Top France Archaeology Tours

*** 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Make the most of your time at the Louvre, and find your way to the “Mona Lisa” easily. Choose between a guided tour that includes timed entry passes or opt for a package that includes admission and an escort who will take you straight to the “Mona Lisa”.

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 are not included.

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.

Marseille: A 2,600-Year Architectural Odyssey Buckle up for a high-energy journey through France’s oldest city! We start at the vibrant Vieux-Port, where salt air meets sleek modern design. From there, we scale the heights to Notre-Dame de la Garde, a breathtaking Romano-Byzantine masterpiece offering 360° views that will leave you speechless. Dive deep into history at the fortress-like Abbaye de Saint-Victor before getting lost in the kaleidoscopic alleys of Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood. The grand finale awaits at the Esplanade J4: marvel at the gravity-defying cantilever of Villa Méditerranée and the stunning lace-concrete honeycomb facade of Mucem. Cross the footbridge into the towering Fort Saint-Jean, where medieval stone meets cutting-edge vision. It’s bold, it’s ancient, it’s iconic—this is Marseille like you’ve never seen it!

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.

Explore the dark underworld of the Paris Catacombs, and enjoy a hassle-free way to discover the always-in-demand sight, on this small-group tour. Skip the long lines and head inside this macabre tunnel system, filled with the skeletal remains of more than 6 million Parisians. Learn more about the remarkable construction of the catacombs from your guide, and even gain special access to a range of chapels and chambers.

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.

Discover top sites in Paris on your own schedule with an audio guide that goes from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and more. Unlike a traditional tour, this audio guide lets you stop as often as you want—and while many Paris tours focus on the city center alone, this one extends to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. It works online and off-line, too, so no data plan is required.

Explore some of Paris’s key landmarks in a simple, organized way on this three-in-one experience. At your own pace, learn about Notre-Dame Cathedral and its recent restoration on a self-guided audio tour before meeting a local guide to hear about the building’s architecture and walk through medieval streets you might otherwise have missed. Then, board your River Seine cruise and see Paris sights from the water.

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.

Enjoy a hassle-free and informative visit to the Eiffel Tower by prebooking your entry with a guided tour. This admission ticket allows for a relaxing visit to the second floor of one of the world’s busiest monuments. Listen as your guide tells you about Paris’ colorful history, and admire views over Les Invalides, Notre Dame Cathedral, and other city landmarks. Upgrade for access to the summit.

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.

The former home of one of France’s most extravagant monarchs is a must-visit attraction, but sorting out tickets and transportation for the Palace of Versailles in advance can be a challenge. Enjoy convenient round-trip coach transfers from Paris and prebooked entry with Guide with this convenient package.

Visit one of Paris’ most famous landmarks–the Eiffel Tower—with this hassle-free guided tour. You can choose from different packages—such as one that gives access to just the second level, or another that goes higher, with summit access. After meeting your guide, learn about the history of the tower, then ascend together for majestic views of the city.

See the highlights of the Orsay's collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on a private or small-group tour of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. Let an art historian guide lead you straight to masterworks by Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, Degas and more. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide and learn the history behind the art for a truly immersive experience.