Private Eating Paris: Saint Germain Food & Wine Tour

Private Saint Germain Food & Wine Tour: An Introduction to French Gastronomy, from Cheese to Caviar

A premium food and wine experience through Paris’ most refined Left Bank neighborhood, for VIP clients, corporate hospitality, and milestone celebrations. Your schedule, your pace, your people.
National Geographic
Rick Steves
Lonely Planet
Fodors
Virgin

From gourmet excellence to hidden local delights, experience the peak of French gastronomic heights

Ages: 4+
Duration: 3 hours
Departs: Tue-Sat 3:00 pm
Stops: 7
Group Size: Max. 12
Location: Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter
414 Reviews

Highlights

Step into Paris’ most fashionable Left Bank quarter and learn the story of French breadmaking before tasting one of the richest apple tarts you’ll ever eat — exclusively for your group.

Sample locally-raised caviar that’s been matured right here in Paris from one of France’s leading caviar houses.

Feeling presidential? Taste cheese from the fromagerie that has supplied the French “Chef d’État” since the 1970s.

Indulge in naturally infused chocolate from Jacques Genin, the iconic “Genius of Flavors,” then compare with chocolate mousse from a celebrated pâtissier-chocolatier.

Pay a special visit to one of the oldest brandy shops in Paris to sip armagnac and vintage port — bottles spanning more than 100 years on the shelves.

Sit down for farm-to-table fare and regional wine at one of Paris’ most popular néo-bistros — a glimpse into the future of French gastronomy.

Walk the streets of Hemingway, Sartre, and de Beauvoir as your private guide brings the literary Left Bank to life.

Built for upmarket couples and celebrations, corporate VIP entertaining, family travelers, and discerning groups of friends.

Tour Description

Looking for the most refined private food tour in Paris? Our Private Saint Germain Food & Wine Tour journeys through centuries of French gastronomy in the city’s most fashionable neighborhood. Across 3 hours and 7 carefully chosen stops, your group explores the iconic Saint-Germain-des-Prés on a tour that pairs world-class food with literary and intellectual heritage.

Snack on French cheese eaten by the French President. Sample (literally) revolutionary baguette traditions. Sip armagnac at a centuries-old brandy shop near the Orsay Museum and the Seine. Sit down to modern farm-to-table cooking from one of the city’s best néo-bistros. Throughout this chic tour of les beaux quartiers, you’ll hear stories of thinkers like Hemingway and Picasso all the way through to the boundary-pushing chefs of today. Paris’ Left Bank has seen it all — this is the most polished way to get to know its past and present.

Who this private food tour is for

  • Couples and celebrations — anniversaries, milestone birthdays, honeymoon afternoons, proposals
  • Corporate VIP entertaining and team building — client hospitality, executive offsites, board retreats, sales incentives, conference dinners
  • Families with older children and teens — refined food and culture in one of Paris’ most elegant neighborhoods (children 4+)
  • Groups of friends — sophisticated celebrations, foodie reunions, special-occasion travel
  • First-time Paris visitors looking for a premium introduction — gourmet excellence and literary heritage in a single afternoon
  • Foodies, wine lovers, and gastronomes — caviar, PDO/IGP cheeses, armagnac, vintage port, and néo-bistro cuisine in one tour

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-friendly tour. Vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited — given the cheese, caviar, and bread focus, please discuss with us before booking. 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 — Fun, knowledgeable, English-fluent Paris locals who know every fromager, chocolatier, and sommelier in Saint-Germain by name
  • Paris’ Hidden Gems — Exclusive access to a centuries-old brandy shop, the President’s fromagerie, and a néo-bistro reservation few tourists ever see
  • Culinary Diversity — Caviar, PDO/IGP cheeses, Jacques Genin chocolate, armagnac, vintage port, and farm-to-table French cooking
  • Cultural Immersion — See Saint-Germain through the eyes of a local, walking the streets of Hemingway, Sartre, Picasso, and de Beauvoir
  • Established Expertise — Best food tours in Paris since 2011; 500,000 clients across Europe; 25,000 five-star reviews
Tripadvisor Awards
414 reviews
"Betsy – all the stars!!! Her knowledge of the area, the food, her personal story and ability to relate to our group was outstanding. We all loved each of the tastings and the history of the establishments and the neighborhoods. She is a gem of a human and a great tour guide. Thank you!!!! ❤️ "
— rkdecker | Tripadvisor

