How to Choose a Black Paris Tour

So you want to visit Paris, but don’t just want to visit the City of Light to see the Eiffel Tower. Naw, not good enough, you want to know where the Black people at and understand our place and history in this city. Of course you could read up on some places on your own and visit a few spots you saw on social media, but that wouldn’t do it justice. You’d be missing the nuance that local guides in and of the community could give you. For that reason, I believe there’s no better way to connect with and understand the life of Black people in Paris, past, present, and future, than to take a Black Paris tour. But what leaves a lot of people stuck is: what Black Paris tour do I take?

Which Black Paris do you want to explore?

I think one of the misconceptions when booking a Black Paris tour is we see the word “Black” and just assume it’s all the same, just a different price, a different guide, a different company. And while yes, there is crossover in the history and some similar stories being shared, history is something that can be approached from many angles and each tour may provide its own unique lens to the information. While the facts of historical events may be the same, your guide is going to have their own life experiences to add to it as well as their unique personality.

Also, the image of Black history in Paris has historically been limited to a few people when in fact, the Black history and presence in France is vast and extends beyond Josephine Baker and James Baldwin to others whose stories also need to be told. Indeed, you can find Black Paris tours that focus on Josephine Baker, Black writers and artists, jazz players, and Black history on the Left Bank. You can simultaneously find tours that take you into the heart of Black communities and spaces while discussing the relationship between France, Africa, and the Caribbean. It’s all there for you to explore.

Choose your time and format

So, how do you pick a tour from a practical standpoint? The first thing is knowing what about Black history and life in Paris you want to learn more about. The next thing I would consider is how much time you have. There are tours of different durations, from short walks to full-day experiences. Shorter tours can explore one subject deeply while longer experiences allow more time to explore different themes and make connections between them.

Also, it’s important to know what style of tour you want to take—a traditional walking tour, bus tour, or immersive experience. Some walking tours center around landmarks and history, while others bring in contemporary culture and deeper discussion. Bus tours can work well for larger groups who want less walking. Just be sure to ask where the bus stops and how much of the experience is on foot. Then there are immersive experiences that go beyond a regular tour and have you taking a moment to sit in the history and presence of where you are through food, conversation, and time spent in cultural spaces.

Consider accessibility and what’s included

Unfortunately, Paris is not as accessible a city as we would like when it comes to getting around with disabilities. Because of that, it must be considered when choosing which tour to take. Ask how much walking the route involves, whether there are stairs, and what step-free transport or seating options are available. This often becomes a good reason to book a private tour so the guide can discuss your group’s needs and confirm which adaptations are possible before you book.

Something I can’t forget to mention when choosing a tour: price. Now everybody has a different budget for their activities, so you can find tours at different price points. Compare what the price covers: the guide’s experience, duration, group size, meals, transport, and any additional costs. A lower-priced tour may be shorter or include fewer extras; a higher price alone doesn’t tell you whether it’s the right experience for you.

Where AfroNomadik fits

At AfroNomadik, we offer private tours that can be customized to a group’s interests and our standard Black Paris tour called A Day of Exploring Black Paris—a six-hour experience built around history, community, food, and conversation. It includes a light breakfast, metro tickets, a midday shared appetizer, and lunch at the end. Additional drinks are separate.

This tour doesn’t focus on a single story of Black Paris. It weaves together threads from across the African diaspora, while also exploring the communities and cultures present in Paris today. If you’re interested in exploring with us, check our dates and book your experience.

Bless