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Self Guided Walking Tours of Paris

online walking tour paris

In this post, you will find a free, self-guided walking tour of the historic heart of Paris, along with a map and a GPS-enabled audio option.

The route includes many locations we cover in our free guided walking tours, so we offer you lots of information based on our knowledge of the history of what you will be seeing in this self-guided tour.

This tour starts on the Left Bank in the Latin Quarter before exploring Île de la Cité and ends at the Louvre Museum.

When you are done with this self-guided tour, why not try our others?

  • Right Bank Landmarks
  • Latin Quarter
  • Père Lachaise Cemetery

Like this one, they come with maps, routes, and in some cases, audio tour versions.

You can use these to discover the city at your own pace or as a preview of what you will see on a live-guided tour, like our free walking tours of Paris .

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SELF-GUIDED TOUR - HEART OF PARIS

The tour starts on the Left Bank in the Latin Quarter, passes through Île de la Cité and ends at the Louvre Museum.

The route is a little less than 3 kilometers (just under 2 miles).

If you'd like to enhance your experience, you might like to use our accompanying GPS-led audio tour , developed and narrated by one of our local tour guides, Andrew.

The audio tour is a more detailed version of the written information below. It costs just 2.99€ per download.

Here is a sample of the tour.

Self Guided Paris Walking Tour Map

Click on the map to expand or to download it to your phone.

For directions between stops, use the map above or download a PDF version of this tour.

1. Place Saint-Michel

Place Saint-Michel is simple – a triangle between two streets, uniform buildings along both, designed by the same architect, a walk of smooth cobblestone.

The centerpiece is St. Michael defeating a devil; far above them are four statues symbolizing the four cardinal virtues of prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice.

This monument came to be because of the 1848 Revolution and a cholera epidemic in Paris that followed it which killed thousands.

Place Saint-Michel

This idea of abstract concepts given human form had been popular during the Revolution, the big one, representing the kind of big virtues – like the Four Cardinal Virtues – that everyone could strive for, instead of a single human being whose actions and legacy would turn people against each other.

Simultaneous with the creation of Place Saint-Michel, Napoleon III’s renovation brought the Boulevard Saint-Michel into being, and that is the next part of the walk.

2. Boulevard Saint-Michel

The character of the street you’re on – wide-open space lined with trees and long, harmonious buildings, plus, often, a view of some landmark in the distance – was a central part of the renovation plan, or the Haussmann plan, as it’s also known.

Boulevard Saint-Michel

Georges-Eugène Hausmann was a Paris technocrat. Aside from health reasons, he also made the case to the parliament that wide streets would help prevent so many revolutions in the future.

Many buildings along this road are fine examples of the French 2nd Empire style.

On the left side of the street, just after Boulinier, a used book store, you’ll see the ruins of ancient Roman-style baths.

This is a preview of the Cluny Museum, which you’ll see from the front soon.

3. The Sorbonne

The Sorbonne, or the University of Paris, has been here since 1150, making it the second oldest university in Europe.

It’s the place where some of the fundamentals of today’s education system – things like doctoral degrees – were first put into practice.

The Sorbonne

The Sorbonne helped put Paris, and the Latin Quarter, on the map. 

It’s hard to overstate how many big names are connected with this institution, then and since.

Among them are churchmen John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas, scientists Marie and Pierre Curie, writers Voltaire, Balzac, Jean-Paul Sartre, T.S. Eliot, Elie Wiesel, Susan Sontag and so many more.

4. Cluny Museum

This is the Cluny Museum, formerly the Cluny Mansion. The name comes from the Cluny monks to whom it belonged and they were named for the city where they were based.

In 1340, they obtained what was left of the thermal baths you saw earlier and built this structure beside them.

Today, it’s France’s National Museum of the Middle Ages. It’s more an art museum than a history museum, with excellent exhibits on tapestries and stained glass.

online walking tour paris

Apart from those, the museum also has early medieval art from before the Gothic era – the style called Romanesque – medieval work from the Islamic world and the Byzantine Empire, and some other late, near-Renaissance pieces from the era of the tapestries.

There are also some much older artifacts in that oldest part of the property, the Roman baths. 

It’s open every day but Tuesday from 9:15 am to 5:45 pm. Regular tickets are 5 Euros, sometimes more if there’s a special exhibit going on ( more info ).

However, it’s free for teenagers, EU citizens under 26, and, on the first Sunday of each month, for everyone. It’s also free with a Paris Museum Pass .

5. The Church of Saint-Severin

Pause here for a moment to take in the atmosphere of the medieval city.

Saint-Severin is a 13th-century church, and the Rue Saint-Severin, the road just past it, is from that same era.

online walking tour paris

Look down to the left and you can imagine the crowdedness of these roads, shared by carts. pedestrians and animals and whatever was thrown from upper windows.

And you can imagine how easy it would be to improvise a barricade across one of these streets if you wanted to.

6. Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauve

The Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauve, or St. Julian the Poor, began construction in the 12th century, around the same time as Notre-Dame, and steady changes since have made it a mash-up of styles.

Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauve

But it started Romanesque, the early medieval style that preceded Gothic, and you can see the heaviness of that style, compared to which Gothic would have seemed so revolutionary.

While it was originally a Roman Catholic church, today it’s used by Melkite Greek Catholics, who are part of an Eastern Catholic community, based in the Middle East.

Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauve

The square is called the Square Rene Viviani, mostly known for its view of Notre-Dame.

The grounds are littered with big pieces of limestone – in the 19th century when Notre-Dame was renovated and also contains a locust tree believed to be the oldest tree in Paris, about 400 years old.

7. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

This is the second of two bookstores called Shakespeare and Company, the other stood just southwest of here, and both focused on English language books. 

An American named Sylvia Beach opened it, and as both a bookstore and a lending library, it came to be the haunt of writers and artists, including Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

The bookstore provided more than just a place for future artistic celebrities to meet; it also stocked and eventually published books that were banned back home, including James Joyce’s novel Ulysses.

This Shakespeare and Company was founded by George Whitman, who offered lodging to writers in exchange for volunteer work, and if you step inside, you’ll see some of their beds.

8. Left Bank - Pont au Double

On the quays along the banks of the Seine, Shakespeare and Company has plenty of competition in the bookselling business: bouquinistes , the booksellers who set up shop in little stalls along the river. 

From around the bridge, you can get a few important views. First is the Seine itself. The name Seine comes from Sequana, the name of an ancient river goddess. 

The river is the reason for human interest in this site going back millennia, and the Île de la Cité offered a relatively easy crossing, as well as an opportunity to build low bridges and control traffic up and down the river. 

Pont au Double

On the opposite side of the water from here is the Île de la Cité. From here you can see the big picture of the island. 

On the west end, to your left, is the Palais de la Justice, the former site of the royal palace and still home to parts of the French government. 

On the east side, to the right, has been religious turf for even longer – Notre-Dame has stood here since 1163.

Before, there was another Christian cathedral that was likely a Roman temple, and those were sometimes built on sacred sites that were older still. 

Nowadays, there’s not much on the island besides that; Haussmann eliminated most of the residences here.

9. Notre-Dame (Exterior)

This cathedral was started in the 1100s and enhanced with some of its flashiest elements over the next few centuries.

You can see one of those additions: the flying buttresses, those gracefully curved stone supports arrayed along the side of the building. 

The cathedral has 2 beautiful rose windows, both designed in the 13th century, but they were recreated in the 19th century, and they weren’t the only parts of the cathedral added so recently. 

Notre Dame (Exterior)

The same is true of much of the stained glass, the spire (now destroyed by the fire), all the gargoyles, and the heads of statues on the western side. 

To help fund that restoration, Victor Hugo penned his novel Notre-Dame de Paris, known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame . 

Looking at the cathedral from the front, you can see an overwhelming number of sculptures and reliefs.

For a time when most attendees were illiterate and didn’t understand the Latin language in which the sermons were given, the church façade itself was the illustrated version of the Bible. 

Over the main western doors, on what’s called the tympanum, is a relief of Judgement Day, with the separation of souls bound for eternal paradise or eternal torment. 

To the left, over the Portal of the Virgin, is a statue of Saint-Denis, who would have needed no introduction for most attendees.

He was beheaded by the Romans for the threat he posed to other religions. 

Now, he’s a patron saint of Paris and he’s also known across the Catholic world as someone to pray for relief from headaches.

In April 2019, a fire led to the collapse of much of the roof and a spire, plus collateral damage from impact, smoke, and water to much of the rest of the building and the artwork inside.

Hundreds of firefighters contained the disaster and kept it from doing more harm. 

The archaeological crypt under the parvis is now open and contains remains of the Roman city, plus models of what Notre-Dame looked like at the various phases of its life.

Tickets are 9€ or for free with a Paris Museum Pass .

Notre-Dame Cathedral's reopening is scheduled for December 8, 2024.

10. Rue de Lutece

Straight ahead, you can see the Palais de la Justice, the next stop.

To your right is the Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II, a beautiful, 200-year-old outdoor flower and plant market, operating daily from 9:30 - 19:00 (7 pm).

Lutèce is the French variation of “Lutetia” the ancient Roman name for Paris. The full name was Lutetia Parisiorum – Lutetia of the Parisii. 

The Parisii were the tribe that lived in this area before the Roman conquest, and as you may have guessed, they give the city its modern name.

RUE DE LUTECE

Though we refer to Roman in this tour, it is Gallo-Roman, to be exact.

The region’s population was the Gauls, a Celtic people, and while they were conquered by the Romans, local culture in the early centuries CE was a fusion of both. 

There’s a limited understanding of the geography of ancient life here – the ancient Gallic city was probably out west in today’s suburbs, and the Roman city, originally on the Left Bank, moved onto the island in the third century to be more easily defended. 

At the end of Rue de Lutèce is Boulevard du Palais, with the massive palace complex on the opposite side of the street.

11. Palais De Justice and Sainte-Chapelle

Altogether, what you see here is the Palais de la Cité. The site has served state functions as far back as being the home of Roman governors in the early years CE.

As for French kings, it was the royal palace until the 14th century, when it moved to various locations across the Seine on the Right Bank, including the Louvre. 

PALAIS DE JUSTICE AND SAINTE-CHAPELLE

From here you can see Sainte-Chapelle or the Sacred Chapel, easily identified by the tall steeple on the left side of the complex.

As for going inside Sainte-Chapelle, the wait can be long, but you’ll see some of the world’s most impressive stained glass. 

The upper chapel, up a narrow spiral staircase from the entrance and once only accessible by the king and his family, is surrounded by windows, and comprehensive cleaning and restoration completed in 2014 have them in ideal form. 

PALAIS DE JUSTICE AND SAINTE-CHAPELLE

The lower chapel, the portion originally made for the general population of the palace, has a highly decorated Gothic vaulted ceiling. 

Sainte-Chapelle 's hours are:

  • April 1st to September 30th, 9:00 - 19:00 (7 pm)
  • October 1st to March 31, 9:00 - 17:00 (5 pm)

Tickets are 13€ per person over 18 years of age; under 18 years old have free admission.

You can also be admitted for free with a Paris Museum Pass .

You can also get a combination ticket with our next stop, La Conciergerie, for 20€, but it’s only available from the La Conciergerie ticket desk; you won’t find it online.

12. La Conciergerie

La Conciergerie is famous as the last residence of Queen Marie Antoinette before she was executed early in the French Revolution. It was also a prison before and after her time. 

LA CONCIERGERIE

La Conciergerie

The royal palace had moved to new locations across the Seine in the 14th century. But some state functions stayed behind here, including part of the French court system. 

In the absence of the king himself, the place was run by a surrogate – a concierge – giving this building its name.

While the Revolution began with the liberation of a prison, the Bastille, it soon took over the palace and found uses for everything there. 

Sainte-Chapelle became storage, the space where the parliament of nobles met became the home of the assembly and the Revolutionary Tribunal, and the prison became... the prison. 

The royalty and their supporters, and eventually all kinds of perceived enemies, were imprisoned, tried, and executed, close to 3,000 of them in this building alone.

LA CONCIERGERIE

The Cell of Marie-Antoinette

In terms of the interior, La Conciergerie is a stark, simple building compared to Sainte-Chapelle, although still majestically Gothic.

Some spaces are set up as they would have looked during the Revolution, including the cell of Marie-Antoinette, which is now a chapel dedicated to her.

Hours : 

  • 9:30 - 18:00 (6 pm). Last entry at 17:30 (5:30 pm)
  • Early closure on December 24 and January 1 at 17:00 (5 pm)

Lastly, you can purchase a combination ticket that includes La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle for 20€, available from the La Conciergerie ticket desk; you won’t find it online.

There are guided tours (at an additional cost) every day at 11:00 and 15:00 (3 pm) and virtual reality 'histo-pads' available for rental at a modest price. 

At the end of the block, on the corner of the palace, is the first of the palace’s four towers, Tour de l’Horloge.

13. Tour de L'Horloge

Tour de l’Horloge means clock tower, and the clock is hard to miss!

This was the first public clock in Paris, installed in the 14th century, although the decorated face you see now came along a couple of hundred years later and has been restored a few times since. 

The figures on either side are personifications of law and justice – you may be able to see the plaque on the left and the scales on the right. 

TOUR DE L’HORLOGE

The clock face is covered by a small roof.

If you have especially sharp eyes and you look straight up at the underside of that roof, you can see a repeating pattern of intertwined letters: sometimes H and C, for King Henri II and his queen, Catherine de Medici, and sometimes H and M, for King Henri IV and his queen, Marguerite de Valois.

14-15. Place Dauphine

Place Dauphine is another city square, a triangle really; the rows of buildings that border it on the north and south sides slowly converge, leading to the edge of the island. 

Make your way gradually through to that point.

PLACE DAUPHINE

King Henri IV had a son, who would eventually become King Louis XIII, but until he took the throne, he was the Dauphin, or the crown prince. 

Dauphin also means dolphin; a couple of them are featured on the French coat of arms. 

Anyway, during his son’s boyhood, Henri IV converted a private palace garden into a public square and called it Place Dauphine, or Crown Prince Square. 

PLACE DAUPHINE

The buildings have mostly been redone since then; you can get a feel for the original square at the other end, the last buildings where the two sides converge to frame a statue of Henri IV.

16. Pont Neuf

The space where Henri stands is called the Square du Vert Galant, and it’s a relatively new piece of land.

River islands like Île de la Cité naturally build up this way on their downstream side. 

Pont Neuf

The New Bridge, when it was new at the start of the 1600s, just touched the tip of the island. 

Today, Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge still running across the Seine, and the others have followed its lead.

This one was specifically designed not to have houses on it, so as to offer a view of the Louvre, which is where we’re going next.

17. Quai du Louvre

First, the sights on the Left Bank. 

Directly across the Pont Neuf you can see the Monnaie de Paris, France’s mint, operating for more than a millennium and still producing Euros today.

QUAI DU LOUVRE

The building includes a museum on the history of the institution itself and on other money-related matters.

Next to it, you’ll see a wide building with a dome in the middle, the Institut de France.

Founded as a school, this is the home to intellectual institutions like the Académie Française. 

The Academy does many things, including giving life-changing monetary prizes to artists, but it’s best known for promoting a stiff view of what constitutes correct French. 

