Top France Archaeology Tours

Lyon’s old town is riddled with secret passageways and history. This immersive, guided walking tour begins at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and takes you through the traboules (covered passageways used by silk workers to transport fabrics), to present-day silk workshops, and the Museum of Cinema and Miniatures, before finishing up at the Grand Hotel Dieu, formerly the city hospital, now a luxury hotel and shopping complex.

Lyon flies more under the tourist radar than it should—with UNESCO sites aplenty, 2,000 years of visible architecture, and some of the country’s best foodie experiences, the city’s one world-class adventure. You’ll learn about and see all the best spots on this walking tour, your local guide leading the way from the neighborhood of Croix-Rousse to the famous Vieux Lyon.

Discover one of the most important landmarks in Paris–and skip the long ticket lines outside–with this small-group tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Go beyond simple sightseeing, uncover hidden corners, and learn all about the monument’s history and architecture with insights from your guide. Along the way, hear tales of city legends and discover facts you might otherwise have missed.

*** This tour is not accessible for people with reduced mobility *** *** This tour can also be operated in the afternoon on request *** Get in touch with your primeval nature as you discover some of the oldest relics of prehistory. Your exclusive private tour begins with a thorough demonstration of techniques used by Paleolithic humans to make fire, to illuminate the dark caves in which they lived, and to paint. After getting a taste of prehistoric life, you’ll head in to the chilly, dark caves to gaze upon cave paintings that date back over 30,000 years for an exceptional private tour outside of public opening hours. Marvel at the evidence of a bygone culture that existed before civilization began. Wander through the caves, gazing at the veritable forests of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. (entrance fees not included) Visit a second cave with incredible geological formations and cave bears claw marks.

The Lascaux IV International Center of Parietal Art is a cutting-edge exhibition space dedicated to Cro-Magnon cave paintings. Getting there usually requires an expensive rental car, but you’ll have transportation covered with this in-depth tour. Spend time exploring interactive multimedia displays and an impressive cave replica. You’ll also make stops in two picturesque villages in tiny, lush Vezere Valley, where you can admire stunning medieval-era homes.

Get glimpses of medieval Paris by visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle. During an outdoor tour of the cathedral, learn about the landmark's history and Gothic architecture, as well as building details you might otherwise miss. At Sainte-Chapelle, save time with prepaid entry and spend more time sightseeing. Upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience.

I offer you a private tour of the city center of Bordeaux. As a historian, native of Bordeaux, I will show you the rich history of my city, all its main monuments as well as some hidden treasures. In 2 hours we will tour the Roman Burdigala, the medieval Bordeus and Bordeaux and its golden age of the 18th century.

How do you stop an army of 20,000 men? Carcassonne had an answer: double walls, more than one thousand arrow slits, and a narrow corridor between the ramparts designed as a killing zone. This self-guided audio walking tour takes you inside the engineering of Europe's largest medieval fortress, from Roman foundations to the siege that brought down the Cathars. You will walk the spaces between the walls where invaders were trapped, stand where Dame Carcas fooled Charlemagne with a single pig, examine how arrow slits gave defenders a lethal advantage, and end at the Basilica of Saint Nazaire with its remarkable stained glass. The tour plays on the Tourific app (iOS and Android), works entirely offline once downloaded, and is available in nine languages. Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and go at your own pace, no fixed schedule, no group to keep up with. Over 20,000 travelers have used our self-guided tours. The tour comes with a full refund guarantee.

Explore the Catacombs of Paris on a small-group tour limited to only six people. With this skip-the-line admission, you can avoid the typically long ticket queue at one of Paris' most fascinating attractions, and learn about the history of the underground burial site with a guide.

Secure a stress-free way of seeing the Paris Catacombs with this convenient package. Led by a guide, descend more than 60 feet (18 meters) to explore the underground tunnels and learn their fascinating history as a solution to the overcrowded cemeteries of Paris. The tour also grants you rare access to typically forbidden parts of the Catacombs.