Share the experience

Love this itinerary but prefer a more social setting? Join our shared group version of this tour for a vibrant atmosphere at a more budget-friendly price.

  • (ages 4+) From €210 per guest

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Free cancellation 7 days in advance for a full refund

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❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via World Central Kitchen.

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The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Rich French apple tart
  • Traditional baguette (with the revolutionary bread story)
  • Fine selection of French PDO and IGP cheeses, including the President’s choice
  • Locally-raised caviar and sturgeon
  • Dark chocolate ganache with passion caramel from Jacques Genin
  • Caramelized pork belly or Quiche Lorraine at a leading néo-bistro
  • Chocolate mousse from an iconic pâtissier-chocolatier
  • Regional sparkling wine
  • Armagnac
  • French red wine
  • Vintage port (when available)
  • Water

Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of refined Parisian flavors.

Meeting Point

Bar de la Croix Rouge, 2 Pl.
Michel Debré Paris, France 75006

Your guide will be waiting for you and wearing our purple Eating Europe bag

What’s included in your private booking

  • Private Saint Germain food and wine tour led exclusively for your group
  • 7 carefully curated stops across the Left Bank’s finest food and wine destinations
  • All food, wine, and beverage tastings (caviar, cheese, chocolate, armagnac, regional wines, néo-bistro course)
  • A dedicated English-speaking local guide (French and other languages on request)
  • Flexible afternoon date with Tue-Sat 3:00 pm departures
  • 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 Makes Saint-Germain Special

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the Left Bank of the Seine, is synonymous with Parisian intellectual and culinary life. This elegant neighborhood was once the heart of the city’s literary scene — home to Hemingway, Sartre, and de Beauvoir — and today it remains one of the most refined areas of Paris, with world-class restaurants, patisseries, and food shops lining its charming streets.

Food in Saint-Germain is rooted in the finest traditions of French gastronomy. Near the iconic Orsay Museum and the Seine, you’ll find artisan bread bakers carrying on revolutionary techniques, farm-to-table restaurants celebrating seasonal ingredients, and specialist shops selling cheeses, chocolates, and wines curated with deep regional knowledge. Every bite here tells a story of French culinary heritage at its most polished.

What people are saying

Private tours

A private Saint Germain food and wine tour means just you, your group, and your guide — no strangers, no fixed pace, no compromises. Available for 2 to 8 guests with a flexible afternoon start time you choose. The intimate group cap is what makes this tour work — caviar tastings, presidential cheese, and a néo-bistro sit-down don’t scale to bigger numbers.

How our private tours work

Pick your date and afternoon start time. We’ll confirm your private guide, arrange the néo-bistro reservation, 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 Saint Germain tours and VIP hospitality

This is one of our most polished experiences for corporate hospitality and VIP entertaining in Paris — caviar, cheese fit for the President, armagnac at a 100-year-old brandy shop, and a private dining moment at a top néo-bistro. Ideal for client cultivation, board retreats, and special-occasion incentive travel. We offer company invoicing, advance payment, purchase orders, and dedicated event coordination.

Popular corporate use cases:

  • Client entertainment and partner hosting at the highest tier
  • Executive retreats and board offsites
  • Sales incentive trips and reward experiences
  • Conference programs, gala dinners, and end-of-day VIP experiences
  • Luxury travel itineraries and milestone celebrations
  • Wedding parties, anniversaries, and proposal planning

Languages available

English and French by default. Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German on request. Other languages may be available — please ask when booking.

