Paris: Private 2CV Tour & Hotel Pickup for Iconic Sights

4.57

(191 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so giddy just getting into that little Citroën 2CV — it’s almost like the car itself is grinning at you. Our driver, François (striped shirt and all), greeted us outside our hotel with a handshake and this warm “On y va?” that made me laugh. The seats were softer than I thought they’d be, almost bouncy, and as we rolled out onto the Paris streets, the engine had this cheerful rattle that somehow made everything feel less intimidating.

François was a natural storyteller — not in a rehearsed way, more like he was just chatting with old friends. We zipped through the Latin Quarter while he pointed out where Hemingway used to drink (I think I spotted the café but honestly got distracted by the smell of baking bread from somewhere nearby). When we slowed by Notre Dame, he told us about his childhood visits there. I caught myself watching people on the sidewalks instead of the monuments sometimes — there’s something about seeing Paris from this low-slung window that makes you notice small things, like how everyone seems to walk with purpose but never rushes.

The highlight? Probably when we stopped near Montmartre and François insisted we try pronouncing “Sacré-Cœur” properly. He laughed so hard at my attempt he almost stalled the car (which apparently happens sometimes anyway). The light was gold on the rooftops around sunset; even now I can picture it if I close my eyes. Two hours went by faster than I wanted. There’s no way to see all of Paris in one go — but riding in that old 2CV with someone who loves their city makes you feel like you’re part of it for a little while.