Known as “the empire of death” and home to the remains of some 6 million Parisians, the Paris Catacombs are lined with centuries-old skeletons—and are one of the city’s spookiest sights. On this small-group, skip-the-line tour, you’ll get to explore the medieval tunnels, view hidden chambers most tourists miss, learn about the landmark’s revolutionary and wartime history, and even stumble upon a resident ghost or two.

This private tour begins with an exclusive visit outside public hours to Grottes de Cougnac, where you’ll see 30,000-year-old cave paintings and learn how Paleolithic humans made fire and created art. After a scenic drive along the Dordogne River with a photo stop at La Roque-Gageac, explore Château de Beynac, one of France’s best-preserved medieval castles. Entrance fees for Cougnac and Beynac castles are not included.

This convenient Paris package saves you the hassle of booking seperate attractions, by combining an admission ticket to the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac with a cruise down the Seine River. Prebooking your pass grants you direct entry to the eclectic collection inside the museum, while a Seine River cruise allows you to admire top Paris attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame away from the land-based crowds.

Prepare to be inspired by some of the world’s most famous artists as you step inside the iconic Louvre Museum. Choose from a private or small-group tour and with your entry ticket. With the help of your expert guide, see masterpieces like the 'Venus de Milo' and the 'Mona Lisa,' learn about the evolution of art around the world, and discover little-known gems that many visitors miss.

Experience the best of the Grand Mosque of Paris on a guided tour with a local expert. Walk through stunning Moorish gardens, discover the magnificent prayer hall, and enjoy traditional Moroccan mint tea with delicious oriental pastries in the famous tea room. Learn about Islamic art and architecture while exploring one of Paris’s most unique and peaceful landmarks. Perfect for cultural travelers and food lovers seeking an authentic Paris experience.

See the best of the Louvre, and explore the world-famous museum with the whole family in tow, when you book this seamless, private tour. Pick between multiple tour durations and start times to best suit your schedule, and meet your guide just outside the museum. You’ll see the Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, and much more; as you go, your guide will share activities, games, and stories designed to entertain visitors young and old.

In the company of your guide, gain access to the tower's second level. Delve into the history of one of the world's most famous monuments and discover the exhibits and maps on display. Then, instead of rushing down, have free time to soak up the views on your own once the tour has finished.

Explore Paris' most popular museums in a way that caters to both kids and adults with this private, family-friendly tour of the Louvre. Led by an art historian guide with considerable experience engaging young visitors, you and your family will not only get to see the museum's top masterpieces (including the Mona Lisa), but you'll also take part in games and other entertaining, educational activities.

Exclusive 1-Hour Notre-Dame: Internal Access & Expert Insights Experience an elite 1-hour tour of Notre-Dame with exclusive internal access. Led by a state-licensed FNGIC guide, you’ll discover the secrets of the 2019 fire and the cathedral’s historic restoration. To ensure a premium, intimate experience, we strictly limit groups to max 5 guests per guide. Important: To maintain this VIP standard, bookings larger than 5 people will be split into separate groups, each with their own dedicated professional guide.

>Exclusively private airport or station transfers >Accommodation located very close to the Sanctuary >A meaningful guided tour of Lourdes >If you are making a pilgrimage, rest assured that you are in good hands >We have the best guides who steer the entire experience keeping the tourist at the center of it all >Which is why this tour is customizable in favor of the tourist

Experience culture and art through the ages with a guided tour of Paris’s Louvre Museum. Discover many of the museum's best-known collection highlights while your guide shares stories about the artworks and discusses the museum's long history—leave the brochure at home, your guide has better stories to share. Choose from a standard group, small-group, private, or self-guided express tour to fit your budget and schedule.

Explore the very heart of Paris on this group guided walking tour around the Ile de la Cite. Starting at Notre-Dame Cathedral, follow your guide around to architectural and historical gems including Sainte-Chapelle, Mont Saint-Michel Pont des Arts, and the Louvre Pyramid, while learning more about the City of Light’s history and culture.

Discover one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris on this walking tour of the Latin Quarter. This cultural and intellectual hub once attracted the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Marie Curie to its many bars and cafes. Follow your guide to its highlights such as the Sorbonne University, the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore, and the majestic Pantheon, and hear about its history as you go.