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 Saint Germain food and wine tour worth it?

If you want the most refined private food experience in Paris, yes. Saint-Germain is the city’s most polished culinary neighborhood — caviar houses, presidential fromageries, Jacques Genin’s chocolate atelier, century-old armagnac shops, and leading néo-bistros all within walking distance. Going private means an intimate group of up to 8, a curated reservation at the néo-bistro, and a guide focused entirely on your group. The most sophisticated way to experience Left Bank gastronomy.

What’s included in the price of the private tour?

All food, wine, and beverage tastings across 7 stops — apple tart, baguette, French PDO/IGP cheeses, locally-raised caviar, Jacques Genin chocolate, néo-bistro course (caramelized pork belly or Quiche Lorraine), chocolate mousse, regional sparkling wine, armagnac, French red wine, and water. Plus your dedicated private guide and a donated meal via World Central Kitchen. No hidden charges, no upsells.

How long is the tour?

This private Saint Germain tour runs 3 hours, with Tuesday-Saturday 3:00 pm departures. Custom timings available for corporate and VIP bookings on request.

What neighborhood does the tour cover?

Saint-Germain-des-Prés on Paris’ Left Bank, including the Latin Quarter and the area around the Orsay Museum and the Seine — the literary and intellectual heart of the city, home to chic boutiques, world-class restaurants, and the most refined food shops in Paris.

What is the private group size?

Private bookings are available for 2 to 8 guests. The intimate cap is what makes the néo-bistro reservation, the caviar tasting, and the brandy shop visit work — these aren’t experiences that scale to bigger numbers. For larger groups, we can discuss custom alternatives.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend at least 2-3 weeks ahead. Corporate and VIP bookings should be made 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (April-October) and around fashion weeks.

Can I customize the private tour?

Yes. Pacing, start time, and néo-bistro course preferences can be adjusted. For corporate or milestone events we can extend the experience, add welcome touches, or build a custom itinerary that incorporates additional Saint-Germain landmarks.

What’s the minimum age?

This tour is suitable from age 4 and up. Wine, armagnac, and port are for ages 18+; non-alcoholic alternatives provided for younger guests. Adolescent (13-17) and child (4-12) pricing is available.

Food and Drink

How much will we eat?

 Plenty. Across 7 stops you’ll taste apple tart, baguette, fine French cheeses, caviar, two distinct chocolate experiences, a sit-down course at a néo-bistro, and chocolate mousse. Most guests don’t need a full dinner afterwards.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Regional sparkling wine, French red wine, armagnac, vintage port (when available), and water — all included in the price.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-friendly. Vegan, gluten-free, and kosher options may be limited given the cheese, caviar, baguette, and chocolate ganache focus — please discuss with us before booking and we’ll confirm what we can accommodate.

Is the tour suitable for wine and brandy lovers?

Absolutely. The brandy shop stop alone — with armagnac and vintage port from one of the oldest such shops in Paris — is a highlight. Combined with regional sparkling wine, French red wine paired at the néo-bistro, and the depth of cheese pairings, this is one of the most wine-and-spirit-rich tours we offer in Paris.

Booking and Payment

How do I book a private Saint Germain tour?

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

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, VIP, and special-occasion bookings.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

All guides are fluent in English. French is also available by default. Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German on request — let us know when booking.

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. The presidential fromagerie, the centuries-old brandy shop, the Jacques Genin atelier, and the néo-bistro reservation are all distinctive Saint-Germain stops. On a private booking the route is built entirely around your group.

Is the tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Saint-Germain has cobbled streets and stepped entrances at some of the historic shops. 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 tours in Le Marais, Montmartre, a morning croissants/baguettes/chocolate tour, and a fully customizable Welcome to Paris private food tour. Get in touch and we’ll help you pick the best fit for your group.

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