There was not one of the members of the group that we didn't have many conversations with about the tours and personally. We would do it again to other destinations in a heartbeat.
— Review left December 13, 2022
Excellent program for balancing the long and incredible history of Paris with the remarkable culture (i.e. art) of Paris. A great introduction to Paris
— Review left December 12, 2022
The entire tour was well organized from start to finish. The tour leader was capable and helpful. The historical and cultural guide was very knowledgeable and humorous.. As a solo traveler I enjoyed the group experience and the roommate with whom I was paired. However, I was disappointed with the location of the hotel. It was not centrally located and often required long trips underground on the metro. With a more centrally located hotel, I would highly recommend this tour.
— Review left November 17, 2022
Excellent trip with guides that did not disappoint!
— Review left November 7, 2022
It was thoroughly enjoyable!! I will use and recommend Road Scholar in the future.
— Review left October 20, 2022
My trip to Paris was a transformative, rich, and thrilling experience. Our coordinator and lecturer were so enjoyable as people, in addition to being highly skilled at their jobs. Finally, the other participants were equally enjoyable. I made new friends and plan to keep in touch.
— Review left October 19, 2022
Perfect for the independent traveler who wants to stretch their knowledge of a location they already know. The additional lectures each day added to my overall experiences of the trip.
— Review left October 18, 2022
Great overall view of Paris and it's history and arts. I really learned a lot in a fun and interesting way. I think if you can put in the miles it is well worth the money.
— Review left July 18, 2022
Independent Paris was a great combination of guided excursions and lectures with sufficient free time to explore on our own. Highly recommend.
— Review left July 5, 2022
three generations of my family were on the trip and the program was equally thrilling for the whole family
— Review left June 22, 2022
If you want an enjoyable introduction to Paris, especially the fine arts and cultural history of the city, and don't mind some walking and using the Metro, this would be a great trip for you.
— Review left May 30, 2022
Our 2nd RS trip was even better than we could have possibly imagined given the last few years we've all been through. Paris was magical and the incredible tour guide team of Elsa and Jennifer made it all the more accessible and special. We so hope to return and revisit the City of Lights!
— Review left May 22, 2022
This is an outstanding introduction to Paris for those who want to learn the basics of Parisian history and culture as a foundation for their own travels in and around Paris. The caliber of instruction from James was very high. Tom displayed an exceptional ability to keep the group organized, on-track and comfortable, and to provide us with extra assistance when the need arose, as it did on numerous occasions. Both James and Tom are absolute pros, and I would love to do more tours with either of them.
— Review left May 22, 2022
Our Independent Paris program was outstanding in every way. The guides and instructors were extremely knowledgeable and articulate. The tour group was friendly and interesting and fun to spend time with. Overall, a great program at a favorable price. I highly recommend it.
— Review left May 22, 2022
Website has plenty of info - truthful headlines, a bit more detail to tell you if it’s for you, and then a pretty detailed description so you know 80% of what to expect every day. The other 20% happen when you get real people on the ground making magic.
— Review left May 17, 2022
The trip was a blast! Thom's organization skills had the trip go off without a hitch. James' instruction was detailed and insightful. I would gladly take another trip with them. The activity description is correct, you have to be able to stand, walk, and go up and down stairs to enjoy this program.
— Review left April 22, 2022
WOW! Even though I'm not a huge history or museum fan, I absolutely loved this program. I have been studying the French language since the pandemic began, however, and so I have become quite interested in French culture, now and historically. There is a lot of walking, stair climbing, and standing around on this program, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. I preferred my hiking boots because of many cobble stones in places. (I don't see a place to mark number of stars but I give this program 5 stars!)
— Review left April 18, 2022
Wonderful trip. It has been a lifelong dream to go to Paris. Because of covid, I had to wait. Worth it?
My highest recommendation.
— Review left April 18, 2022
5 stars out of 5! This trip was fun, informative, and enlightening. Our leaders, Martin and James, are upbeat and knowledgeable about everything related to Paris. This was my first Road Scholar trip, but it will not be my last. Buy a pair of comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking, and go for it. You will love Independent Paris!
