Private ‘In the Footsteps of the French Chef’ Food Tour Paris

Private 'In the Footsteps of the French Chef' Food Tour Paris

Walk Paris through Julia Child's eyes — privately bookable for foodies, families, corporate groups, and celebrations. Your schedule, your pace, your people.
Half-day private experience through the Left Bank's Julia Child story
National Geographic
Rick Steves
Lonely Planet
Fodors
Virgin

Walk in the footsteps of Julia Child

Ages: 4+
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Daily 11:45 am
Stops: 6
Group Size: Max. 11
Location: St. Germain
287 Reviews

Highlights

Begin at Shakespeare and Company — Julia Child’s favourite bookstore, where she discovered the great Ali Bab and was inspired to pursue French cuisine. Delve into the secrets of this historical bookstore (which famously hides a hostel inside).

Taste the best quiches and crepes in Paris, plus jambon beurre baguettes, pain aux raisins, and eclairs that Julia would have known well.

Step into a 210-year-old chocolaterie, where the pursuit of true happiness takes the form of delectable handcrafted chocolates.

Savor pastries inspired by celebrity chef Marie-Antoine Carême, the father of French gastronomy.

Enjoy a wine and cheese pairing at Brasserie Le Bourbon, one of Julia Child’s favourite Paris establishments and around the corner from her Parisian home.

See the Parisian apartment of Julia and Paul Child, where Julia wrote ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ and her passion for French cuisine flourished.

Walk a pedestrian-only pre-Haussmann walkway, glimpsing how Paris looked before Emperor Napoleon III ordered Baron Haussmann to modernize the city in 1852.

Take in views of Notre-Dame de Paris and the historic monuments of the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain.

Tour Description

Looking for a private Paris food tour that goes beyond croissants and tourist clichés? Our Private In the Footsteps of the French Chef Food Tour is a half-day culinary journey through the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain — Paris’s Left Bank — designed exclusively for your group. We dine on the foods and wines that Julia Child loved, and that inspired her to dedicate her life to mastering the world’s most beloved cuisine.

With just your group and your private guide, walk the streets Julia walked. Start at Shakespeare and Company — the bookstore where she discovered Ali Bab and where her culinary passion ignited. Move through the cafés, brasseries, and chocolatiers that shaped her palate. See the home where she and Paul Child lived while she developed the techniques that would change American kitchens forever. This is both a historic, cultural, and food tour in the best sense — perfect for Julia Child fans, foodies, and anyone who wants to fall in love with Paris through the lens of one of the 20th century’s most beloved culinary icons.

Who this private food tour is for

  • Julia Child fans and foodies — the definitive Paris experience for anyone who’s read Mastering the Art of French Cooking, watched The French Chef, or loved Julie & Julia
  • Couples and celebrations — anniversaries, milestone birthdays, romantic Left Bank weekends, honeymoons in Saint-Germain
  • Corporate groups and team building — VivaTech delegations, Cannes Lions extensions, fashion week client hosting, executive offsites with a cultural angle
  • Families with older kids — best for teens and adults who can appreciate the literary and historical context
  • Groups of friends — book club trips, milestone celebrations, friend reunions with a culinary theme
  • Heritage and culture travellers — Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, Notre-Dame views, pre-Haussmann Paris, and the post-WWII Left Bank story

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-friendly tour. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options may be limited given the cheese, quiche, charcuterie, and pastry-led menu. Please share dietary restrictions when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk; the company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

Why Eat with Us?

  • Expert Local Guides — Knowledgeable Paris locals — many of them trained chefs — who know Julia Child’s Paris story inside out, and where Hemingway and Picasso ate alongside her
  • Paris’s Hidden Gems — Shakespeare and Company’s hidden hostel, a 210-year-old chocolaterie, Julia Child’s favourite brasserie, and the apartment where she wrote her cookbook
  • Culinary Diversity — Crepes, galettes, quiche Lorraine, jambon beurre baguettes, pain aux raisins, eclairs, Marie-Antoine Carême-inspired pastries, handcrafted chocolates, and a wine-and-cheese pairing
  • Cultural Immersion — Notre-Dame views, pre-Haussmann walkways, post-WWII Saint-Germain café culture, and the late-night spots Picasso, Hemingway, and Julia all frequented
  • Established Expertise — Since 2011, Europe’s best food tours; recommended by Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, and National Geographic; the only Julia Child-themed food tour in Paris
Tripadvisor Awards
287 reviews
"This was fantastic. Great food, great sites, great story telling. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon retracing the steps of Julia through Paris. My wife and I loved it. "
— Michael M | Tripadvisor
  • (ages 4+) From €200 per guest