QUAI DU LOUVRE

Crossing the river in front of the Institut de France is another bridge, the Pont des Arts or Bridge of the Arts, named to match with the Louvre, the Palais des Arts or Palace of the Arts.

It’s a pedestrian-only metal bridge commissioned by Napoleon, and the view it offers makes it a popular spot for artists or just souvenir photographers.

Pont des Arts or Bridge of the Arts Love Locks

There’s a tradition – purely touristic – of attaching locks to the bridge; you’ll endear yourself to Parisians if you decide not to do this.

18. Louvre Museum and Tuileries Gardens

The Louvre used to be a royal palace, and it’s easy to tell. (See our in-depth post on how to visit the Louvre Museum ).

The Louvre remained private after the royalty moved out, and it housed a private collection of art until the Revolution, at which point, in 1793, it was opened to the public.

The open space to the west of the Louvre, centered on a large sculpted hedge, is the Place du Carrousel, and it used to be the location of another royal palace – the Tuileries Palace, destroyed in the late 19th century.

Louvre Museum Free Entry

It left behind the arch opposite the Louvre – the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, built to celebrate the military victories of Napoleon and to welcome arrivals to that palace. 

Beyond it are a couple of stairways, leading down into the former location of the moat, which contains some sculptures from the old palace. 

And beyond that is the Tuileries Gardens. At one time an exclusive royal garden, this too became public during the Revolution, and it’s another option for the next part of your adventure.

The gardens have a lot to see – it’s a sculpture garden with about 200 pieces, including several by famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

The gardens are bigger than the Louvre, so you could easily find yourself walking further in this park than you have through this entire tour so far!

Luckily, there are a couple of cafes around the middle if you need somewhere to rest.

online walking tour paris

It’s free to enter the gardens and is open every day, with hours changing seasonally.

  • January through December 7:30 - 19:30 (7:30 pm)
  • June, July and August 7:00 - 23:00 (11:00 pm)
  • April, May and September 7:00 - 21:00 (9:00 pm)

At the far end of the gardens is the Jeu de Paume , a contemporary art museum and L'Orangerie museum dedicated to impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.

This magnicient museum is a must-visit in Paris. It's open 9:00 - 18:00 (6 pm) daily, except Tuesdays. Tickets are 12,50€ or free with a Paris Museum Pass .

Beyond these museums are Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées, included in our self-guided tour of Paris' Right Bank !

For more ideas in Paris, including things to do in the Latin Quarter, Marais, and Montmartre , check out our website, linked in the notes.

And look for our articles and audio tours about lots of other cities - you’ll find links in the notes for those, too. 

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About The Author

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"Simply the best, most entertaining tour in Paris!"

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Welcome to Wego Walking Tours Paris.

For over a decade, we have been providing fun-filled walking tours, tailor made for english-speakers, that allow you to discover the best of Paris, see a ton, learn a bunch and make the most out of your time in the City of Light.

Our objectives remain the same since day one: to take care of you as if you were our own family, and to have your walking tour be the most memorable experience of your trip.

Consistently delivering on said mission has granted us the honor of being labeled by both press and our customers as " best tour in Paris!".

Come join us for a walk and let us treat you like you deserve to be treated. Like family!

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FEATURED IN:

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online walking tour paris

There is no better way to enjoy Paris than on foot. With so much to see and do, Wego Walking Paris takes the guesswork out of the equation and follows a meticulously crafted custom route, allowing you to see and enjoy more of Paris's world renowned sights and beauty.

Our world-class, english-speaking guides will take you on a fun-filled, memorable journey of the best Paris has to offer, making history come to life at every stop! Don't just visit Paris, come walk with us and truly experience the most beautiful city in the world!

Legendary customer service.

3.5+ hours of fun, sightseeing and learning, see more than on other tours., over 20 attractions/sites covered., fantastic photo opportunities., made for english-speakers., why choose wego, the sights & the stories.

So what exactly do we get to see and talk about on tour? To be brief, A LOT! (no topic is ever off-topic and the city often brings surprises along the way) A non-exhaustive list includes:

The Eiffel Tower

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Louvre Museum

Champs Elysées

Alexander III Bridge

Arc de Triomphe Carousel

Place de la Concorde

Les Invalides

La Sainte-Chapelle

River Seine

The Bouquinistes

"Lock Bridge"

National Assembly

Place St. Michel

Palais de Justice

Musée d'Orsay

L'Orangerie

Grand Palais

Tuileries Gardens

Petit Palais

Police Prefecture

Obelisk of Luxor

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Paris history

French food

World War II

French Revolution

Spotting/avoiding pickpockets

Tour de France

Reign of Terror

2024 Olympics

French Culture

Films / T.V. shows shot in Paris

City wildlife

Current events

Roman Empire

Notre-Dame fire

National day

Notable French Kings

Using Paris Metro system

Daytrips from Paris

Living in the city of light

Gaulish Tribes

  • Where does the tour start? Our tour meeting point is located in central Paris, right next to Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral. You will receive precise instructions along with your booking confirmation.
  • How long does the tour last? The tour lasts at least 3.5 hours.
  • Where does the tour end? The tour ends on Champ de Mars, the park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. We like to end with a bang!
  • What distance does the tour cover? The tour covers approximately 4.3 miles (7km) on foot.
  • Can I book a Private Tour? Yes! We offer both public and private tours.

F.A.Q. (frequently asked questions)

Get in touch.

Questions? Is there anything else you'd like to know? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by filling the form below our emailing us at [email protected] .   We're always happy to help!

Thank your for your message. We will reply shortly.

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Charming & Artistic Montmartre

This fascinating “village” in northern Paris was the home to many famous artists, such as Dali, Picasso, and Van Gogh. Wander the historic, narrow cobbled streets as you ascend to the highest point in Paris.

Take the Montmartre Walking Tour

Small group tours.

Learn the captivating history and stories of famous Parisian sights and residents while strolling through the most beautiful city in the world. Unlike other walking tours, we limit our group sizes to 10 persons to enhance and maximize the guest experience. We invite you to learn about and experience Paris with us!

online walking tour paris

Eiffel Tower

Built for the Universal Exposition of 1889, this 300 meter high iron structure designed by Gustave Eiffel has become the symbol of Paris and France around the world.

See the Eiffel Tower!

online walking tour paris

Medieval Marais

Some of the oldest buildings in Paris can be found in the Marais.

Reserve the Marais Tour now!

online walking tour paris

Pere Lachaise

Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison and many others are buried at this beautiful cemetery in Paris

Visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery!

online walking tour paris

Historic Passages

One of the most picturesque and interesting passageways can be found in the Latin Quarter.

Take a stroll through history!

online walking tour paris

Haunted Paris

Discover the ghosts and legends of Paris' past!

Take the Haunted Paris Tour!

Most popular tours.

online walking tour paris

Versailles Palace Tour 85€

online walking tour paris

Louvre Masterpieces Tour 50€

online walking tour paris

Montmartre Tour 20€

online walking tour paris

Haunted Paris Tour 22€

online walking tour paris

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour 20€

online walking tour paris

Latin Quarter Tour 20€

online walking tour paris

Marais Tour 20€

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Tourists flock to this city on the Seine in their droves seeking an elusive imagined Paris that lives in a set of images: carelessly flicked cigarettes; rock star philosophers debating; the smell of freshly baked baguettes wafting from the baskets of passing bicycles; beauty in all things – buildings, art, food, clothing, people and ideas.

Urbs' audio tours of Paris  are the ultimate way to see the sights, including the many hidden gems dotted throughout the city. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or longer, there’s no better way to take it all in than a self-guided walking tour of Paris .

The Urbs Way

Listen & discover.

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Enjoy 4+ hours of audio content written by cultural experts Explore 70+ fascinating cultural locations Discover 130+ restaurants, cafes, bars and shops recommended by local writers

Plan your route.

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Plan your perfect day with our unique route plotting function You can also use one of our curated routes which can be amended according to interests, schedule and budget

Book tickets

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Find out which locations require tickets Book attractions and activities in advance to avoid the queues

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This is modern Paris

Romantic, breathtaking, chic and cultured – the city of Paris and its bright lights never fail to impress. It’s said that you have to visit Paris at least once in your lifetime - and with so much to experience, it’s easy to see why a visit to the French capital is not only rich in art history, but also a fun city to base yourself – alone, with a loved one, or even with a group of friends. Whether this is your first or seventh visit to the capital, you’ll want to have a plan in order to visit the best parts, to discover something new, and to have a memorable time, which is why self-guided walking tours of Paris are so popular. The Urbs app allows you to plan your own schedule and add all your favourite sights and attractions, with recommendations from those in the know. It’s a bit like a France travel podcast, travel guide book and modern travel hack rolled into one. So why not join us on a journey of discovery and history, and make new memories at the same time!

J’adore Paris

Ready to put your audio tour of Paris together? Here are some of the walks, attractions and neighbourhoods currently trending that you can find more about on the app. Why not add them to your list.

​ Paris has a reputation for some of the best art and culture in the world. Here you can find the finest galleries and museums, including the Musee d’Orsay, the Musee National Picasso and the Centre Pompidou. However, the best place to start your audio tour of Paris is the Louvre Museum, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa. Better still, our audio tour answers all your pressing questions, saving you the hassle of having to Google afterwards. If you plan to visit several museums, a Paris Museum pass will serve you well.

Green space

​ There are so many beautiful parks and gardens within the square mile of the city, making the perfect backdrop for your audio tour of Paris. Jardin du Luxembourg is a popular spot with locals, with plenty of information and signage in the area. But perhaps, for the best view, get off the beaten track and head to Montmartre. Across the sweeping skyline, you can see why it’s the basis for many well-known French artworks.

Boutique shopping

As you immerse yourself in your self-guided walking tour of Paris, don’t forget to make time for shopping. There are so many neighbourhoods in Paris for fashion lovers, including the district of Le Marais, which more than lives up to its name as a shoppers’ haven. Head to either Rue des Francs-Bourgeois or Rue Vieille du Temple for luxury bijou shops in the heart of the city.

Iconic landmarks

If you visit just one place on your audio tour of Paris, make it the Eiffel Tower. Located in the Champs de Mars, this world-famous landmark is a prerequisite for your visit. During your walking tour, be sure to take lots of photos for your Instagram account.Some of the sights that also have to be visited include the epic Champs Elysées – a stunning piece of architecture within the city, and of course Notre Dame - which is still undergoing renovation.

Finally, for your audio tour of Paris, head to the lively Latin Quarter for fun evening entertainment, popular with students. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to book tickets for the mesmerising Moulin Rouge – it’s all part of the mandatory French experience!

Café culture

​ Food and Paris go hand-in-hand. If you have a sweet tooth, one of the best places to order crepes and a coffee is Breizh Café – a real gem hidden away in the Marais district. That said, walk around any local square and you can find a market stall selling delicious local foods. The city, of course, has tons of restaurants, where you can sample five-star dining like no other. To really impress, head to Le Cinq at the Four Seasons.

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Access Paris by app

​ Before you take off on your French adventure, there’s something you need to do. Download the Urbs app to your iPhone or smartphone device – the only way to create your Paris audio tour. Here’s some of the benefits in doing so:

Bespoke travel plan

Why do the same tourist route as everyone else, when you can curate your very own audio tour of Paris? Or, if you’re looking for inspiration, choose from one of the many walking tours available.

Discover something new

Whether you’re looking for a hidden gem, or local tip, our self-guided tours can be mixed and matched from over 400 options, allowing you to discover Paris and places of interest.

To get about the city with ease and enjoy the many attractions, book ahead of time using the Urbs app – it’s a great help, especially for big groups.

Download the app

Planning a trip to Paris? Then don’t miss the chance to access the city in this audio feast, now available to download on Android and iOS devices.

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A guide during a paris walking tour

Paris Walking Tours from the Best Local Guides (Updated 2024)

Paris walking tours with local guides.

We have given more than 100,000 Paris walking tours since our founding in 2010. Join us for:

  • The best designed tour routes – Montmartre, Marais, Left Bank, Right Bank, and many more.
  • The best trained local guides – real Parisians with both knowledge and passion for the city of Paris
  • Most convenient times and durations – 90 minute walking tours designed to maximize your time

There can be so many options when it comes to walking tours in Paris! So many guest reviews.   And so many attractions – the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, the river Seine, etc. Just how can you pick the right guided Paris tour?

Our advice when visiting Paris is first to always hire a local guide, because you will see more of the city. And second, to look for: authenticity, guide quality, value for money, and overall guest enjoyment.

Discover Walks offers Paris walking tours that explore the art, the food, the landmarks, and the local gems of France’s City of Light.

Find the best Paris walking tours by category now

Browse our selection of guided paris tours below, your best day in paris private tour.

Customize a perfect day with Discover Walks Paris

Find a free guided tour in Paris today or tomorrow

Free tours for today & tomorrow

RAIN OR SHINE. INSTANT BOOKING

Montmartre free walking tour

From Moulin Rouge to Sacré Coeur - the last village

Le Marais walking tour

Le Marais free walking tour

Trendy Marais tour, mansions and fashions

Louvre pyramid

Le Louvre’s Great Highlights

The museum you do not want to miss

Left Bank, Notre Dame and Latin Quarter tour

From Notre Dame to Panthéon

The Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero: visit Paris in two days

Paris in two days premium tour

let us customize a perfect stay

Montmartre Private Walking Tour

MOULIN ROUGE TO SACRÉ COEUR

A kid playing around l'Arc de Triomphe

Paris with kids

PRIVATE TOUR – LET’S KEEP EVERY FAMILY MEMBER HAPPY!

The best food tours in the city

Foods of Paris: The Grand Tour

Private tour – our high-end food selection

Paris Flea Market guided tour

Paris Flea Market Guided Tour – small group

A fun adventure at the world's largest antiques market

Paris’ #1 Montmartre Food Tour

French foods with a French foodie

Hidden Gems and Secret Paris free tour

JUMP OFF THE TOURIST MAPS

Montmartre Night Tour with Champagne

Paris landmarks free walking tour.

Right bank tour with Discover Walks Paris

Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise in Paris

Cruise along Paris’ Seine River

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Design your tour

Jewish paris tour.

explore Jewish Marais of the past and present

Paris At Night Private Tour With River Cruise With Champagne

Louvre, Palais Royal & Seine River

Customize your Half Day in Paris

The best of Paris in a custom private tour

The best cooking classes in the city

Paris Cooking Class: Lunch, Wine & Market Visit

Indulge in a true gourmet French experience

Pastries by Stephanie Klepacki - Unsplash

Paris: 2-Hour French Pastry Cooking Class

Discover how to make French pastries from a trained chef

Bakery Bread by mohamed hassouna - Unsplash

Paris: 2-Hour Behind the Scenes Bakery Tour

Learn how to make French pastries from a top French baker

Paris Street art tour

The best walls of Paris

Macarons and Coffee by Brooke Lark - Unplash

Paris Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Macarons

Discover how to make macarons from an expert instructor

A group of ladies enjoying wine by Helena Lopes - Unsplash

Paris: Latin Quarter Wine and Food Tasting Tour

Explore Latin Quarter and Indulge in Delicious treats

Wine Glasses by Chelsea Pridham - Unsplash

Paris: Wine and Cheese Lunch

Taste different French wine varieties paired with delicious cheeses

Versailles: Food & Palace Bike Tour

Paris: Versailles Food & Palace Bike Tour

Explore Versailles on a bike tour & sample French delicacies

People eating a meal around a table by Priscilla Du Preez - Unsplash

Paris: Le Marais Food & Wine Tasting Tour

Wine and Dine in the Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais

A building by Ulysse Pointcheval - Unsplash

Paris: Montmartre Best Art, Culture and Food Tour

Discover the rich Parisian history of art, music and food

Explore Paris with Local City Tour Guides

How to choose the right free walking tour in Paris for you

When picking a tour, you want to take three factors into consideration – your time, your money and you yourself (or your group).

