Context Travel

The emphasis at this agency for guided tours may be on erudite oration – they describe their tours, given by fully-fledged academics, as 'walking seminars' – but the reality of the experience is more down to earth and fun. Choose between the essential ('Montmartre', 'Notre Dame'), the educational – Paris under the occupation, perhaps, or Haussman's boulevards – and the more sensual, such as chocolate- or wine-themed tours (complete with tastings, naturally). The docents know their city and their craft inside out, so expect to be caught up in a wealth of well-presented Paris information, with plenty of space for questions (and well-timed rest pauses).

They also do a sideline in walks for children, which unfold like a kind of real-time version of those colourful children's encyclopaedias that used to line the shelves of your school classroom. Tours based around themes such as architecture, art history and gastronomy are available, as are excursions into Île-de-France and beyond. Great if you've come to Paris to play tourist, but the kids want nothing to do with it – these docents are experts on changing their minds.

Choose a tour from the range on their website, or contact Context directly to discuss custom tours.