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Free cancellation 7 days in advance for a full refund

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The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Crepes and galettes
  • Quiche Lorraine
  • Jambon beurre baguettes
  • Pain aux raisins
  • Eclairs
  • Pastries inspired by Marie-Antoine Carême
  • Handcrafted chocolates from a 210-year-old chocolaterie
  • French cheese pairing at Brasserie Le Bourbon
  • Selection of French wines

Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of authentic Parisian flavours.

Meeting Point

37 Rue de la Bûcherie
Paris 75005

Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag In front of the Wallace fountain.

If you have any questions, please email us

What's included in your private booking

  • Private Paris food tour led exclusively for your group
  • All food and drink across the tour
  • Crepes, quiche, jambon beurre baguettes, eclairs, and Carême-inspired pastries
  • Tasting at a 210-year-old chocolaterie
  • Wine and cheese pairing at Brasserie Le Bourbon
  • A dedicated English-speaking local guide, often a trained chef
  • Flexible date with custom start times
  • Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain walking route
  • View of Julia and Paul Child's Parisian home
  • Shakespeare and Company exploration
  • 7-day cancellation policy for private tours
  • Company invoicing, advance payment, and dedicated event coordination for corporate bookings
  • A donated meal via World Central Kitchen with every booking

What people are saying

Private tours

A private Paris food tour means just you, your group, and your guide — no strangers, no fixed pace, no compromises. Available for 2 to 11 guests (larger groups accommodated on request), with custom start times available.

How our private tours work

Pick your date and start time. We’ll confirm your private guide, route the tour around your group’s interests, and handle every reservation, pour, and pairing in advance. Pricing is all-inclusive — no hidden fees, no upsells. Your schedule, your pace, your people.

Corporate Paris tours and team experiences

A private Julia Child Paris food tour is one of the city’s most distinctive corporate hospitality experiences — Shakespeare and Company, a 210-year-old chocolaterie, and the Left Bank’s literary and culinary legacy. Perfect for VivaTech delegations, fashion week and Cannes Lions client hosting, luxury brand entertainment, and creative-industry team welcomes. We offer company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination.

Popular corporate use cases:

  • Conference and trade show programs (VivaTech, Cannes Lions extensions, Paris fashion week)
  • Luxury brand client hosting and partner entertainment
  • Executive retreats, leadership offsites, and board entertainment
  • Creative-industry agency hosting (advertising, publishing, film, media)
  • Premium client entertainment for international visitors
  • Sales incentive trips and France reward experiences
  • Book club retreats, literary tours, and cultural programs

Languages available

English by default. French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German may be available on request — please ask when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Get in touch

For private bookings, custom corporate proposals, or specific requests, contact [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure.

Why Eat with Us?

#1 food and drink experience in Paris - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of Paris’ food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

Dining with Purpose

We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.

Looking for a Unique Corporate Experience?

Treat your team or clients to a private food tour tailored to your needs. Flexible group sizes, seamless organization, and unforgettable moments in Europe’s top cities.

Meet Your Local Paris Tour Guides

Our Paris food tours are led by people who live for the daily rituals of this city — the morning baguette, the afternoon café crème, the cheese course that's never skipped. Fromagers, pâtissiers, wine lovers, and neighborhood regulars, they take you off the grand boulevards and into the bakeries, markets, and bistros where Parisians actually eat. Because the real Paris isn't found in a landmark — it's found in the food someone chose with care and shared with pleasure.