1 – Your Time Planning what you do in Paris is greatly affected by the number of days you have in the city. The average tourist spends only three nights in Paris. Most overseas visitors spend 4 to 5 nights. Fitting all of Paris’ world-known attractions into 3 to 5 days is not easy! Hiring a guide can help you optimize your time.

2 – Your Money Paris can be expensive to be sure, but many of the city’s highlights are free (Notre Dame, the view from Montmartre, and the special feeling on Pont des Artes to name three). The five-star restaurant can set you back a week’s pay and more – but a sandwich from the local bakery can be a memorable experience. Discover Walks runs the gambit from the very economical free walking tours of Paris , to our flagship “Best Day Ever” customized premium tour of Paris . Our free tours have all of our love of Paris – we don’t hold anything back. If you choose a private tour instead, with us at Discover Walks money will buy you time, personalized service and door-to-door attention.

3- And You!

You and your travel companions are the most important ingredient. We have guests who spend three days in the Louvre and Orsay and one day with Discover Walks and feel they got the best of Paris. Other guests never go inside a museum, they take all seven of our neighborhood tours and feel they really know Paris (and are ready to move here).

If this is your first trip to Paris, we have many ways for you to get the most out of your visit. If you have been to Paris several times, we have created tours that take you off the tourist path, to see more of the real Paris.

Guided Walking Tours Offer the Best Views of Paris

The less time you have in Paris, the more you will want your guide to take you to the best views. Panoramic views help you understand the city better. And they leave you with a lasting impression to take home with you.

One-Day Visit.

We advise you to read below even if you are spending more than one day in Paris, as we give suggestions that you may want to put to use.

High Budget: We have many guests who come from London just for the day. They arrive at Gare Nord train station at 9:30 in the morning and they leave after dinner. Most often, they book our Best Day Ever Tour .

Our guide meets them at the train station and is with them all day as we sweep through Paris in grand style – if they want, we get them reservations for dinner someplace special (the most popular right now is Restaurant Jules Verne at the top of the Eiffel Tower – great dinner and a view that no one forgets.)

Mid/Low Budget: Many other guests with only one day want to get a feel of the city. We recommend first doing a neighborhood tour like our Right Bank Landmarks Tour . In 90 minutes the Discover Walks guide has them feeling like a Parisian, helps them find a good local bistro for lunch.

These guests often stroll past a couple of iconic sites. No need to go inside, from the outside you get a great sense for Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, or the Louvre museum. For the Orsay, Rodin, and Picasso museums. You might end the day having dinner in trendy Marais or one the many places in Montorgueil or in St. Germain des prés.

If you ‘need’ the top of the Eiffel Tower, Orsay, or the Louvre, then we recommend you buy ‘skip-the-line’ tickets at least 30 days in advance. We have many of these special tickets as part of our tours and as a service with our private tour guests.

Two or More Day Visit With two or more full days in Paris, you can start to add things that you have a personality affinity for, alongside the must-sees. First time to Paris? Look at the major landmarks. Been here before? Explore Paris more in-depth, and explore some off-the-beaten-track experiences. Where to start?

To enjoy Paris from the start, to get a feel for the city and to become comfortable, we recommend doing a Discover Walks tour on your first day. Your Discover Walks guide will treat you like an invited guest, like a friend who is visiting our city.

During your time with us, we will not only tell you what you are seeing, we can also explain why things are the way they are in Paris. Our most popular tours are our Food Tour , Best Day Ever, and our neighborhood Private Tours.

Our most popular free walking tour is Montmartre. But all our tours get rave reviews. Perhaps because our guides are all true locals, with a passion for our home city.

We suggest you pick a tour that covers something that interests you – Right Bank (for major landmarks and good orientation), Trendy Marais (to see old Paris Mansions, quaint streets and trendy new Paris), Notre Dame and Left Bank (blend of students, art and bohemian life), St. Germain (the river, old money, art and Hemmingway) and Hidden Gems (the surprising gems in the neighborhood next to the Louvre).

Why Discover Walks as Your Guide?

More than two-thirds of the people who take one tour with Discover Walks decide to take a second tour – and very often a third and a fourth as well. We are thrilled by this, as visitors choose Discover Walks for spending their precious time in Paris. We love Paris. Showing our city to you is a real treat for us. We will treat you the best that we know.

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19 Best Paris Walking Tours

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Place Trocadero

From ancient Roman times to the medieval period to the French Revolution to the 20th century World Wars, history has stacked on top of itself in key locations all over Paris. Find out exactly where to retrace the steps of the famous—and infamous—throughout the City of Lights, from royal gardens to market streets and grand boulevards. On these walks, which range from short and scenic to long and layered, you'll do it all: go canal-side, where the guillotine fell, find out where famous painters lived and died, and much more. Our list of Paris' best historic walks has something for ever level of history-lover.

Jardins des Tuileries Overhead

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This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Place de la Concorde Paris

Place de la Concorde Arrow

Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris, originally created in honor of Louis IV but probably best known for being the spot of the French Revolution's guillotine executions, including his successor Louis XVI. This majestic spot connects the end of the Tuileries Gardens and the beginning of the Champs-Élysées. The Luxor Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian obelisk mounted in the place in the 1830s, anchors the open space. It's a busy intersection of multiple streets, so expect traffic on your way to cross to see the obelisk and the gorgeous lateral views.

Avenue des Champs Élyses Street Overhead Paris

Place de la Bastille Arrow

The Place de Bastille is an open square where the infamous Bastille prison once stood—and fell, igniting the French Revolution. The Colonne de Juillet in the center commemorates the revolution of 1830, as well. This is a spot that is heavily trafficked by Parisians, whether heading out for dinner, shopping, or home. You'll see a broad cross-section of the city there, which is a nice counter-balance to the weighty historical events that have unfolded there.

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Ile St. Louis Paris Walks

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Île Saint-Louis is known for the elegance and grandeur of its hôtel particuliers, developed by builder Christophe Marie and designed by Louis Vau (the architect of Versailles). Built over a 30 year period in the 17th century, the houses on the island diverged from the typical wealthy homes of the time by focusing on the views outward over the Seine, rather than into an interior courtyard. The island, which was originally two natural islands that were combined in a feat of engineering, remain pristine examples of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Architecture and design buffs will love the island for its historical importance, but also for the quality of the buildings like the famed Hotel Lambert. And of course, the views are unparalleled.

Jardin des Plants Paris Garden France Flowers

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The Jardins des Plantes, or Botanical Gardens, is a popular park for families (members of all ages!) to visit. Not only are the trees and plants gorgeous to explore, but the garden is part of the National Museum of Natural History (Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle) so there are multiple exhibition spaces throughout, as well as a zoo. Built in 1898 for the World's Fair, the structure housing the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie is also worth seeing for the historic architecture, and the kids will enjoy seeing the dinosaur skeletons inside!

Pont Alexandre III Paris Bridge

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This ornate and elaborate bridge was inaugurated in 1900 to time with the Exposition Universelle in 1900, echoing the Beaux-Arts style of the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais it leads to. The name of the bridge commemorates the signing of the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1892, signed by Tsar Alexander III. During the day, the bridge is a major crossing between the Left and Right banks. On the Rive Droite, you alight at the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, leading to the Champs-Élysees. On the Rive Gauche, you arrive at the grassy expanse of the Invalides. That means you'll pass a mix of tourists and locals day and night, many of whom stop and take photos.

Canal St. Martin Paris

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Canal Saint-Martin runs through one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. While the canal itself was commissioned in 1802 by Napoleon I to bring fresh water into the city, the vibe is distinctly contemporary with some of Paris's hottest restaurants, cafés and bars scattered alongside it. The contrast of the urban (think graffiti) with the placid (think canal tour boats) is one of the distinct charms of the walk.

Place de Furstenberg Paris walks

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Built in the 6th century, Place de Furstenberg (technically a road, not a plaza) was originally attached to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey. It owes its current name and form to Cardinal Guillaume-Egon de Furstenberg, who initiated a renovation and extension to the Abbatial Palace in 1586. The main reason most tourists will find themselves in the Place de Furstenberg is if they are visiting the Musée National Eugène Delacroix. The famous French painter lived on the Rue de Furstenberg and his former home has been converted into a popular museum dedicated to his work.

Place des Vosges France Paris

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Nestled in the side streets of the charming and hip Marais, the Place de Vosges is the oldest square in Paris (it was originally part of Henri II and Catherine de Medici's palace before being opened up to the public by Henri IV). Ringed on all sides by arched walkways and red brick buildings, the square has a symmetrical layout of trees leading into a central garden. You'll often find students picnicking or studying while small children run through the dusty paths. It's a perfect landmark to orient yourself around in the popular neighborhood.

Place de la Rpublique Paris

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The Place de la République is now the largest public plaza in Paris, following a renovation that was finished in 2013. Originally known as the Place du Château d’Eau, the plaza took on its current rectangular shape under Haussmann. At 918 feet by 394 feet, the plaza is a large gathering place for Parisians thanks to family-friendly activities and a café with outdoor seating. While you walk to see the famous statue of Marianne (the female embodiment of the French Republic) in the center of the plaza, you'll see a mix of Parisians and tourists utilizing the space.

Quai Voltaire Paris France

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Walking along the Seine is always magical, but the Quai Voltaire on the Left Bank offers the extra-charming addition of les bouquinistes, the beloved booksellers that have wooden stands along the elevated sidewalk. Catch long views over the Seine towards the Louvre to the west and Notre Dame on the east, or turn away from the river to gaze at the buildings on the south side of the street, which include the art shop Sennelier, frequented by artists from Cézanne to Picasso.

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Marché Président Wilson Arrow

The Marché Président Wilson (a.k.a. Marché d'Alma) is the largest of the open air food markets in Paris, popping up in the 16th Arrondissement every Wednesday and Saturday. You'll find a mostly local crowd strolling through the stalls packed with every cheese, meat, fruit and vegetable to choose from, with many vendors having been at the market for years. Running alongside the market are several top museums if you want to combine art and food—spot cutting-edge art at the Palais de Tokyo and fashion at the Palais Galliera.

Parcs des Buttes Chaumont Paris

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Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

Place Trocadero

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This is Paris on a grand scale. The Place du Trocadéro sits in the midst of the curving wings of the Palais de Chaillot, before giving way to the sloping Jardins du Trocadéro below. With perhaps the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the city (you are elevated directly across the Seine from it), you are constantly experiencing multiple historical eras at once. Stroll easily across the open place or take a meandering walk through the garden (more exercise if you reverse the order and work your way up.)

Rue SaintJacques Walks Paris

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One of the oldest (if not the very oldest) street in Paris dates back to when it was a major artery of the Roman city Lutetia, well-traveled in medieval time by those making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, which housed the remains of the apostle Saint James. Nowadays, Rue Saint-Jacques cuts through the Sorbonne, offering up plenty of student foot traffic throughout the day. You'll be excused for your own intellectual curiosity in looking at the buildings where many of France's first printing presses were located, a claim to fame for the street.

Galerie Vivienne Paris

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Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

Rue des Rosiers Paris Storefront

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Rue des Rosiers was the main street of the Jewish portion of Paris (known in Yiddish as "Pletzl"). While the Marais is no longer a Jewish neighborhood, traces of the original inhabitants remain on this pedestrian street, now filled with chic boutiques sitting alongside traditional bakeries. Young Parisians flock to the stores for shopping outings, while tourists often come for strudel and bagels at longtime establishments like Sacha Finkelsztajn.

Square Rene Viviani Paris Exterior

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Square René-Viviani is a charming and intimate garden (named for a former Prime Minister of France), offering spectacular views of the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. The star of the square is the oldest living tree in Paris, a black locust, said to have been planted in 1601 by Jean Robin, who was the herbalist and gardener to Henri III, Henri IV, and Louis XII. There is also a fountain, created by artist Georges Jeanclos, that tells the story of St. Julien but also stands to commemorate the Jewish children killed during the Vichy regime.

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN PARIS

Visiting the Louvre grounds during the Paris Free Tour

Free Tour of Paris

Book the original Paris free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guide

Montmartre District & Sacré-Coeur

Montmartre Free Walking Tour

Join a walking tour of the perfectly Parisian Montmartre neighborhood

latin quarter walking tour

Paris Latin Quarter Free Walking Tour

Visit the beautiful major landmarks that exist in Paris' Latin Quarter

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Paris: 1-hour Seine River Cruise

Complete your trip to Paris with this 1-hour sightseeing cruise on the Seine River

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2-hour Paris Highlights Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Paris' top attractions with your private tour guide

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3-hour Paris Private City Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Paris' fascinating history and must-see sites with your private to ...

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Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Discover the many faces of Paris with a passionate local guide

Few cities in the world inspire the imagination like Paris. With beautiful architecture, stunning gardens and artistic inspiration to rival any of its European neighbours, this is a city that sits on almost every person’s bucket list. We show it to you through the eyes of Paris’ best local tour guides.

The original Free Tour of Paris  covers many of Paris’ top attractions, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. After you’ve managed to tick off some of the most popular landmarks in Paris with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us!

There are so many things to do in Paris, including experiencing the Rive Gauche on the  Latin Quarter Tour . Often known as the writers’ area, or painters’ area, this was home to Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dalí and James Joyce, among others.

Of course, another area not to be missed is Montmartre, and the  Montmartre District Tour  runs every day and includes sites like the Basilica Sacré Coeur, the home of Van Gogh and the Moulin Rouge. But the most romantic places in the City of Love only get more romantic at night. On our City of Lights tour , you get to see Paris’ top attractions while they’re beautifully lit up.

After all that walking, you might be ready for a drink, and our top-rated pub crawl  is a great night out in Paris, with bars, clubs and drink deals all night. If you’ve still got energy the next day, why not visit the stunning Royal Gardens of Versailles? The tour to Versailles  runs almost every day, and no trip to Paris is complete without experiencing this must-see site.

Enjoy authentic local experiences

Paris is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English and Spanish, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Paris' best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

Aside from the Free Tour, in Paris you’ll also find unforgettable tours and experiences. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tours & activities across Europe, Israel & USA

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  • Over 160,000 five-star reviews
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  • Top quality tours with local guides, whatever your budget

paris things to do

Things to do in Paris

Ready to start exploring Paris? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

where to stay paris travel guide

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Paris

best restaurants paris where to eat

The best places to eat in Paris

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Paris recommended by locals

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The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from French wine to delicious cocktails

paris things to do travel guide

The best shopping in Paris

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Paris

The local expert guides we work with are proud to show you the best Paris has to offer!

Scroll through to learn more about these unforgettable guides, including where they’re from, why they love Paris and which tours they can offer you.