— Review left April 4, 2022
like all my travel adventures this past trip to Paris was exciting and challenging considering the covid risk. However over all it was a good trip with an impressive group of Road Scholar leaders and a great group of travelers.Eric Thompson and Laurent Guariglia kept us informed and entertained. Eric thompson always was looking out for our safety and well being. Laurent kept us informed and constantly lectured our Group on Parisian history and French culture.
— Review left December 4, 2021
This is a fabulous way to see Paris and learn about the architecture, art and history while making new friends and eating exceptional food. Paris was magic.
— Review left December 3, 2021
My wife and I just got back from our adventure on the "Independent Paris" trip with Road Scholar. It was our first Road Scholar trip, but not our last. The tour director and the lecturer/guide where wonderful. They managed everything but still treated us like adults and empowered us to explore Paris on our own when we had free time. We left Paris knowing and appreciating it so much more than we had on our previous trips to this wonderful city. We cannot say enough about how much fun we had. We are looking forward to our next Road Scholar adventure, very soon.
— Review left November 18, 2021
We just took our first Road Scholar tour (Independent Paris) and can't wait to do many more. The small group size (17) removed that herded feeling I've had with other companies. The group leader and guide were outstanding without appearing to be performing/acting. We were treated as adults and then friends. Can't wait to do it again.
— Review left November 18, 2021
This program is a comprehensive course on French history through to current historical, sociological and cultural events.
— Review left November 2, 2021
This trip could not have been better. Good hotel, around the corner from the Metro, a grocery store, pharmacy and several cafes. The guides, Emmanuelle and Tristan, made the program informative and fun. Everything worked like clockwork and our independent ventures were supported. Paris was easy to navigate. I feel like we saw all the major sites as well as local sites we would not have known without our wonderful guides. I cannot say enough about it - you have to go and find out for yourself.
— Review left October 13, 2021
Do It!!
— Review left September 29, 2021
We just got back from Paris with Road Scholar, and it was a great trip. Good hotel in an interesting part of the city half a block away from a subway stop with good restaurants nearby. Paris is incredibly beautiful with so much history and so much art. You should go. COVID vaccination cards required to enter all buildings, so we felt safe.
— Review left September 29, 2021
Great Trip. Guides were excellent and helpful, they complimented each other. Despite the Nationwide strike we missed nothing. The guides did a great job, seamless, you would not have known there was a strike in place. Paris was wonderful and beyond expectations.
— Review left December 27, 2019
This program was excellent. It was my third trip to Paris, but the first that I felt like I really got to know it. The walking tours and the museum tours were great! And the leaders were both excellent.
— Review left October 14, 2019
The Independent Paris Road Scholar program was outstanding on all levels, from the impressive expertise and skills of the two tour guides and the design of the instructor led-field trips to the size of the group and the quality of the accommodations.
— Review left May 20, 2019
A perfectly paced trip with outstanding group leaders and a charming boutique hotel in a safe and pretty location walkable to much and within proximity to an easy-to-use Metro station which took us to those areas and places that we wanted to see.
— Review left May 17, 2019
Independent Paris in April 2019 was our first Road Scholar trip. There will be others. We had a wonderful time. The trip exceeded our expectations in every respect.
— Review left May 1, 2019
Great web site!
— Review left April 29, 2019
This week-long Road Scholar trip will give participants a feel for Paris: the tourist highlights and cafe and Metro life of Parisians.
— Review left April 7, 2019
The program Independent Paris was excellent in all aspects including hotel accommodations, food, program content and especially our group leaders, Pauline and James who were experts and most helpful. We recommend this program without reservation.
— Review left April 5, 2019
Outstanding experience - our guides Pauline and James were delightful, humorous and made every day an adventure. There is nothing James does not know about French history, art, and culture, and nothing Pauline doesn't know about the French people, food, wine,current events and how to navigate le Metro! Many special touches and surprises every day - just a wonderful week all around! Highly recommend this high energy trip with just the right amount of group time and independent time.
— Review left April 1, 2019
If you like walking, history, museums, churches and exploring a different culture - then this is the tour for you. Walking and Standing are a big part of what is required, but it's well worth it!
— Review left March 31, 2019