Isobel
Isobel
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I moved to Paris in 2018 to pursue a Master's Degree in International Relations. Giving food tours combines my lifelong love of cooking & eating with my training in cultural diplomacy.
My favorite French food is foie gras...controversial but so delicious!
My favorite thing to do in Paris is "flâner," to walk without a purpose and enjoy what one encounters, usually ending with a glass of wine on a terrasse.
Lulu
Lulu
I was born & raised in Paris but spent a lot of time abroad, including 6 years in Shanghai, China
I’m obsessed with everything food & beverage related and have a great love for hospitality and bonding with people from all over the world. My fav french food is a very simple, yet delicious tarragon roasted chicken with some roasted potatoes and green beans.
My fav thing to do in Paris would be walking around my neighborhood, le Marais, and discover newly opened restaurants
Camila
Camila
My name is Camila and I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I've been living in Paris since 2018. Spending these years as a local, studying, tasting, absorbing and exploring the city, allow me now to share my knowledge and love for Paris to others. I’m also an actress and a filmmaker.
My favorite French food? All the pastries this country has to offer.
The thing I enjoy the most in Paris is going to a good local restaurant and walking around everywhere, discovering hidden streets, gardens and passages.
Claire
Claire
I'm a French Kiwi, (we're known as Friwis!) and grew up in New Zealand. I've been constantly exploring Paris for 27 years. I'm a proud Parisienne and passionate about my city, forever in awe of its beauty and quirks and transformation, and I love sharing that passion with visitors.
My favourite French food has got to be a good magret de canard but I love all good food!
What I love most about Paris is that you never know what is around a corner -who or what you'll run into and what will happen. And you may think you know an area well but have you seen the magic that's behind that closed door when it opens, or the wonder of the street behind that one you always take?
Arturo
Arturo
I was raised between cannolis and arancine in Sicily but moved to Paris 10 years ago to reconnect with my french, ahem, breton, roots. I love history, especially the history of food and to demolish some well established myths : did you know that the French absolutely loathed potatoes at first? Not a great start for French fries!
My favourite French food has to be crêpes, they bring back childhood memories to me just as madeleines did with Proust.
And my favourite thing to do in Paris is obviously to eat it all!!
Betsy
Betsy
My story begins in San Francisco, California, where I was born and raised. I moved to Paris over ten years ago on a whim and it’s been true love ever since.
My favorite French food is Escargot! And my favorite French dessert is the dessert of all desserts, the Profiterol, which consists of choux pastry filled with fresh cream, covered in whipped cream and coated in hot chocolate sauce, heaven on a plate!
My favorite activity to do in Paris is to take a trip on the Bateaux Mouches, the open air excursion boats that go down the Seine river. I always make sure to go at dusk to get a beautiful sunset behind the Eiffel tower.
Silvana
Silvana
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Something simple like a crêpe oeuf fromage, a croissant aux amandes or just any kind of cheese
My favourite spot is by the river, anywhere between Pont d'Alexandre and the Ile Saint Louis. Have an picnic and a glass of wine
Jesita
Jesita
I came from India and arrived in Paris in February 2023 to study pastry at Ferrandi Paris. I believe that the best way to explore a place is through food, and that is exactly how I have been exploring the city since I got here.
My go-to french meal is steak frites, and a rich mousse au chocolat.
My favourite thing to do in Paris is to choose a new restaurant to try, then walk around to explore the neighbourhood, finding more food to come back to, before sitting around in a garden on a sunny day.
Sam
Sam
My name is Sam and I'm from the United States originally and I've been living in Paris for 10 years as of 2025.
I came into the food world as a part-time cook and pastry chef while attending film school in Paris. I was drawn to the sense of community I found in the city's kitchens and spent all my free time researching anything and everything related to the culinary arts.
My favorite part of Paris outside the culinary scene is definitely the dance scene. When I'm not checking out markets or researching new restaurants, I spend my free time training with an array of talented dancers from around the world and going to see pieces in the many beautiful theaters and performance spaces the city has to offer.
Harriett
Harriett
I grew up in rural England on a small farm in Cornwall, and after studying Classics and literature in London I moved to Paris to study wine management at Le Cordon Bleu. Seven years later I am still living the Parisian life working as a sommelier.