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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Paris, Champs-Elysees at night

The 9 best walking tours in Paris

Get to know the glorious French capital on foot via one of these themed walking tours in Paris

Landed in the City of Light for the first time? Don’t be intimidated. This place is big. Really big. And there’s so much going on it can be hard to know where to start. But luckily for you globe-trotters, we’re here to help out. If you’re an out-of-towner with next-to-no knowledge of Paris, we think booking a walking tour might be your best bet. Thanks to a guide who knows what they’re talking about – and, more importantly, where they’re going – you’ll have sussed out this city in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your comfiest shoes and set out on a tour of one of the finest cities in the world. Here’s our pick of the best walking tours in Paris right now, from tip-top  chocolatier trips to erotica-themed excursions (yes, really). 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris

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Best walking tours in Paris

Hit all the main sights in one go

1.  Hit all the main sights in one go

One for the newbies: this two-hour tour will take you to all the big Parisian landmarks. Think Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all in a smaller group setting. It’s even led by a clued-up guide who’ll keep you informed as you go. Or you can just Google stuff along the way instead. 

Time Out tip:  Be sure to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees, as certain pit stops are places of worship and can deny entry if you're too exposed. 

Ramble around hilly Montmartre

2.  Ramble around hilly Montmartre

Immerse yourself in la vie bohème – Bohemian Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming (and historic) areas. This tour will take you around the hilly northern district, stopping at cool shops and some of the finest food spots in the area. Of course, you can expect the odd historical anecdote... or three.

Time Out tip: Make sure your camera's fully charged, as atop the highest hill in the city lies some of the best panoramic views Paris has to offer. 

Stroll through streets rich with criminal history

3.  Stroll through streets rich with criminal history

True-crime fans will love this historical crime Paris walking tour. Embrace the Parisian streets from a different, slightly eerie, perspective. Join the darker side of Paris on a walking tour learning all about the dangerous past of the criminals who roamed the streets before you. Visit sites of executions, stroll the routes known for dodgy dealings, and discover the maze of side streets – the helping hand for criminals to outrun the law. Hold onto your purses.

Time Out tip:  Listen out for the surprising facts and shocking anecdotes your clued-up guide has up their sleeve. 

Delve into the depths of the Catacombs

4.  Delve into the depths of the Catacombs

You know, like that film? One of the French capital’s eeriest attractions, these underground  ossuaries hold the remains of more than six million Parisians. Your guide will fill you in on the long and storied  past of this spooky subterranean cemetery. Definitely one for fans of spine-chilling adventures.  

Time Out tip: You can opt for a hosted tour, which comes with a 30-minute briefing outside the catacombs, or dive straight in with a self-guided audio tour. 

Explore Paris by night

5.  Explore Paris by night

This late-night tuk tuk tour will introduce you to the city just as it starts to get dark – you’ll journey along the Seine, around the courtyard of the Louvre, and then pay a visit to some lesser-known (and largely tourist-free) attractions.

Time Out tip:  This is the perfect tour to do with your significant other if you happen to be on a couples holiday. 

Walk in the footsteps of Coco Chanel

6.  Walk in the footsteps of Coco Chanel

Fashionistas can see Paris through the eyes of one of the 20th century’s greatest designers. The tour will begin at Coco’s favourite café, Angelina – renowned for its hot chocolate. Then you’ll venture on to Rue Saint-Honoré, where Chanel lived, and see the site of her first shop (which remains today). Lastly, you can rummage through a vintage shop in the hope of scoring some old-school designer goods. 

Time Out tip:  The audio guide set-up of this tour means you can begin at any time and go completely at your own pace. All you need to do is download the VoiceMap app. 

Spy some stunning street art

7.  Spy some stunning street art

For something beautiful and slightly less touristy, take a moment to admire the in-your-face artwork lining walls all over the city. Learn about some of the capital’s most well-known street artists, and discover the techniques they use to scale those mighty Haussmannian façades. Make sure to bring a camera, you'll have heaps of good photo ops. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of your local, knowledgeable guide by asking as many questions as you like. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth

8.  Satisfy your sweet tooth

Treat that sweet tooth with a delectable tour of the city’s most impressive chocolatiers. Learn all about the history of confectionery in Paris by visiting some swanky sweet shops along the Right Bank and, best of all, get your sticky mitts on some freebies. Our pro tip: wear elasticated trousers and thank us later. Bon Appétit.

Time Out: Be sure to get your fair share of hot drinks, with tea, coffee and even hot chocolate available. 

Whizz round the coolest kid-friendly sights

9.  Whizz round the coolest kid-friendly sights

It can be hard keeping the tots entertained when you’re in a new city. But we've got you covered. This fun tour caters to families with young children, with light commentary, frequent breaks, stops for food and a playground included in the route. 

Time Out tip:  You'll be able to secure some amazing family pictures on this tour worth hanging up at home. 

Not done exploring the city yet?

More Paris tours

More Paris tours

Take a look through our complete list of the best tours in Paris. 

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Free Walking Tour of Paris

  • 9.30 / 10 1,079 reviews | 9,720 travellers The tour was very interesting and we learned alot about Paris. The only negative was for myself there was too much standing. I found it difficult. I realize she needs to stop and talk with us but I wish we would have had a chance to sit once in a while. 8 Anonymous

Immerse yourself in "The City of Lights" with  a guided tour around the French Capital , discovering the Louvre, the Seine and Notre Dame. You'll have a blast!

You'll have a blast!

What will you see?

  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • Palais Justice
  • Arc de Triomphe
  • Musée d'Orsay

Paris sits on the banks of the River Seine and was built over 2 thousand years of fascinating history. From Gallic origins to Roman conquerers, through opulence, bloody revolution, raging war and much more. Paris has experienced so much throughout its many centuries, and thanks to our expert English-speaking tour guide you'll be able to learn all about the story of this enchanting city.

At the scheduled time, we'll meet at the Hotel de Ville , just next to the Paris tourist office. During this free walking tour, we'll visit some of the most important landmarks around the city, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral  (made famous via movies and popular culture), Palais Justice , Pont Neuf , The Louvre , (home to the Mona Lisa and many other famous works), the Arc de Triomphe , and the Musée d'Orsay to name but a few.

Our expert tour guide will reveal to us the history of each monument we visit, as well as many interesting facts about the city in general. From its original as a small medieval village to becoming the capital of Napoleon's empire , from the infamous French Revolution to La Belle Époque and the Naz i Occupation during World War II in 1940 . This tour will bring to life the fervent history of Paris, and will undoubtedly leave you lusting for more. Another visit perhaps? Surely!

Finally, this free walking tour of Paris will come to an end at the renowned Tuileries Gardens .

Important Information

This tour doesn't take place on 1st January.

More Information

2 hours 45 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English speaking expert guide.

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. This must be indicated in the reservation.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Walkative Tour Show more

Corporate name: Legendary Tours

Frequently asked questions

Q - Will we go inside the monuments during this tour?

A - No, we will admire them from outside.

Q - Will the tour still take place in the event of rain or snow?

A - Yes, the tour takes place regardless of weather conditions.

Q - Will there be a break?

A - Yes, there will be a ten-minute break.

Q - Are children allowed?

A - Yes, children are allowed to take part on the tour.

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

A - This activity requires a minimum of 4 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point, where does the activity end.

Hotel de Ville, outside the metro at exit 5, next to the Paris tourist office

The Tuileries Garden

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The best free walking tours and paid tours in Paris by Walkative guides.

Tours in paris pay what you wish tours.

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What is going on in Paris

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What to see in Paris?

Paris is not only the largest metropolis in France – it is also the famous city of lovers, the fashion capital of the world and the setting for many award-winning films. Productions such as Amelia , Midnight in Paris and The da Vinci Code , among others, were filmed here. Charming winding streets, cosy café gardens, delicious local cuisine and, above all, numerous monuments attract tens of millions of tourists to Paris year after year. For years it has remained in the top five most visited cities in the world.

On our website you can register for an amazing tours of Paris , during which experienced guides will lead you to all the most important sights. What do they include? First and foremost, the famous Eiffel Tower. It is the tallest and most recognisable building in the city. It is located at the north-western end of the Champs de Mars, on the left bank of the Seine. Among the most visited attractions in Paris is also the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its distinctive façade with two massive towers and an almost ten-metre-high stained-glass rosette is a sight that makes huge impression on visitors.

Paris tours – what else to see?

In addition to the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars, the left bank of the Seine is also home to the classicist Hôtel des Invalides palace and the Dôme des Invalides church with its beautiful golden dome. It is here that the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, transported to Europe in the 19th century, are laid to rest. Museum lovers will enjoy the Musée d’Orsay and the Rodin Museum, which houses the artist’s collection of sculptures (including the famous Thinker ) and many paintings from his collection – including works by van Gogh and Renoir.

A trip to Paris, however, should not end with a visit to the left bank of the Seine. After all, it is on the other side of the river that the Louvre is located – formerly a royal palace and now one of the most important museums in the world. In addition to the famous Mona Lisa , you’ll find more than 380,000 other exhibits from all parts of the world. The collections include, among others, a stele with the Code of Hammurabi from around 1700 BC, a statue of Venus de Milo and paintings by masters such as da Vinci, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Raphael and Delacroix.

What else is worth seeing in Paris? A trip to at least one of the triumphal arches is a must: Arc du Carrousel or Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is only a few hundred metres from the Louvre, so it’s worth visiting both on one trip around Paris. Architecture lovers will also appreciate the beautiful neo-baroque Grand Palais exhibition hall and the Petit Palais museum standing opposite to the former one. Both buildings impress with their intricate façades. Amazing sight that you should also visit is the beautiful Alexander III Bridge right next to them. A walking tour of Paris is sheer pleasure in this area.

Helpful guides and articles – Paris:

  • Paris in 3 days – how to visit the city of lights?
  • Public transport in Paris – everything you need to know
  • The most interesting museums in Paris – which ones are an absolute must?
  • Paris, the city of Love
  • What and where to eat in Paris?

Free walking tour – Paris with an experienced guide

Contrary to what you might think, a tour of the French capital doesn’t have to be rushed and without proper commentary – you just need to know where to look for alternatives. The free tours of Paris available on our website are the ideal option for couples, families and small groups of friends who would like, above all, to enjoy each other’s company and at the same time not give up exploring the city with an experienced guide. You will find free walking tours of Paris , as well as other cities in Western Europe – including Lisbon, Seville, Cordoba, Bruges, Antwerp or Ghent. If you decide to take such a walk, we guarantee a wonderful time and great understanding of Paris. Important thing to know – there is no fixed fee for these tours; you decide yourself how much you want to reward your guide. Don’t hesitate and book your place today!

We had just one day in Wroclaw and a decision to join Walkative tours was the right one! These guys are amazing! Their stories are very informative, full of history, legends, funny jokes! They took us to all astonishing places of Wroclaw. Perfect for a day trip to this lovely city! Thank you, Lukasz and Matt for the brilliant tours!

Dawie’s tour was the best theatre in Paris as well as informative!!!! He is great – even in the rain. Do it.

My group really enjoyed the amount of history explained in the tour, it was a nice way to get a lot of information on several of the key sites in the center of Paris in a compact amount of time. Excellent for orientation and background. I would certainly do other tours in the future.

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15 Best Free Walking Tours in Paris

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A little piece of heaven resides in the food and fashion capital of France that can be experienced on the free walking tours in Paris.

With a profound history full of the French Revolution memoirs, iconic pieces of architecture, and the ever enchanting Eiffel Tower – these walks unveil the heart and soul of the city that envelopes you with an air of love.

So, without any further ado, let’s explore our list of Paris’ best walking tours.

Please note that some free walking tours of Paris are exclusively in English, while others are in Spanish or other languages. Make sure to pick the right one before booking.

1 – Freetour Paris Essential

Freetour Paris Essential

Unveil the many faces of Paris as you treat yourself to an introduction to the best tourist attractions , such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic Louvre Museum, and the quintessential Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, all in 3 hours.

Even better, roam like a Parisian as you wander through its streets and discover all the intriguing facts that make this the “city of love and light.”

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2 – Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens

Latin Quarter and Luxembourg Gardens

Immerse yourself in the fine art of the Parisian-style student life as you tour the Latin Quarter— which is the intellectual neighborhood of the bohemian Paris.

Experience for yourself the spellbinding history of the ‘Sorbonne University’ and learn why it holds so much significance all over the world.

That’s not all; enjoy the stately Luxembourg Gardens and its Palace, in addition to visiting down many side streets and local hidden gems.

3 – Freetour Legends and Mysteries of Paris

Freetour Legends and Mysteries of Paris

Paris harbors a plethora of mysteries and secrets in its bosom, some of which will be unfolded on this walking tour.

Firstly, the guide will scrounge out the legends of demons and angels that lie hidden in the walls of the structurally mesmerizing Notre Dame Cathedral.

From holy stories, get ready to jump right into both the eerie ghost encounters Pablo Picasso had during his life which later became a muse for his black canvases and the grotesque stories attached to the Hotel De Ville.

4 – Montmartre Free Walking Tour: From Moulin Rouge to Sacré Coeur

Montmartre Free Walking Tour From Moulin Rouge to Sacré Coeur

Set afoot in the underrated yet ethereal town of Montmartre on this free walking tour in Paris where the guide will take you on a rollercoaster of alleys infused with vibrant culture.

You’ll encounter the unearthed gems of Montmartre from the brightly hued vineyard, the Man who walked through the wall, and some undiscovered views of Paris.

That’s not all, come up and close with Picasso’s workshop and the place where Impressionist Art was birthed.

5 – Fragonard Perfume Museum Free Tour

Fragonard Perfume Museum Free Tour

Uncover the delicate art of perfumery through a guided tour to the Fragonard Perfume Museum that dates back to the nineteenth century.

Learn the meticulous process of putting together perfumes right from picking the raw materials to pouring a world-class fragrance into a labeled bottle.

Emblazoned on the walls is an assortment of old perfume bottles from Ancient Egypt which will transport you back in time.

6 – Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees

Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees

Plunge deep into the enormous yet enriching history of the city, from the nineteenth century to the present, on this free walking tour in Paris.

Gazing at the intricately constructed buildings, you’ll come across the spectacular sights of the Tomb of Napolean Bonaparte, the infamous Emperor.

Get spellbound by the legendary Théâtre National de Chaillot as you take in romantic puffs of fresh air near the Eiffel Tower.

7 – Free Walking Tour of Le Marais

Free Walking Tour of Le Marais

Discover the fun district of Le Marais that makes everyone’s heartthrob with awe.

You’ll feel on cloud nine as you’re encircled by glorious art galleries that house the works of inspired hands and fashion stores that transport you into their glamorous world.

Enjoy the best falafel in town as you step foot into the Jewish district and lose yourself in the aura of the authentic Parisian lifestyle.

8 – Paris Uncovered – Free Walking Tour

Paris Uncovered - Free Walking Tour

Every breath you take in Paris will go into your box of memories as a cherished moment, such is the grandiose of this city.

Peel off the inherent layers of history on this guided tour as you walk from Palais De Justice to the Quartier Latin.

That’s not all; embrace the chilly wind hitting your face as you walk across the architectural beauty, Le Jardin de Luxembourg.

9 – Free walking tour Paris – How to be Parisian!

