LET JOHNNY CREATE YOUR SIGNTATURE PARIS ITINERARY
Believe it or not, there’s more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. This is a city bursting with fascinating history, incredible art, unforgettable food, music, culture, and magical nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered.
My Signature Paris Itineraries are all about experiencing the Paris you want to see. Whether you’re looking for a private walking tour or a fully customized Paris adventure, we’ll go beyond the usual tourist trail to discover hidden streets, historic neighborhoods, local favorites, and the stories and mysteries that make this city so unforgettable.
Every traveler is different, and every itinerary should be too! We’ll start with a free 30-minute consultation to chat about your interests and what you’d love to experience. From booking Eiffel Tower and Louvre tickets to arranging timed entry at the Catacombs and designing private tours for your group, I’ll help take care of the details.
So come along, and let’s get lost in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the City of Light. Your Paris adventure awaits!
BOOK YOUR PRIVATE PARIS WALKING TOUR
HISTORY & MYSTERY OF MONTMARTRE
Discover the hilltop neighborhood where artists, musicians, writers and bohemians helped shape the cultural life of Paris.
Once a village separate from the city, Montmartre became a haven for creative spirits drawn by cheap rent, affordable wine, and a world unlike the Paris below. Walk its storied streets as Johnny shares the history of Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, Parisian cabaret culture, and the artists who made Montmartre famous—including Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, Degas, and Modigliani.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Sacré-Cœur · Place du Tertre · Artists & Bohemians · Cabaret History
2½ HOURS · MODERATE WALKING · FROM €52/PERSON
HISTORY & MYSTERY OF PÈRE LACHAISE CEMETERY
Believe it or not, some of Paris’s most fascinating stories are hiding in a cemetery! Come wander the winding paths of Père Lachaise, where crumbling tombs, grand monuments, and a few intriguing mysteries await. Along the way, we’ll meet some of its famous residents, including Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and Chopin, and uncover tales of love, scandal, tragedy, and the occasional eccentric character. After all, in Paris, even the dead have stories to tell!
Highlights: Famous Residents • French History • Art & Literature • Hidden Stories
2½ HOURS · MODERATE WALKING · FROM €52/PERSON
HISTORY & MYSTERY OF THE MARAIS
Discover the magic of Le Marais, one of Paris’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. Wander its winding medieval streets, uncover hidden courtyards, elegant mansions, and fascinating stories of royalty, revolution, and the neighborhood’s rich Jewish heritage. From the beautiful Place des Vosges to lively boutiques and cafés, experience a delightful mix of old-world Paris and modern Parisian life.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Place des Vosges · Historic Mansions · Jewish Quarter · Knights Templar
2½ HOURS · MODERATE WALKING · FROM €52/PERSON
HISTORY & MYSTERY OF PARIS’ COVERED PASSAGES
Step back into 19th-century Paris, when elegant glass-roofed passages bustled with fashionable shoppers, curious onlookers, and lively cafés. Once the talk of the town, only a handful of these charming arcades survive today. Come wander their beautiful mosaic floors, discover quirky little shops, and uncover the secrets and stories hiding behind these architectural treasures!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Historic Passages · 19th-Century Paris · Architecture & Shops · The Art of the Flâneur
2½ HOURS · MODERATE WALKING · FROM €52/PERSON
HISTORY & MYSTERY OF THE LATIN QUARTER
Explore Paris’s oldest neighborhood, where ancient Roman ruins, winding medieval streets, and centuries of fascinating history await. Discover the Panthéon, the Sorbonne, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Hemingway’s Paris, along with tales of alchemy, historic cafés, and hidden legends. And if time allows, a few familiar spots from Emily in Paris!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Ancient Roman Paris & Ruins of Lutetia · The Panthéon & the Sorbonne · Hemingway’s Paris & historic cafés · Medieval Streets, Legends & Hidden History
2½ HOURS · MODERATE WALKING · FROM €52/PERSON
ABOUT ME—JOHNNY!