My favourite french food is perhaps very unoriginal, but it has to be cheese, maybe a chèvre, or a bleu d’auvergne, or comté
If the weather is good there is nothing I love more than having a picnic with friends eating and drinking a myriad of different things!
Vanessa
Vanessa
Originally from Saronno, Italy, I moved to Paris eight and a half years ago, driven by my passion for art
I’ve been hosting food tours that blend my passions for food, history, art, and culture. My tours highlight local vendors, French culture, and eco-friendly practices, while I share my love for French dishes, such as tartare de bœuf, cheeses, and oysters.
Paris, with its vibrant culture, history, and endless opportunities, is the perfect place to express creativity and passion, and it’s what I love most about the city.
Carole
Carole
My origins from all over France, even all of Europe, make me a “perfect Frenchwoman”... arriving in Paris 30 years ago, I think I became a “real Parisian” if it means something
As a food writer, food guide and cook, I am passionate about French “terroirs”, the history of cuisine and food... the quintessence of French culture and our art of living... nothing pleases me more than a homemade meal shared with friends.
As we know, clichés of life ring true. But most of all, what I love when I have free time and the sun shines, is to have a gourmet picnic in the Buttes Chaumont or on the Seine.
Salma
Salma
Originally from Martinique, I moved to Paris six years ago to pursue my dream of becoming an artist, and I've fallen in love with the city ever since.
My fondness for foie gras, a traditional French dish I share with my family during celebrations, is just one of the many reasons I cherish the culture and history of this beautiful city.
As an artist and history enthusiast, I enjoy sharing stories about influential French figures and historical anecdotes during my Montmartre tours, especially the tales of kings and queens. Paris captivates me with its constant surprises and endless exploration opportunities, and I love how it always keeps me engaged.
Nora
Nora
I am from Sydney, Australia. I have been coming to Paris countless times since 2013 but I have finally settled here since this year 2025. My speciality are degustations. My passion is to pair things with food doesn't even stop at wine, sometimes it has included art and music.
If I HAD TO choose, it would be duck confit. But also macarons, crème brûlée, camembert and escargot.
Summer nights by the canal is what made me fall in love with Paris so that would have to be it.
Erica
Erica
Aspiring French pastry chef & artist, I grew up near Minneapolis but have been living in France for the past 14 years.
My favorite French food is galette bretonne and all its savory variations, paired with a bowl of cider. Yes a bowl, not a glass ;)
Try all the pastries: flan, choux, éclair, tarte citron, mille-feuille, cannelé
Cecilia
Cecilia
Originally from Buenos Aires with deep Italian roots, I spent seven years in England before moving to Paris in 2021 to follow my passion for art and history.
My favorite food is Onion Soup (yes, controversial, but I love it!)
Buy a coffee and a croissant and take it to the nearest hidden garden with a book. My favorite is Square du Vert-Galant at the top of Île de la Cité. The perfect spot to sit by the Seine and enjoy the city like a true local.
Lillian
Lillian
I was born in Australia, but raised in France. I've lived in Champagne, the Loire Valley, Paris, Marseille and in the South West, which has given me the chance to really get to know the food and wine of many French regions. I moved to London for 16 years, before finally returning to Paris two years ago to be closer to family.
Steak tartare is my favorite dish!
I love doing my food shop at the markets late on Saturday mornings, and enjoying fresh oysters with a glass of wine there.
Juan
Juan
I'm French-Ecuadorian born and raised in Paris 11 Bastille.
I can't choose my favorite dish cause you know, terroire is infinite but I can't stay far from french cheese for too long.
My tip is wander with no goal, just stroll and use our beautiful metro and avoid taxis. Go quicker, cheaper and deeper.
Ann
Ann
I’m from Munich in Germany. Eight years ago I moved to Paris, partly for love, mostly for the croissants. I studied Art History at the Sorbonne, but my real Parisian education happened in bistros, brasseries, and restaurants.
A day in Paris without a croissant is simply not a good day.
Relax in Balzac’s garden with a view of the Eiffel Tower, coffee in hand, while studying the history of food - for you!
Lucia
Lucia
Originally from Woodstock, New York, I've called Paris home for over five years.
My favorite French food is gougères. So simple, but wildly underrated!
A perfect Parisian outing for me is an evening walk up to the top of Parc de Belleville to watch the sunset over a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. Once the sun goes down, the tower lights up and sparkles for a few minutes at the beginning of every hour. And every now and then you might be lucky enough to catch some dancing at the park's belvedere!