Free walking tour Paris - How to be Parisian!

Melt into the mold of Parisians as you step into their world for a day on this free walking tour to Paris, unraveling their way of life.

Feel your spirits enliven as you catch glances of Arc De Triumph, Palais Royal, and Saint Chapelle.

Moving forward onto a plethora of radiantly built bridges, you’ll catch yourself mesmerized with the luscious beauty of the Luxembourg garden and many more breathtaking sights.

10 – Beauty of Paris – Free walking tour

Beauty of Paris - Free walking tour

Do you know why Paris attracts a multitude of tourists? If you don’t, this guided tour will be an eye-opener for you as it’ll present on a platter the most lauded neighborhoods of Paris.

From the happening Goute d’Or to the underrated Montmartre and Latin Quartier to the awe-inspiring and gorgeous epitome of art, the old Louvre Museum, this tour will take you everywhere with insightful commentary.

11 – Free Tour Paris Mon Amour – The essentials of the Rive Gauche

Free Tour Paris Mon Amour - The essentials of the Rive Gauche

Lumbering around in the vast streets of Paris evokes the sensation of utmost felicity and courtesy to its lively aura.

A step into the Museum of Modern Art will call out the artist in you and another step into the Wine Museum will leave all your senses pleased.

On this tour, you’ll discover the most exhilarating spots like the Eiffel Tower, Princess Diana Square, and many patisseries, all of which celebrate the Parisian culture in its full glory.

12 – Charm Montmartre, a village in the heart of Paris – free tour

Charm Montmartre, a village in the heart of Paris - free tour

Delve into the charisma of the village of Montmartre, enriched with extraordinary spots like the Wall of Love with innumerable engravings pouring affection.

Further on this tour, soak in the gorgeous sight of the Sacre Coeur Basilica and not to miss the oldest standing church in Paris, the historic Saint Pierre De Montmartre.

13 – Free walking tour Paris – Awesome night in the love city

Free walking tour Paris - Awesome night in the love city

Watch the blinking lights on the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles at night to lighten up the whole city.

With an amiable guide, discover the city of love at the strike of dusk on a free walking tour in Paris, which takes you from Quai Saint-Bernard in all its glory to the beautiful Eiffel tower.

After capturing these enchanting views, sit down for a sip at the legendary Buddha Bar.

14 – Free walking tour Paris – Full history and culture

Free walking tour Paris - Full history and culture

On this free walking tour in Paris, revel in the stories inscribed on every wall and corner of this city with an informative commentary.

As you listen to the many anecdotes of the Lock Bridge, move on to admiring the Arc De Triomphe and Jardin de Place Royal.

On top of that, drive up your spirits in the most luxurious way as you step into the largest square in Paris, Place de la Concorde.

15 – The Paris Free Photoshoot Tour

The Paris Free Photoshoot Tour

With a city painted with such enriched culture and gorgeous sightings as Paris, not capturing all its essence and glory would totally be a crime.

So, on this free tour, get yourself a professional photographer who will take you to the city’s most iconic hotspots- idyllic to forever transform your presence into memories through photos.

We hope you enjoyed our selection of the best free walking tours in Paris. Do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions.

Enjoy Paris 🙂

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Paris walking tours

Journey through Olympic history in the heart of Paris

Journey through Olympic history in the heart of Paris

A walk from the Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower, with commentary by guide Tristan Bayle, to plunge into the heart of Paris Olympic history.

Occupation and Liberation of Paris, from1940 to 1944

Occupation and Liberation of Paris, from1940 to 1944

Relive the period that marked French history 80 years ago, and immerse yourself in the historical and political context of the Occupation of Paris in the 20th century, on this unforgettable guided tour. N.B. : The visit with a scheduled date is only available for 2 people or more (from €140).

Sing'In Montmartre

Sing'In Montmartre

The guide and singer Anne-Sophie Guerrier brings you on a musical journey through Montmartre. This visit will retrace the life of famous singers who lived in the neightborhood : Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, Dalida...

Les secrets de Paris à mobylette

Les secrets de Paris à mobylette

Parcourez les rues parisiennes au guidon d'une ancienne mobylette, restaurée et convertie à l'électrique et (re)découvrez l'histoire de Paris et ses quartiers-villages sous cet angle insolite ! 

The rebel women of sport

The rebel women of sport

Feminists in the City invites you to the 14th arrondissement of Paris to retrace the hidden history of women's sport.

Walking Tour of the Jewish Marais

Walking Tour of the Jewish Marais

Join le Marais historic district guided walking tour to discover Paris Jewish culture past and present.

Midnight in Paris movie tour

Midnight in Paris movie tour

Join Juliette Dubois on her movie-themed Ciné-Balade tour of the Latin Quarter and discover the locations that inspired Woody Allen for his film ‘Midnight in Paris’. Travel back to the Paris of the Roaring Twenties!

Pantin, renewal and gentrification: the new Brooklyn?

Pantin, renewal and gentrification: the new Brooklyn?

Let's guide you through the streets of Pantin, the new Parisian Brooklyn, where the resident types mutations go along with the building brands transformations. 

The Parisian Chinatown

The Parisian Chinatown

Discover the Chinatown district of the south of Paris with this guided tour. You will learn many things about Asian community of Paris : temples, food, usages.

Historical Guided Tour within hôtels particuliers of the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis in Paris

Historical Guided Tour within hôtels particuliers of the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis in Paris

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating aventure of Paris's historic treasures during an exclusive guided tour of the Ile de la Cité and the Ile Saint-Louis, with a passionate guide from L’Echappée Belle, who will reveal the secrets and fascinating history behind each iconic monument and hôtel particulier (private mansion).

The Paris Marais: the birthplace of parisian private mansions

The Paris Marais: the birthplace of parisian private mansions

Explore the elegant essence of Paris's Marais district on a captivating guided tour, by L'Echappée Belle, of its sumptuous hôtels particuliers. 

Parisian Père Lachaise cemetery: in the kingdom of celebrities

Parisian Père Lachaise cemetery: in the kingdom of celebrities

L'Echappée Belle will take you through the graves of renowned figures of this famous cemetery, a parisian relaxing place in the shade of the big trees.

Secret Montmartre

Secret Montmartre

Guillaume Le Roux reveals the secrets of Montmartre, during this Paris guided walk off the beaten track.

The real name of South Pigalle is La Nouvelle Athènes

The real name of South Pigalle is La Nouvelle Athènes

Discover Nouvelle Athènes, a neo classical quarter of Paris. A lot of people know Montmartre and its hill, Pigalle and its neon lights, but rare are those who took the time to explore this part of the 9th arrondissement of Paris extending from place Pigalle to the Notre Dame de Lorette Church.

Arabic street food & historical tour

Arabic street food & historical tour

Gourmet Barbès! Paris is not only a classic representation of luxury and pure French tradition. The capital has always been a melting pot of different cultures from all over the world which makes Paris a unique city.

Belleville : Télégraphe, Place des Fêtes, Mouzaïa, Buttes Chaumont

Belleville : Télégraphe, Place des Fêtes, Mouzaïa, Buttes Chaumont

From Télégraphe to the Buttes Chaumont, the 19th arrondissement is probably one of the most popular neighborhoods of Paris. Come take a look at its history and its transformations during this walking tour with Le Vrai Paris!

Street Art tour in Paris Belleville

Street Art tour in Paris Belleville

Discover the history and culture of graffiti in the 20th arrondissement of Paris in Belleville and Ménilmontant, two popular neighborhoods made for urban and artistic expression.

Street art tour: the murals of Paris’s 13th arrondissement

Street art tour: the murals of Paris’s 13th arrondissement

Take a street art tour in the south of Paris and discover murals and graffiti painted by renowned international artists including Obey, Inti, C215, and Seth.

The French Revolution in the Paris Marais

The French Revolution in the Paris Marais

With your guide from Interkultur, dive into the tumult of the French Revolution in Paris, where every stone in the Marais harbours the secrets of an era seething with ideals and revolt.

Bucolic Paris: the charming Saint-Martin Canal

Bucolic Paris: the charming Saint-Martin Canal

Get off the beaten track in the historic centre of Paris and follow our guide for a bucolic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin.

Ciné-balade, guided walking tour in Montmartre in the footsteps of your favorite movies

Ciné-balade, guided walking tour in Montmartre in the footsteps of your favorite movies

During this ciné-balade (a movie-themed guided walk) in Montmartre, Juliette Dubois will tell you anecdotes and facts about the film industry in this famous Parisian district, the most filmed of the capital. 

Birdwatching in Paris - Buttes Chaumont Park

Birdwatching in Paris - Buttes Chaumont Park

Come and see the unique urban bird life living in the dramatically landscaped Parc des Buttes Chaumont, in north-eastern Paris.

Eiffel Tower Movie tour

Eiffel Tower Movie tour

Let’s dive for two hours into the history of the cinema around the Eiffel Tower, the star among the stars, and the district of Passy.

Food & History in Chinatown

Food & History in Chinatown

Visit the Chinatown district in the south of Paris and learn about Paris’s East Asian community: temples, food and customs. Guided tour includes tastings of Asian food and ends in a restaurant.

Art route at Paris Père Lachaise cemetery: in the footsteps of the great masters

Art route at Paris Père Lachaise cemetery: in the footsteps of the great masters

Join us on this two-hour tour to discover the poets, writers, musicians and painters in their final resting place, the Père-Lachaise cemetery.

An artistic stroll: discovering artists at Paris Montparnasse cemetery

An artistic stroll: discovering artists at Paris Montparnasse cemetery

Welcome to our guided tour of Montparnasse Cemetery, a place steeped in history and emotion where great artists rest in peace. Join us for a captivating exploration of this sanctuary of creativity and memory. 

Paris through the lens of François Truffaut

Paris through the lens of François Truffaut

During this movie-walk on the tracks of François Truffaut's films, Juliette Dubois will take you to the director's favorite neighborhood, in the 9th arrondissement and on the borders of the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

Jean-Luc Godard movie tour

Jean-Luc Godard movie tour

During this film walk in the footsteps of Jean-Luc Godard's films, Juliette Dubois will take you through the director's favorite neighborhoods, from the Luxembourg Gardens to Saint-Michel and the Sorbonne.

Agnès Varda movie tour

Agnès Varda movie tour

Come enjoy a movie tour in Paris Montparnasse in the footsteps of Agnès Varda, a famous Frenco-Belgian actor-director, filmmaker and screenwriter, with this cine-balade by Juliette Dubois.

Père-Lachaise movie tour

Père-Lachaise movie tour

This original Paris guided tour by Juliette Dubois of Cine-Balade will show you the Père-Lachaise cemetery in a new light: you will discover the tombstones and the stories of many of the most famous French filmmakers and actors.

Ciné-Balade Musicals and romantic movies

Ciné-Balade Musicals and romantic movies

Discover the romantic side of Paris through the eyes of filmmakers on this tour led by Juliette Dubois of Cine-Balade.

Montreuil and Méliès movie tour

Montreuil and Méliès movie tour

Follow Juliette Dubois of Cine-Balade through the streets of Montreuil, located close to downtown Paris, to discover the stages where Georges Méliès and other filmmakers shot films, from the pioneering to the contemporary.

Paris Flea market movie tour

Paris Flea market movie tour

Between the stalls, the sellers and the antique hunters, come and discover the Saint-Ouen flea market from a cinematographic perspective during this Cinébalade by Juliette Dubois!

Gourmet and history tour in Sceaux

Gourmet and history tour in Sceaux

Visit this little city of the south suburb of Paris. Enjoy his fresh food market and delicatessen shops of the pedestrian city center, discover the 17th century park designed by André Le Nôtre and his historical legacy with Corinne Jager!

Historical guided tour of Montmartre

Historical guided tour of Montmartre

Thanks to a guided tour that follows the Montmartre hill towards the rue de Clignancourt before starting its ascent and descent, discover the stories of the popular and working-class Montmartre with local guide Anouk Colombani.

Latin quarter: the soul of Paris

Latin quarter: the soul of Paris

Discover the latin quarter as you've never seen it before! Between tradition and modernity, follow your guide: he has a lot to teach you. 

Going on a (free) walking tour in Paris and its most cosmopolitan districts is a fun and original way to visit Paris. You can discover neighborhoods though the prism of street-art , movies , architecture, history, art , traditions and myth and heroes. 

Go on a walking tour in Paris and discover its Indian, Chinese, North African and Subsaharan African communities among others. Discover new traditions, customs, cultures and cuisines  with a passionate guide.

During your Parisian stroll you'll discover the Grand Paris with its new districts springing up every day, and its old neighborhoods being rehabilitated to accommodate eco-neighborhoods, new tramways, metro and train stations and of course the future Olympic sites. You can also choose walks in the sightpleaseing, not to be missed districts of Paris like Montmartre, Pigalle, Opéra and the Grands Boulevards.

You will have access to the backstage of the major cities of the Parisian region with technical visits of the locks and the Parisian canals. You'll also have access to big business hubs such as La Défense, trade markets (Saint-Denis, Rungis) and administrative sites such as the Nouveau tribunal de Paris

Our Paris urban walks in small groups allow visitors to enjoy a human-scale visit where they can ask questions while discovering the story behind working class neighborhoods in Paris and its region such as Montreuil, Ivry-sur-seine, Belleville-Ménilmontant, Barbès, la Goutte-d'or or even Pigalle among others. 

You can also  visit Paris as a family  or enjoy free visits of Paris and its region .

Lattes and Runways

Walking in Paris — 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

The quaint cobblestone streets, winding alleys and Haussman buildings — the ones with the stone facades and wrought iron railings — that you picture when you think of a Paris postcard are all very much real. Walking through Paris is definitely the best way to explore those scenes.

While Paris is incredibly walkable,  it’s also quite big. To help narrow the scope, we’ve put put together a few walking routes that will guide you through some of the best parts of Paris. In this guide, we’ll explore Paris on foot with the help of five detailed maps.

These walking routes are designed with first-time visitors it mind. They offer a self-guided walking tour through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods, most popular tourist attractions and most charming streets in Paris.

Wander … but within reason

The French have a term — Flâner — which means to wander aimlessly through a city. There’s no similar word in English, and I would argue that’s because we’re bad at it. And by “we,” I guess I mean Americans.

I recently moved to New York and there is no wandering here. Even in Central Park, everyone has somewhere to be. And they’re not just trying to get there , they’re usually working out the next five places they need to be, too.

Neither is inherently better. Simply a difference in speed and lifestyles from two sides of the pond.

But what happens when a New Yorker goes to Paris and all the tips say to wander aimlessly but their Type A brain simply cannot do that? What about the people who want to wander, but within reason?

Enter this post. We’re here for the people who need a little direction more than “Just explore!”

On these maps, we’ve plotted the city’s top attractions, noted some of the most beautiful streets and flagged our favorite stops along the way. But from there, you can amble through nearby alleys, pop into hidden cafes and discover your own favorite spots to really make the journey your own.

We’ve drawn the box but you can color inside and outside the lines however you choose.

online walking tour paris

Paris walking routes explored in this post

  • Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors
  • Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets
  • Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting
  • Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views
  • Eiffel Tower & the Seine — A charming walk through a Paris postcard

Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts Walking Guide

This is my favorite way to start a trip to Paris. Whether this is your first time in Paris or you’re a repeat visitor, this walk is a great way see many of Paris’ iconic sights in one long stretch. It features the city’s most famous boulevard, a beautiful park, iconic views and shopping galore.

