Where do I even start? Let's start with a statement that will make you realize how exceptional this experience truly is: My couple of hours that I had on this tour, was the highlight of my trip while in France for 10 days. Nothing compares to what I saw, what I learned and the smile that was on my face, while we whizzed around Paris for an evening, in the back of the Citroen car.
I scheduled our tour to be on our third night in the city, because we did the late night tour and I didn't want to be tired and jet lagged. Nicolas picked us up promptly from the restaurant that I gave him the name to. To be honest, just being in touch by email, I didn't know what to expect and what Nicolas was really like. I heard about his tour from someone that I sat on the plane next to- on the way to Italy about a year ago! The gentleman raved about his tour and how it was worth every cent. I researched a bit and found other tours, but I kept coming back to this one and finally decided to set it up.
When Nicolas pulled up in the amazing and (super) adorable car, he jumped out with a huge smile on his face "Hello, I'm Nicolas!" Knowing that we had been in town for a couple of days, he asked if there was anything we really wanted to see and if there were things we didn't want to or care to repeat during our time with him.
It was cold during our time in Paris and I am terrible when it comes to the cold- but Nicolas had already thought ahead- he had a blanket in the car and the rooftop was closed- but you can see through the top- it's plastic....I was impressed!!
I highly recommend doing a night tour if you have the time to. Not only because seeing a city like this, lit up at night is basically magic- but there are less people out and about of course! You've got some of the roads completely to yourself! We were able to stop in the street, he would point something out and then he'd elaborate and tell us stories and the history of the sight.
About 30 minutes into the tour I asked Nicolas if he was a history major- this man knows his stuff!! His french accent gives him the extra charm, but it doesn't interfere with understanding him- his English is great. He showed us and told us things that I would have never noticed if looking at these sights myself. We went down little streets and alley ways and main streets and maybe even a sidewalk at one point (joking)- we covered everything!
We stopped in front of a church and our wonderful guide brought out a bottle of Champagne for my mom and I to share during the tour. For those Champagne lovers, yes, it's the REAL stuff, not just sparkling wine. Nicolas goes and picks it up from Reims from a particular Champagne house- I'm going to have to ask him for the name again it was delicious and definitely the icing on the cake. Who doesn't want to be chauffeured around the city of Paris, while sipping Champagne in good company, in the back of a beautiful car. I mean when you think about it- it's ridiculous. It's the most genius tour to go on while in the city of light...ever.
When you experience such a good thing, you can't help but want to spread word about it and make sure that anyone you know gets to enjoy something so fabulous- just like you did. I got back from my trip a couple of weeks ago, but I've been waiting to write the review so I could put some thought into it. I still can't put into words how much fun I had. Neither can my mother. Nicolas was so personable and so easy to interact with. I wouldn't say this is a once in a life time opportunity, only because if I'm ever in Paris again- I'll be booking myself for another tour with his company. I'm not big on repeating things, but I guarantee it would be just as fun as the first time and of course there are always more things to see in this big of a city.
I can't forget to mention how we stopped and had ice cream during the night. It's a very famous restaurant, known for their ice cream. Which when we happened to walk by the place the very next day, we laughed at how many people were standing in line for it. We were just there the night before and were served right away. Nicolas is of course friends with the people working there, so they welcomed us and made jokes while preparing our scoop of ice cream. I had the "miel" flavor - which is honey. I'm not a big fan of ice cream, but I felt bad saying no. I'm glad I didn't though, it was delicious.
Do yourself a favor and book a tour. I know some of my friends or maybe you are a bit skeptical because of the price, but when you're booking yourself to have one of the most memorable nights of your life, you won't remember how much you paid after. You will have memories to share and memories to look back on for a lifetime. Repeat after me: Private tour of Paris, in the back of a Citroen car, not a worry in the world, champagne in my hand. Book it!
Thank you Nicolas. When you decide to come to Portland, I will tour you around in my Jeep anytime! Merci mon ami! Big hugs, Kelsey and Lori read more