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a private Julia Child food tour worth it?

Absolutely — for foodies, Julia Child fans, and anyone who loves Paris’s literary and culinary history. A private booking gives your group exclusive access to Shakespeare and Company’s hidden corners, a 210-year-old chocolaterie, and Julia’s favourite Left Bank brasserie, with a guide (often a trained chef) focused entirely on your interests.

What's included in the price of the private Paris tour?

All food and drink across the tour — crepes, quiche Lorraine, jambon beurre baguettes, pain aux raisins, eclairs, Carême-inspired pastries, handcrafted chocolates, and a French wine-and-cheese pairing at Brasserie Le Bourbon. A donated meal via World Central Kitchen is included with every booking. No hidden charges, no upsells.

How long is the tour?

This private food tour runs approximately 3 hours / half a day. Custom start times available for corporate groups on request.

What neighborhoods does the tour cover?

The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés — Paris’s Left Bank. We meet at the Wallace Fountain in front of Shakespeare and Company, the green fountain right in the center of the pavilion.

What is the private group size?

Private bookings are available for 2 to 11 guests. For larger groups, we can arrange a custom experience — get in touch.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend at least 2 weeks ahead. Corporate groups should book 4+ weeks in advance — and around Paris fashion weeks, VivaTech, and the summer high season, much earlier.

Can I customize the private tour?

Yes. Stops, pacing, dietary focus, and start time can be adjusted. We can deepen the Julia Child biographical content for superfans, focus on French cooking techniques for culinary groups, or pair with a market visit for foodies who want to shop.

Do I need to be a Julia Child fan to enjoy this tour?

Not at all. While the tour is themed around her Paris story, the food, history, and Left Bank context stand entirely on their own. Many of our guests come away as new fans.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

French classics that Julia Child loved and learned to master — crepes and galettes, quiche Lorraine, jambon beurre baguettes, pain aux raisins, eclairs, pastries inspired by Marie-Antoine Carême, handcrafted chocolates from a 210-year-old chocolaterie, and a French cheese pairing. Plus a wine tasting at Brasserie Le Bourbon.

Are drinks included?

Yes. A selection of French wines, paired with cheese at Brasserie Le Bourbon, is included.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-friendly — vegetable galettes and quiches can replace ham options. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options are more limited given the bread, pastry, and cheese focus; share dietary restrictions when booking and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes — this is a generous half-day eating experience. Plan it as lunch and expect not to need dinner.

Booking and Payment

How do I book the private Julia Child Paris tour?

Book directly via the Book Private Tour button above, or contact [email protected] / +1 917-909-6432 to discuss custom requirements.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Major debit and credit cards, iDEAL, and Bancontact. Corporate invoicing, advance payment, and purchase orders available on request.

What is the cancellation policy for private tours?

Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure.

Do you offer corporate invoicing?

Yes. We handle company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination for corporate bookings — ideal for VivaTech, Cannes Lions, fashion week, and luxury brand client programs.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

All guides are fluent in English. French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German may be available on request — please ask when booking.

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. The majority of stops on every Paris tour are venues that work exclusively with us, and on a private booking the route is built entirely around your group. This is the only Julia Child-themed food tour in Paris.

Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain have many cobbled streets, and Shakespeare and Company has some stairs. Please contact us before booking and we’ll plan a route that works for your group.

Do you offer other private food tours in Paris?

Yes. We also run private Paris food tours in Le Marais, Montmartre, and a Paris morning tour, plus throughout Italy, the UK, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, and the Czech Republic. Get in touch and we’ll help you build a multi-neighbourhood or multi-city itinerary.

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