This walking route in full is about 3 miles. If you were walking straight through, it would take about an hour. We don’t recommend that, though. There are so many things you can see and do along this walk that you could easily fill an entire day if you wanted.

Arc de Triomphe

Champs-élysées.

  • Tuileries Gardens
  • Pont de Arts

A few quick tips for using this map.

  • To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
  • Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later.
  • To access the map next time, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.

Tips for this walk

  • Don’t start too early. Most of the stores at the start of this walk don’t open until 10 or 11 AM. Take some time to enjoy breakfast and coffee before you head out for the day.
  • Book tickets in advance. If you want to visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe or go inside the Louvre , it’s best to book a timed ticket in advance. Popular dates and times can book up days in advance.
  • The Louvre deserves an entire day . That said, if you’d like to go inside the Louvre we’d recommend doing it on a different day and arrive when they open if possible. It’s a huge museum and it gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon. On this walk, we recommend just stopping by the pyramid and maybe the shops below.
  • Eat along the way. There are plenty of cafes and street food vendors along this route. I don’t specifically call out many throughout this post because there are options everywhere. I’d personally recommend picking up small bites everytime you pass something yummy, like a crepe from a street vendor in Champs-Élysées Gardens, an appetizer at a bar off Saint-Honoré and ice cream in Tuileries Garden.

online walking tour paris

The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Self-guided walk from Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts

This walk begins at Arc de Triomphe. The best way to get there will usually be by train, but it may vary based on your exact hotel location. The nearest Metro strops are Kléber station which serves the 6 train and  George V or Argentine which serves the 1 train.

Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of a busy traffic circle. Do not attempt to walk to the monument from street level. There is a pedestrian tunnel with access points (marked in yellow below) on Champs-Élysées and Grande Armée streets that will lead you to the base of the Arc de Triomphe. This is where the entrance to the monument is located, but you can also visit the base at street level for free.

You can go inside and to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Timed entry tickets are required and cost €13 for adults. Everyone under 18 is free. The views from the top are incredible and it’s a great alternative to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower .

Even if you aren’t going inside the moment, it’s still worth seeing it from the street. The best views are on Champs-Élysées, which is convenient because that’s where we’re heading next.

One of the most famous, most filmed and most beautiful streets in Paris is Champs-Élysées. It’s akin to Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York.

The street is lined with trees, which are stunning all the time but even more so in autumn and Christmastime. There’s tons of shops and stores, ranging from Zara to Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping, you are likely to be dazzled along the way.

online walking tour paris

Some of my favorite shops along Champs-Élysées are:

  • Disney Store: They have always have a line up of Paris-specific Disney merchandise and lots of toys that kids will love to look at (and ask for).
  • Galeries Lafayette: This is a great indoor mall to warm up in the winter or cool off in the summer.
  • Nike House of Innovation: This store is a fusion of Nike Store and science museum. It’s a fun stop for the athlete and/or toddlers in your family.
  • Ladurée : This pastry shop is famous for their macarons. They have many locations all over Paris (and the world). This location has a full sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended), but they also have a separate line to get treats to go.

Champs-Élysées Gardens

At the south-east end of Champs-Élysées, the shops give way to a garden. It’s lovely to walk thought, but it’s not the best for siting and staying awhile. (We’ve got an even more beautiful garden coming up in a bit.)

There are several theaters throughout the gardens. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (museums) and Élysée Palace (official residence of the French president).

At the end of the garden you’ll run into Place de la Concorde. The plaza is basically a really busy traffic intersection with an Egyptian obelisk in the center. My recommendation? Skip it. Instead, turn left on Rue Royale and walk a block to Rue Saint-Honoré.

Rue Saint-Honoré

This street is your high-end fashion street. Designer brands like Hermès, Versace, Fendi and Christian Louboutin all have storefronts on Rue Saint-Honoré between Avenue de Marigny and where the street ends near the Louvre.

Even if $1,500 shoes are out of your budget, the window shopping alone is worth even a short stroll down this street. Plus, like I said, a detour down this street is better than crossing the traffic puzzle at Place de la Concorde.

If you’re looking to wander, this is a good area to do it. There are lots of side streets in this area that lead to unique shops, fancy hotels and swanky cafes and bars.

One of the most famous stops around here is Angelina, which is famous for their decadent hot chocolate. It’s a high-end, sit-down restaurant though, so dress accordingly. Because it’s so famous, reservations are recommend because they get very crowded. (Be sure to book early, too. They book up well over a month in advance.)

There’s also several places for fancy cocktails in cozy, immaculately decorated bars. Some of the most popular picks in the area are Bar Hemingway (inside the Ritz Paris), Bar 8 (inside the Mandarin Oriental) and Harry’s New York.

online walking tour paris

I buy designer things so infrequently that I take photos marking it as a life event

Tuileries Garden

After some shopping and maybe some light day-drinking, cut back to Tuileries Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. If you were looking for a green space to relax, maybe have a picnic or let the kids play for a bit, this is the spot. (By the way, if you’re visiting Paris with kids be sure to check out this post for all our best tips.)

You don’t have to walk down every pathway in the park, but try a few different ones! You’ll find outdoor cafes, several ponds and fountains, and interesting sculptures. The grounds are immaculately landscaped with beautiful trees, flowers and bushes which really shine in the spring and fall. There’s also a great playground, which the kids will love.

At the southeastern end of the garden, you’ll run into what looks like the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t worry. You didn’t find a wormhole and travel back two miles to where you started your day. This is a second and slightly smaller monument called Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and it was designed at the same time as the Arc de Triomphe.

online walking tour paris

Louvre Museum

Just beyond Tuileries Gardens is the world famous Louvre art museum. The iconic glass pyramid is in an open plaza above the entrance to the museum. The plaza is a popular place for photos, souvenir shopping from street vendors, and just general relaxing with a view.

Below the plaza is Carrousel du Louvre, which is an indoor shopping mall with a food court. To get down there, look for one of the stairways around the edge of the plaza. A lot of people don’t know is that there’s also an inverted glass pyramid below ground, and this is where you’ll find it. Pretty cool!

online walking tour paris

Now, if you’re planning to visit the museum, you could certainly do that in the afternoon after making this walk. Alternatively, you could flip this walk and start at the Louvre and do the rest in reverse order. However, we don’t think it’s worth trying to smoosh the Louvre into an otherwise busy day.

The Louvre is gigantic and it’s hard to see everything even with a full day. If you want to go inside, we recommend getting the earliest entry time you can and spending a relaxing, long day there.

Pont des Arts

Exit the Louvre and head towards the Seine. Look for the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. It’s between Pont du Carrousel (a car traffic bridge) and Île de la Cité (an island in the middle of the river).

The bridge offers excellent views all around. You can see the Eiffel Tower in one direction and Pont Neuf on the either. There are benches along the way to relax after a long day.

If you’re heading home after Pont des Arts, the nearest Metro stop is Pont Neuf, which serves the 7 train.

online walking tour paris

View of Pont Neuf from Pont des Arts

Continue your Journey

  • Peruse used books and art prints at the bouquinistes, the iconic green box stalls along the Seine
  • Enjoy a meal or a coffee at a classic cafe in Saint Germain, maybe Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
  • Start your next walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

Latin Quarter & the isles Walking Tour

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, dating back more than 2,000 years. It has winding streets and tiny alleys that are filled with lively cafes, very old buildings and bookshops galore. It’s a mesh of tourist traps and authentic history, dotted with museums and gardens for good measure. The district is home to Sorbonne University, and the student population keeps the area young.

The isles refer to Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, which are literal islands in the middle of the Siene. They comprise quaint shopping streets, famous churches and maybe the best ice cream in Paris. It’s a bit quieter than the banks on either side, but they’re delightful neighborhoods for a stroll.

This walk isn’t short and clocks in at just under 4 miles. But with breaks for meals and coffee along the way, it actually fills a day quite nicely.

online walking tour paris

  • Shakespeare & Company

Île Saint-Louis

Rue Mouffetard

Luxembourg Gardens

As a reminder, here are some quick tips for using this map.

  • Plan this walk on a Saturday . In order to feel the energy of this area, you want to visit when it’s got some life to it and that’s typically the weekend. The Rue Mouffetard market closes on Sunday afternoon, which is why we suggest Saturday specifically. Do note that many places are closed on Mondays.
  • Bring cash (Euros) . Most restaurants and cafes in this area will take credit cards, but most street vendors don’t. Cash will be helpful for other odds and end purchases too, like renting a tiny sail boat to float around the pond in Luxembourg Gardens.
  • The gardens are best in the summer. During the summer months, the gardens in Paris are alive . Not only are they the most beautiful during that time, but they’re also a social hub for tourists and locals alike. In the later fall and winter months, they can feel quite desolate.
  • If you have little ones, split this walk over two days. This is a long walk and will wipe out most adults. I originally planned this walk with our toddler, but they totally crashed half way through. If you’re co-travellers have little legs, make this one a two-day journey.
  • Skip Jardin des Plantes if you have to. If this walk is too long or you’re short on time and have to cut something, cut Jardin des Plantes. It’s out of the way and not a must see, so it’s a good way to shorten this day up a bit. That might mean skipping Rue Mouffetard, too.

Self-guided walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

This walk begins at at Pont Neuf, which is a famous bridge that passes through Île de la Cité. Ideally you would take the 7 train and get off at Pont Neuf. However, depending on where you’re staying, you could also take the 4 or 10 trains to Odéon. From there you could walk back to Pont Neuf or just skip the bridge and head straight to Fontaine Saint-Michel.

If you walked across Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge as part of the previous walking route, you’ll have already gotten a great view of Pont Neuf.

This stone bridge was first opened for use in 1604 and is the oldest bridge over the Seine that’s still in use today. There are 381 stone masks, or mascarons, carved into the bridge which represent mythical divinities. There’s also a large statue of Henry IV where the bridge crosses Île de la Cité.

After crossing the bridge to the Left Bank, walk along the south side of the Seine. Peek at the many bouquinistes, which are the little shop stalls in the green boxes. They sell art prints, books, little souvenirs and other odds and ends. It’s hard to believe something so cute and notoriously French actually exists in real life.

online walking tour paris

Fontaine Saint-Michel

In a couple blocks you’ll come to a second bridge, Pont Saint-Michel. Turn right (away from the Seine) and you’ll run into Fontaine Saint-Michele.

This is a stone fountain in a square, which was constructed in 1860. The square around it is often bustling with tourists passing through. There’s not much seating, so people will sit along the base of the fountain itself. You can usually see a street musician or dance troupe performing in front of it.

You don’t need to stay long here, but it’s a great entry point to the Latin Quarter.

Rue de la Huchette

Just across Boulevard Saint-Michele from the fountain is Rue de la Huchette. This two block street is one of the oldest in Paris. It’s famous for having the highest concentration of restaurants in the city — none of them particularly good.

The tiny pedestrian street is cramped with souvenir shops, pubs and creperies. Lining the street are many old buildings with their own stories to tell. One dates back to the 1600s. Another is said to have been a residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The street is very touristy, but that’s okay! Most people reading this are tourists and you shouldn’t feel bad about doing popular things. Get a Nutella crepe and let yourself go.

While you’re in this area, it’s a good time explore some of the side streets. I’d recommend popping south a few blocks to the The Abbey Bookshop.

online walking tour paris

Shakespeare and Company

Just past the end of Rue de la Huchette is Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore opened in 1951 and quickly became a literary beacon for English writers in Paris. Today, there’s often a line out the door to get into the cramped bookshop.

Fun story. The owner, inspired by his own experience with the kindness of strangers, always allowed creatives to sleep for free in the book shop. The invitation was open to writers, artists and other intellectuals, and there were three rules. Each guest had to read a book a day, help the shopkeep for a couple hours, and write a one-page autobiography. Today, thousands of biographies have been collected and archived in the shop.

You should actually read the history of the founder and the bookshop, which is told much more eloquently here .

Attached to the bookstore is a cafe by the same name. I can’t come to Paris and not stop here for a cappuccino and this Paris institution.

online walking tour paris

Right across the river from Shakespeare & Company is Notre Dame cathedral.

I have been to almost 50 countries and have visited houses of worship in all of them. Nothing hit me quite like walking into Notre Dame on my first visit in 2017. I know that’s probably the most cliche favorite church to have, but it’s mine.

Unfortunately, the inside of Notre Dame is still closed after a fire in 2019 burned much of the cathedral. You can still access the courtyard in front of it and see the church and the famous gargoyles from the outside.

online walking tour paris

Pass around the back of Notre Dame and cross over Pont Saint-Louis onto Île Saint-Louis. Step onto the island and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time and maybe teleported to a small French village. It’s quaint and quiet, but don’t read that as boring. There are darling boutiques, amazing restaurants and somehow less crowds than the rest of Paris.

Focus your attention on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, the main street that runs through the heart of the island. In a few blocks you’ll hit Berthillon ice cream shop. People argue it’s the best ice cream in all of Paris. The shop’s been around and run by the same family since the 1950s. I must confess, we haven’t actually tried it! The timing just didn’t work out for us, but it’s on our bucket list for sure.

When you’re done exploring the island, cross back to the Left Bank via Pont de la Tournelle or Pont de Sully.

Tino Rossi Garden & Jardin des Plantes

Now it’s time to relax with a bit of nature. The next part of this walk starts at Tino Rossi Garden. It’s a wonderful transition from the bustle of the city to the serenity of Jardin des Plantes.

Jardin des Plantes is a huge botanical garden. About half the garden space is a ticked zoo, which costs €10-13 per person. For the sake of time during this busy day though, we’d suggest skipping the zoo. Instead, follow the paths that cuts straight through the southern portion of the gardens.

online walking tour paris

Now we’re back to shopping and eating. After Jardin des Plantes, head toward Square Saint-Médard. There are a few ways to get there and any will work. This square has an open air market which is open most days except Sunday afternoon and Monday.

After the market, head north on Rue Mouffetard. The street is so charming and beautiful, from the shops to the buildings themselves. It’s another one of the oldest streets in Paris and its said to have been the main inspiration for Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables.

When Rue Mouffetard hits Rue Clovis, turn left and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Be sure to take note of the Pantheon as you pass by. This is also a popular attraction to visit, but this long walk doesn’t leave time to go inside.

Luxembourg Gardens is my favorite park in all of Paris. In the summer, the flowers are stunning, while in the fall the changing leaves steal the show. Take some time wandering through the gardens, but be sure to take some time to sit near the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace.

In the summer, there’s a small stand near the pond where you can rent wooden boats to sail on the pond in the summer. Theres a great story about the boats, which you can read here .

online walking tour paris

  • Visit the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower and enjoy a cocktail on the roof with views of the entire city at sunset
  • Continuing your shopping spree on Boulevard Saint-Germain
  • Get a glass of wine at a charming local bar like Chez Georges or Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
  • Start your next walk through Le Marais

Le Marais Walking Guide

The Marais has so much personality. It’s historic but trendy. Religious but LGBT friendly. Urban but quaint.