I’ve been coming to Paris since 1975 and have called it home full-time since 2017. People often ask what made me want to move here. My answer: Everything! I love the ambiance, the music, the food, the architecture, the language, the people, and the culture. But what keeps me endlessly fascinated is the history and mystery of Paris.
As an amateur historian and Paris tour guide, I’m always discovering something new. More than 2,000 years of stories are hiding in the city’s streets, buildings, monuments, cafés, and neighborhoods. Even more fascinating are the connections between what happened here centuries ago and the way we live today. Things we say, do, and believe often have roots in Paris—and most of us don’t even realize it.
That fascination inspired me to write Paris Histories and Mysteries and is at the heart of my Paris walking tours. I don’t just want to show you the famous sights. I want to introduce you to the stories, people, history, and hidden corners that make Paris extraordinary. From legendary landmarks to the details you might walk past without a second glance, there is always another story waiting to be discovered.
My goal as a guide is to make history engaging, entertaining, and personal. On my private walking tours of Paris, we explore not only what happened, but why it mattered—and how the past continues to shape the Paris we experience today. Whether we’re wandering the streets of Montmartre, uncovering centuries of Paris history, or discovering some of the city’s lesser-known stories, I want you to leave seeing Paris a little differently than you did before.
I’ve worn quite a few hats over the years: author, poet, musician, photographer, travel guide, chef, teacher, politician, legislator, father, grandfather, pool player, spiritual student, and, of course, guide. All of those experiences have shaped the way I tell stories and connect with people.
These days, I find the greatest joy in sharing the magic, history, and mystery of Paris with visitors from around the world. My hope is that a tour with me feels less like following a guide through Paris and more like exploring the city with someone who loves it—and discovering a side of the City of Light you might otherwise miss.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long are the walking tours?
Most tours last 2 to 3 hours, depending on the tour, the pace of the group and what we discover along the way. Specific tour times are provided when booking.
How much walking is involved?
These are walking tours, so you should be comfortable spending a few hours on your feet. Some routes include cobblestones, uneven pavement, hills, and stairs. The physical demands vary by tour, so please ask if you have mobility concerns.
What is your cancellation policy?
To come
Are the tours suitable for children?
Families are welcome. Some tours may be better suited to older children and teens depending on their interests and comfort with walking. If you’re traveling with children, let Johnny know their ages and he can help you choose the best tour.
Are the tours accessible for guests with limited mobility?
Accessibility varies by tour. Paris has plenty of cobblestones, stairs and uneven surfaces, and some routes are more challenging than others. Please contact Johnny before booking to discuss your needs and determine which tour will work best for you.
Where do the tours meet?
Each tour has its own meeting point, conveniently located near the area you’ll be exploring. You’ll receive the exact meeting location and directions with your booking confirmation.
What happens if it rains?
Paris doesn’t stop for a little rain, and neither do the tours. Tours generally take place rain or shine, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. In the event of severe weather or conditions that make the tour unsafe, Johnny will contact you about your options.
How many people are on each tour?
Johnny keeps his groups small and personal (up to 12), giving everyone a chance to ask questions, hear the stories and enjoy the experience without getting lost in a crowd.
What is the free consult?
It’s a free 30-minute conversation where Johnny learns about your group, dates and interests. He’ll help you choose the right walking tour or plan something personalized, and he can answer any questions about your trip.
Can Johnny help with tickets and reservations?
Yes. Booking rules in Paris change often, and some attractions, like the Catacombs, only release tickets about a week in advance. Johnny can help you plan around this and secure tickets for places like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Book a free 30-minute consult to get started.
Can Johnny help plan my entire Paris adventure?
Absolutely! Johnny can help you plan your entire Paris adventure, from creating a personalized itinerary to arranging tickets, reservations, and private walking tours. Whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks, hidden gems, or a little of both, Johnny can put together a customized Paris experience based on your interests, schedule, and travel style. Planning services and pricing are discussed during your consultation.