Meet your private guide for the day at either your hotel in central Paris or on avenue des Champs-Élysées and climb into the waiting vintage 2CV car. These somewhat odd-looking cars were first introduced in the mid-1940s as work vehicles for French farmers, and though the design changed quite a bit over the years the original cars have become much beloved in France and elsewhere.
Ease out into the city, taking in the sights from the passenger seat of your 2CV, as your private guide offers informative commentary about the city and (if you like) the car.
Pass up the more familiar sights of Paris for some of the city's lesser-known attractions. Drive past the lovely Place Vendôme, an overlooked square surrounded by chic shops and jewelry stores. See a mural by French artist Jean-Michel Othniel, a piece of street art called Kiosque des Noctambules. Pause for a photo-op by the Stravinsky Fountain, decorated with sculptures that are supposed to mimic running water.
Drive through the bohemian Marais quarter to see Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine, another pretty and overlooked square, as well as two luxurious private homes – Hôtel de Sully and Hôtel de Sens. Listen as your guide tells you about the artists and street performers who work and live in Le Marais.
Your tour lasts roughly 1.5 hours, after which your guide will drive you back to your city center hotel or to the pick-up point near the Opera Garnier.
Please note: Citroen 2CVs are smaller than modern cars, so for the comfort of all travelers these tours are limited to three people per car (not including the driver). If your group is larger than three, that's no problem – this tour can be booked for groups as large as nine people, with each trio having its own car and driver and all cars traveling together in a convoy.