My desire to explore Le Marais is what inspired me to write this entire post. Everything I read about the neighborhood said “just go and walk around” or “it’s a great place to get lost.” I do not do well with these types of directions. I always end up on the wrong streets and wasting time in places that honestly aren’t that great.

So if you also want to explore Le Marais, but want to know just where to explore, I’ve got you covered. This route passes through some of the main shopping streets, landmarks and squares in the heart of Le Marais. With some basic landmarks flagged, you’ll feel empowered to take a few extra turns along the way as you Flâner .

online walking tour paris

Saint-Jacques Tower

Rue de rivoli, place des vosges, jewish quarter, marché des enfants rouges, square du temple.

  • Get coffee first. Not far from start of this walk is Motors Coffee. It’s a great coffee shop with killer banana Nutella bread. Start here.
  • Start in the afternoon . This neighborhood is slow to wake up. Come in the afternoon for the best energy. It’s also a good place to be in the evening, as there’s a wide array of bars and restaurants.
  • Consider a guided tour . There’s a lot of really deep and interesting history in Le Marais. If you’re into that sort of thing, there are several free walking tours through the area, like this one .
  • Wander within reason . I’ve noted the high streets and notable sights on this map, but I’ve also noted a larger general area that represents the heart of Le Marais. If you have time and interest, wandering down any of these streets will serve you well.

Self-guided walk through Le Marais

This walking tour begins at Saint-Jacques Tower. To get there by train, take the 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 trains to Châtelet station.

online walking tour paris

The tower you see today is all that remains of a 16th century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. For €12, you can climb 300 steps to the top of the tower. It’s usually not too crowded. The tower is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Even if you don’t go inside, the tower is beautiful to look at and surrounded by a lovely and quaint garden. There’s a small playground on one side for children, too.

Continue east down Rue de Rivoli. This is a one of the mail thoroughfares that cut through Le Marais and it’s lined with lots of big-box and thrift stores and also restaurants. There are lots of cool buildings along the way, including one you literally can’t miss, Hôtel de Ville. This massive building primarily serves as a government building, but they do occasionally have public exhibitions and guided tours.

Consider a detour off this main street to see Saint-Gervais church, Rue des Barres or Mémorial de la Shoah holocaust memorial. There are cute boutiques and some really interesting, really old buildings in this area.

Try to make it back to Rue de Rivoli by Saint Paul Station. If you have little ones, there’s a small carousel ride that might quickly become their favorite thing about their Paris trip.

online walking tour paris

Next up is the main square in Les Marais, Place des Vosges. It’s a perfectly square park that even has square trees! It’s a popular square that’s great people watching and relaxing.

Many reviews I read said that Place des Vosges was too crowded and to seek out less popular squares like Place Sainte-Catherine. I disagree. I think the energy at Place des Vosges is why you should go there.

Exit the park onto Rue des Francs Bourgeois, which another main shopping street. This one is features more high end designers and boutiques like Maje and Ted Baker.

online walking tour paris

Turn left onto Rue Pavée and then right on Rue des Rosiers and you’ll have found the soul of the Jewish Quarter. This short street is filled with jewish restaurants, bookshops and synagogues. There is so much history in this area if you know where to look. I’d highly recommend this article which talks about the history in much more depth.

If you’re hungry, this is a good place to pick up some falafel. L’As du Fallafel is the most popular pick.

online walking tour paris

Rue Vieille du Temple

Rue des Rosiers and the Jewish quarter ends at Rue Vieille du Temple. This is another photogenic shopping street with high-end boutiques and charming cafes.

Some of the cutest portions of this street are actually to the left between the Jewish Quarter and Rue de Rivoli. If you have time, walk a few blocks out of your way through that section. Alternatively, you can just turn right and head north right off the bat for an abridged version of this street.

When you run into a large 6-way interchange, turn left onto Rue de Bretagne. This street will lead you to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest food market in Paris.

This market has vendors selling fresh produce and meats, but also full restaurants with bar and table service. It’s a popular place to get a meal in a unique setting.

Personally, this market didn’t do it for me. It was smaller than I expected (much smaller than Borough Market , which is what I was picturing) and nothing really stood out to me to try (granted, I’m a vegetarian). Instead of waiting for a table at the cramped restaurants, we walked a bit up the road and got pizza at a cafe. (Also uninspired, I know, but at least we were comfortable.)

online walking tour paris

Round out your time in Le Marais with a visit to Square du Temple. It’s a beautiful garden with a memorial to Elie Wlesel, playground and pond.

We actually had to cut our day a little short and didn’t make it all the way here, but I’d prioritize it next time.

  • Visit a museum such as the National Archives Museum, Picasso Museum or the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism.
  • Get cocktails! This area is known for it’s nightlife, but even an early drink in the area is fun. Try Candelaria (speakeasy) or read this list for best bars in the area.
  • Head over La Coulée Verte Paris, an elevated garden on an old train line (similar in concept to the High Line in New York City)
  • Start your next walk through Montmartre

Montmartre Walking Guide

Montmartre is often people’s favorite place in Paris and with good reason. It has winding cobble stone streets, artists painting portraits, views over most of Paris, and it’s literally topped off with a breathtaking basilica.

This is another area that can get a bad rap for being “too touristy,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. This walking route will guide you through the main areas of the neighborhood, which yes, includes the tourist attractions along the way.

Montmartre isn’t just about the attractions, though. The best way to enjoy the area is simply to spend time there. By that I mean sit on the steps for awhile. Plan to get a meal at a street-side cafe. Go into the shops and stores. If you’re just checking off sights, the neighborhood will just pass you by.

For that reason, this walk is much shorter in distance than the first three. It’s just over a mile. The neighborhood isn’t that big, so even if you wander off the path, which is encouraged, you still won’t be covering too much distance. This walk can be covered in about half a day.

online walking tour paris

Montmartre Funicular

Sacré-cœur, place du tertre, rue de l’abreuvoir, le bateau-lavoir, moulin rouge.

  • Dine at a charming cafe. Montmartre is dripping with Instagrammable cafes. Le Consulat, La Maison Rose, La Taverne de Montmartre and Le Potager are all highly rated and beautiful restaurants in the area.
  • Take a mini Picasso tour . The renowned painter Pueblo Picasso lived and painted in Montmartre for many years. You can see his house, studio and favorite spots in the neighborhood. Here’s a great guide that details the history and exact locations of all things Picasso in Montmartre.
  • Come during different times on different trips . During your first trip to Paris, I’d suggest visiting in the early afternoon when it’s the most busy, but then try different times during subsequent visits. Come in the evening and watch the sunset from the steps of Square Louise Michel. If you want to get a portrait, come around 11 when they set up for the best pick of artists.
  • Plan your route wisely. If you look at Google maps, it’s easy to feel like you can move around the district pretty quickly. Be warned! The neighborhood of Montmartre has a huge hill in the middle, which is what Sacré-Cœur sits atop. I’d suggest taking the funicular up, seeing everything at the top at once, then working your way down as you explore the rest of the neighborhood.

online walking tour paris

Self-guided walk through Montmartre

This route begins in the center of the Montmartre neighborhood at the Abbesses subway station, which serves the 12 train. Alternatively, you could take the 2 train to Pigalle station and walk up Rue des Martyrs to Rue Yvonne le Tac.

Walk along Rue Yvonne le Tac and then Rue Tardieu till you reach the base of Square Louise Michel. Just about everyone will be making the same walk between Abbesses and the square, so the street is always lively.

A funicular is a type of cable-based train that is usually used on very steep hills, and Montmartre has one. There are several different stair cases that lead up the hill, including the notable steps up Square Louise Michel, but the funicular is the easiest way to get to the top.

The base of the Montmartre funicular is located here in the southwest corner of Square Louise Michel. You can use a Paris Metro travel card or single ride ticket to ride the funicular. There is a ticket kiosk near the entrance to the funicular where you can purchase a ticket if you don’t already have one. You cannot tap to pay with a credit card on Paris Metro transportation, including the funicular.

It’s a short trip to the top and a car departs every few minutes. The funicular just makes one stop, which is at the top of the hill here . When you exit, turn right and you’re just steps away from Sacré-Cœur.

online walking tour paris

Sacré-Cœur is the basilica at the top of Montmartre. The church was consecrated in 1919. It was initially proposed as a way for France to seek religious redemption for kidnapping the pope under Napoleon. (You can read about that wild story here .)

Sacré-Cœur is free to enter and is open daily from 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Inside there are several statues, stained glass windows, and an immaculate pipe organ built by the same person who built the organ for Notre Dame. The organ is played on Sundays during mass and evening prayer at 4PM. For a small fee — for which they accept credit cards or cash — you can light a prayer candle inside the church.

You can also go to the top of the dome at Sacré-Cœur. The dome is open everyday from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM and costs €7 for adults. There is no elevator to the top, so you’ll need to be able to climb 300 steps. I’ve never actually been to the top of the dome because the views from the ground are so good.

online walking tour paris

Square Louise Michel

The basilica sits at the top of Square Louise Michel. Before you continue with this walk, take a short break on the steps here and enjoy the view.

The square is lined with steps which are always filled with people enjoying the sweeping views of Paris. There’s often street performers and hawkers selling beers right from the cardboard case. The cops will always come and shut them down, but they always come right back. It’s a fun dance.

This is one of my favorite views in Paris. It’s also a great place to see the sun set if you’re here in the evening.

Pass the church and make your way to Place du Tertre. The small streets along the way have lots of souvenir shops, food vendors like creperies and ice cream shops, and a couple small art galleries. I’d suggest walking, but there’s also a cute little train that you can take.

Place du Tertre has capitalized on the artsy past of this neighborhood. Today it’s filled with artist painting portraits and selling their work. The outside of the square is all open-air cafes filled with people sipping wine and people watching.

If you’re looking to get a portrait drawn, come around 11 when they’re setting up. The best artists can get lines quickly. If you’re just coming to observe, come in the afternoon when it’s the most crowded.

online walking tour paris

Leave (some of) the crowds behind and make your way down to Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This means taking a steep walk down the hill on Rue des Saules until you see the unmissable pink and green La Maison Rose restaurant.

If you go straight past it, you’ll actually see Clos Montmartre. It’s the oldest operating vineyard in Paris; not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a city. It is not typically open to the public (minus a few special tours throughout the year), but you can see the vines from the street.

Back at our pink restaurant, though, turn onto Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

This street is beautiful. There are stone walls dripping with ivy, charming Parisian buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. It’s a delightful stroll and photographer’s dream. It’s a short street and it ends at the statue of the boobs (aka Buste de Dalida).

Just around the corner you’ll hit Square Suzanne Buisson. If you need a break and/or if the kids want to play, make a pit stop here. It’s a small square, but it’s a good respite.

online walking tour paris

Next, make your way toward Place Émile Goudeau. The route in my map above will take you down a tiny alley, which may feel like the wrong way but isn’t. Just keep going and you’ll soon hit the cobblestone square.

The square looks out onto Le Bateau-Lavoir, which was the studio rented by Picasso when he moved to Paris. The original studio was destroyed, and the building today is the the renovated version. To this day, the building serves as an artists’ residence. It is not open for tours.

Even if you are not interested in art history, it’s still a cool place to say you’ve been. And at the very least, it’s a good signpost on your journey through the neighborhood.

Rue des Abbesses

As your Montmartre walking tour comes to an end, make your way back to the main street of Rue des Abbesses. You should arrive on the street not far from where you started at the train station. This time you’re going to go the other way. This section of the street has — you guessed it — shops and restaurants.

This stretch feels a bit less touristy than the other direction and is more practical stores versus souvenir shops. It’s a good place to get an ice cream or a glass of wine. Otherwise, this walk can probably be done briskly as you’re out of the more classical Montmartre area at this point.

online walking tour paris

While you’re in the area, it’s worth it to finish your day at Moulin Rouge. Yes, that Moulin Rouge.

The venue has been hosting shows and performances since 1889, and today operates as a dinner theater. For about €200 a person, you can enjoy a full meal and performance at this iconic theater.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it to see the marquee and legendary red windmill. There is a median in the middle of street where you can safely stand and take photos.

online walking tour paris

  • Continue exploring Clichy Street, which is famous for its countless sex shops
  • Walk over the suspension bridge at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. To get there, take the 2 train from Blanche station across from Moulin Rouge to Colonel Fabien and then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
  • Get cocktails at Lulu White, voted one of the best cocktail bars on Paris .
  • Start your next walk around the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower & the Seine Walking Guide

We’ve made it to the Eiffel Tower, and this walk is truly all about the Iron Lady. This section focuses on getting to the Eiffel Tower and enjoying all the best views of it. It’s a good idea to pair this walk with your visit to the Eiffel Tower, otherwise you may find portions of this walk redundant.

Technically, this walk in full is about 4 miles. That said, you can certainly make it much shorter by cutting down the portions on Rue Saint-Dominique and/or along the Seine.

online walking tour paris

Rue Saint-Dominique

Champ de mars, eiffel tower, trocadéro gardens, pont alexandre iii.

  • Have a plan for getting Eiffel Tower tickets . If you’d like to go up into the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon or evening, be sure to book your ticket in advance. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance and book up quick, especially for the summit. Otherwise, plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the tower opens in the morning to beat the crowns.
  • Start at Bleu Olive . This coffee shop is conveniently located near the start of Rue Cler. It’s a good option for breakfast to begin your day or for a coffee to take with you. Note: they’re closed on Sundays and don’t open till 10 AM on Saturday.
  • Avoid Mondays. Many stores are closed on Mondays, which will make parts of this walk less fun.
  • Take this walk in reverse . The walk along the Right Bank (north side) of the Seine offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. If you flip this route, you’ll be approaching the Eiffel tower and can enjoy the view the whole time.
  • Bring a blanket. If you have a small packable picnic blanket , bring it on this walk. It’ll be nice to have if you spend time sitting on the grass at Trocadéro Gardens.
  • Enjoy this walk in the evening . If you start around 2 or 3 PM (Tuesday – Saturday), you’ll enjoy a bustling market on Rue Cler and a lovely early evening at the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sun set from Trocadéro Gardens and then enjoy the City of Light by night as you walk along the Seine. Perfection.

Self-guided walk around the Eiffel Tower

The best place to start this walk is the La Tour-Maubourg station which serves the 8 train. If that’s not convenient, you can also take the 13 train to Varenne station. Head west on Rue de Grenelle until you reach Rue Cler.

Rue Cler is often said to be the most beautiful street in Paris. The market street is only one block long, but it’s jam packed with shops selling the freshest produce, local meat, French cheese, wine, pastries and more. It’s like it was made to build the perfect picnic basket to take to Champ de Mars.

Tuesday through Saturday the shops are open from 8 or 9 AM till about 7 PM. The market is only open until 2 PM on Sundays and nearly all the shops are closed on Mondays.

At the end of Rue Cler you’ll hit Rue Saint-Dominique. This street is lined with traditional Hausmann buildings, which is probably what you picture when you think of Paris. It’s a popular shopping street with Eiffel Tower views.

Most of the shopping is to your right, but the Eiffel tower is to your left. If you really are not interested in shopping or are pressed for time, you can turn left after Rue Cler and enjoy a smaller segment of this beautiful street. But if you have extra time, I’d recommend turning right so you get a bit more out of it. Continue walking until you hit Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. Then turn around and head back down Rue Saint-Dominique until you hit Champ de Mars.

online walking tour paris

Champ de Mars is iconic, but to be honest, it’s never what I want it to be. I always pictured it to be an open, flat park when you can have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. However, there’s actually lots of trees and I feel like there’s always construction. I’d suggest walking through it, but if you’re looking for a place to sit I’d argue Trocadéro Gardens is better.

What Champ de Mars does offer, though, is a great approach to the Eiffel Tower. She looms large from this angle and you will be itching to visit the summit.

Ah yes. We’ve made it 7,000 words into this post before finally making it to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re planning to go inside, be sure to check out my complete visitor guide to the Eiffel Tower . It has tips for where to enter, how to avoid lines, best floor order to visit the tower and more.

If you’re not planning to go to the top of the tower, you can still technically walk underneath it. To get there, you will need to pass through the security. Follow the signs for visitors who do not yet have tickets. After security, you’ll have access to the plaza at the base of the tower and can see it right up close. If you’re not going up, just skip the lines for the ticket office and proceed to an exit.

If you aren’t interested in passing underneath the Eiffel tower, you can simply walk around the outer perimeter and carry on to Pont d’Iéna. There’s also a carousel right by bridge, which is a highlight for children and Instagrammers alike.

online walking tour paris

If you ask me, the best views of the Eiffel Tower are from Trocadéro Gardens. This is the garden I picture when I think of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower. From this hill, you’re treated to the best views of the tower, plus the Seine and its bridges. It has a great view of the tower any time, but one of my favorite times to come here is in the early evening when the sun sets and the tower starts to light up.

There’s lots of grass space to sit, so it’s nice to have a blanket. There’s also  food vendors at the base of the gardens, so pick up a crepes or drink before you head up the hill. You’ll also usually find hawkers unofficially selling Champagne and beer, which can actually be quite nice. It’s technically illegal to drink in Paris parks, but police are generally very lenient with beer and wine.

online walking tour paris

NOTE: In the provided map, Google does not think you can cross Avenue de New York at near the Eiffel Tower, but you can. There is a pedestrian walk sign at the street light here. So you can ignore that detour. 

Walk along the Seine

After you’ve enjoyed a good long sit at Trocadéro Gardens, continue your walk along the Seine for even more beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. I like to the follow the north side of the river, which eventually becomes Jardin d’Erivan. This riverside garden is lined with trees which become truly stunning in the fall.

At each bridge you pass, turn around to get another epic view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll pass three, counting Debilly Footbridge, before you get to Pont Alexandre III.

online walking tour paris

This decorative bridge was built in the late 1800s. It’s a lovely bridge, but mostly I note it here as one final amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. You can still see it from the next bridge too, but it really starts to hide at that point.

If you cross this bridge, you’ll head into Esplanade des Invalides which leads right back to where this walk began. Alternatively, if you turn left and head away from the river, you’ll pass between the Petit and Grand Palais and on to Champs-Élysées. And just like that, our walks have come full circle.

  • Continue walking along the Seine, passing Tuileries Garden and onward toward the isles
  • Take a boat cruise along the Seine and see Paris from a new perspective
  • For a family dinner, get pizza at the hip and delicious Mokus l’Écureuil near Trocadéro Gardens

More From This Trip

  • British Airways Business Class Review – 777 from JFK to LHR
  • London Travel Guide
  • Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
  • How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
  • Bankside Hotel London Review
  • London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
  • Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
  • Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
  • Visiting London Transport Museum
  • Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
  • Borough Market Visitor Guide
  • Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
  • Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
  • Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
  • Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
  • Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
  • Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

Monday 28th of August 2023

thank you for actually being objective as to what you can skip! me & my feet appreciate it!

Thursday 7th of September 2023

Oh good! I'm happy to hear that! I hope you have a great trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

This is a stunning post. Top marks for the maps of the routes! And a great read. Thank you.

  • Destinations
  • Tours in Paris

Historic Paris Tour by Walkative!

Historic Paris Tour by Walkative! France — #1

Overview of the tour in Paris

Ah, Paris, the capital of elegance, chic, love, art, and science. Its architecture and ambiance are truly iconic, and its people are famous for their achievements and... sense of pride. The city rose from its humble beginnings as a marshland settlement, became a Roman colony, and seat off the early Frankish monarchs to finally set trends as the biggest medieval city in Europe. Home to many revolts and societal changes, it evolved as the capital of the free thinkers and... the most famous revolution changing the political landscape of western civilization forever. With its final overdo in the 19th century, its elegant boulevards became a go-to model for many other cities. Today, Paris retains many of its fortes, adding a spice of modernity. All this can get a little overwhelming, so why not have a helping hand while diving in? Talkative will grant you that and much more, with our local guides taking you on a fascinating journey through Paris's most important monuments and histories!

This activity includes:

  • Carrousel du Louvre
  • Tuileries Garden
  • Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
  • Louvre Museum
  • Hôtel de Ville
  • Sainte-Chapelle
  • Conciergerie
  • Pont des Arts

Meeting point

hotel de ville, paris

Hotel de Ville, outside the metro at exit 5, next to the Paris tourist office - look for a yellow umbrella!

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

Montmartre Free Walking  Tour

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Historic paris walking tour by walkative.

online walking tour paris

Walkative was established in 2007 by a group of young enthusiasts who also happened to be licensed tour guides. Today, we operate in 20 cities in countries across all of Europe and beyond, including France, Germany, Poland, Italy, Ukraine and Israel. We have already guided more than 3 million tourists, with more than 350 000 in 2023 only! Despite this growth, we stay true to our values: be local and present the history of our cities in a professional, yet entertaining way, accessible for everybody, regardless their budget. We provide service not only in big, well established places like Berlin, Paris or Krakow, but also smaller, less known, yet no less fascinating locations, like Nice, Toruń or Lublin. We cooperate with highly trained, professional guides providing both engaging tip-based and regular fixed-price tours. And most importantly - we know our cities by heart! Join us and stay Walkative!

  • Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Ah, Paris, the capital of elegance, chic, love, art and science. Its architecture and ambiance are truly iconic, and its people famous for their achievements and... sense of pride. The city rose from its humble beginnings as a marshland settlement, became a Roman colony, seat of the early Frankish monarchs to finally set trends as the biggest medieval city in Europe. Home to many revolts and societal changes, it evolved as the capital of the free thinkers and... the most famous revolution changing the political landscape of the western civilization forever. With its final overdo in the 19th century, its elegant boulevards became a go-to model for many other cities. Today, Paris retains many of its fortes, adding a spice of modernity. All this can get a little overwhelming, so why not have a helping hand while diving in? Walkative will grant you that and much more, with our local guides taking you on a fascinating journey through Paris most important monuments and histories, including:

  • ︎Hotel de Ville(Paris City Hall)
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral 
  • Sainte Chapelle 
  • Conciergerie 
  • Pont des Arts
  • Louvre (history of the palace and museum)
  • Carrousel Arch
  • Tuileries gardens 
  • And much, much more!

ℹ️ ⚠️ ATTENTION - booking rules

Please note that our free tours are designed for individual travelers and small private groups only. Hence, we do not accept parties of 8 or more people on regular free tours and guides have the right to deny participation to such groups. If you travel in a party of 8 or more please book a private tour in advance.

If you show up at the meeting point with the bigger group our guide will ask you for the payment (12 eur/person) before the tour or cancel your reservation on the spot. To confirm your reservation please arrive 10 minutes before starting. We can not guarantee participation when you will be late.                                   Please note that multiply bookings (under different names) for 7 people who belong to one group will still be treated as one organized group and the guide has the right to deny participation to such parties.

This policy is implied in the best interest of our individual visitors. 

Please respect our rules.     

Look for the yellow umbrella outside the metro at exit 5 (Hôtel de Ville).

online walking tour paris

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

online walking tour paris

Tour opinions (1566)

Thom was an amazing Tour Guide. He was funny, charismatic, and informative. He kept a great pace not easy with a large group and in the rain. This was my third visit to Paris but I learned new things. Great experience.

Tank was a great guide, really enjoyed the tour!

Our tour guide was very fun and was able to answer all of our questions! Highly recommend, we learned a lot!

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others tours from this guru, others cities to visit after paris.

Find similar guruwalks in Paris

Where are you traveling to?

Visit the Hidden Paris

online walking tour paris

Walking Tours of Paris - Discover the city beyond the Monuments

Contact :  [email protected].

Pont Marie Visit the Hidden Paris

Cobble-stoned street in Montmartre

Guided walks to discover the hidden treasures of paris, paris is a great city to visit... but many tourists who come to paris end up visiting the same monuments & attractions. ​ i will show you the hidden paris...  ​places you won't find online or in the guide books.   let me be your personal tour guide to discovering the authentic paris, the city that exists beyond the monuments. ​, paris off the beaten path, come walk with me & experience the real paris, not the one for tourists.  the secret side of a city where people live, shop, work, eat...  a city that is 2000 years old my immersive  commented tours will bring paris to life & provide you with a different sightseeing experience. paris has retained many of her most beautiful vestiges.  come explore this rich history with me..

Entrance_rue_de_Buci_6%C3%83%C2%A8_edite

Charming courtyard in St Germain des Prés

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​I have designed several themed Paris walks, which can be found on the Visits page.

I can also custom design a visit to your needs and the time at your disposal. ​  , all of my tours are covid-19 safe, i am fully vaccinated, masks as needed, social distancing, gel available, all material cleaned regularly.

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Private garden in the Marais

Contact me directly ​for more information

[email protected]  

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Also featured on these fine sites:

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Average rating 4,9/5 (312 reviews)

Average rating 4,9/5 (48 reviews), average rating 4,9/5 (111 reviews).

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Gargoyle Guarding Notre Dame

Medieval Chapel

Ile de la Cité

online walking tour paris

A Review on Paris Greeters Authentic Free Walking Tour in Paris

A re you planning a trip to paris and looking for things to do for free walking tours, paris greeters is a fabulous choice below you can read my review on the amazing tour my family of 4 took with this lovely organization..

The post A Review on Paris Greeters Authentic Free Walking Tour in Paris appeared first on Marcie in Mommyland .

Are you planning a trip to Paris and looking for things to do? For free walking tours, Paris Greeters is a fabulous choice! Below you can read my review on …

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    This magnicient museum is a must-visit in Paris. It's open 9:00 - 18:00 (6 pm) daily, except Tuesdays. Tickets are 12,50€ or free with a Paris Museum Pass. Beyond these museums are Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées, included in our self-guided tour of Paris' Right Bank!

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    Wander the historic, narrow cobbled streets as you ascend to the highest point in Paris. Take the Montmartre Walking Tour. SMALL GROUP TOURS. Learn the captivating history and stories of famous Parisian sights and residents while strolling through the most beautiful city in the world. Unlike other walking tours, we limit our group sizes to 10 ...

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    Whether this is your first or seventh visit to the capital, you'll want to have a plan in order to visit the best parts, to discover something new, and to have a memorable time, which is why self-guided walking tours of Paris are so popular. The Urbs app allows you to plan your own schedule and add all your favourite sights and attractions ...

  7. Paris Walking Tours by Local Guides

    Paris Walking Tours with Local Guides. We have given more than 100,000 Paris walking tours since our founding in 2010. Join us for: The best designed tour routes - Montmartre, Marais, Left Bank, Right Bank, and many more. The best trained local guides - real Parisians with both knowledge and passion for the city of Paris.

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    Enjoy authentic local experiences . Paris is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English and Spanish, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Paris' best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique ...

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    Choose one of five Paris districts to visit on a guided walking tour, each one steeped in history and filled with fascinating places to explore. Join your guide as they take you to the heart of your chosen Quartier and tell you all about its history, art, architecture, cuisine, fashion, and more. Le Marais: History and Fashion Discover the ...

  12. 10 Brilliant Walking Tours in Paris

    Cecile. 2. Ramble around hilly Montmartre. Immerse yourself in la vie bohème - Bohemian Montmartre is one of Paris's most charming (and historic) areas. This tour will take you around the ...

  13. Historic Paris Tour with locals

    Hear stories about the most daring art theft in history (yes, we are talking about the Mona Lisa), love, desire, and revenge. Get to know Paris at its finest! During this 2,5 hour tour, you will see and discover: ︎Hotel de Ville (Paris City Hall) Notre-Dame Cathedral. Sainte Chapelle. Conciergerie. Pont Neuf.

  14. Free Walking Tour of Paris

    Free Walking Tour of Paris. Paris sits on the banks of the River Seine and was built over 2 thousand years of fascinating history. From Gallic origins to Roman conquerers, through opulence, bloody revolution, raging war and much more. Paris has experienced so much throughout its many centuries, and thanks to our expert English-speaking tour ...

  15. Paris Free Walking Tour

    The free tours of Paris available on our website are the ideal option for couples, families and small groups of friends who would like, above all, to enjoy each other's company and at the same time not give up exploring the city with an experienced guide. You will find free walking tours of Paris, as well as other cities in Western Europe ...

  16. 15 Best Free Walking Tours in Paris

    6 - Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees. Plunge deep into the enormous yet enriching history of the city, from the nineteenth century to the present, on this free walking tour in Paris. Gazing at the intricately constructed buildings, you'll come across the spectacular sights of the Tomb of Napolean Bonaparte, the infamous Emperor.

  17. Paris walking tours with local guides

    2. Going on a (free) walking tour in Paris and its most cosmopolitan districts is a fun and original way to visit Paris. You can discover neighborhoods though the prism of street-art, movies, architecture, history, art, traditions and myth and heroes. Go on a walking tour in Paris and discover its Indian, Chinese, North African and Subsaharan ...

  18. Paris's BEST Essential Free Walking Tours!

    The best guruwalks in Essential (24 / 128) History and Conflicts. Historic Paris Walking Tour by Walkative! 1498 ratings. 4.7. Duration: 2h and 15min. Starts at: 10:00, 10:30 and 6 more.

  19. Walking in Paris

    Paris walking routes explored in this post. Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors. Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets. Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting. Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views.

  20. Historic Paris Tour by Walkative!

    Tours Organized by Walkative Tours. Montmartre Free Walking Tour. from €0 (Tip based) 9.2 (Reviews: 12) English 2h 15min 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM. Mysteries & Legends of Paris. from €0 (Tip based) 7.9 (Reviews: 4) English 2h 30min 6:30 PM. Latin Quarter Free Walking Tour. from €0 (Tip based)

  21. Historic Paris Walking Tour by Walkative!

    Paris. Duration: 2h and 15min. Languages: English, Spanish, French. Guru: Walkative! Tours. PRO Quality Verified Registered on July 05, 2017. Walkative was established in 2007 by a group of young enthusiasts who also happened to be licensed tour guides. Today, we operate in 20 cities in countries across all of Europe and beyond, including ...

  22. Visit the Hidden Paris Walking Tours

    Come walk with me & experience the real Paris, not the one for tourists. The secret side of a city where people live, shop, work, eat... a city that is 2000 years old ! My immersive commented tours will bring Paris to life & provide you with a different sightseeing experience. Paris has retained many of her most beautiful vestiges.

  23. A Review on Paris Greeters Authentic Free Walking Tour in Paris

    A re you planning a trip to Paris and looking for things to do? For free walking tours, Paris Greeters is a fabulous choice! Below you can read my review on the amazing tour my family of 4 took ...