walking tour app paris

Paris Map and Walks 4+

Gpsmycity.com, inc..

• 5.0 • 2 Ratings

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Description.

Lose Yourself Without Getting Lost. This handy application presents you several self-guided walks featuring the best of the city, from world famous attractions to hidden gems. There simply is no better way to see a city on foot, at your own pace and at a cost that is only a fraction of what you would normally pay for a guided tour. This app comes with a detailed and fully functional city map to help you explore the city and locate the sights of interest. City map functions included in this app are: street name and business (restaurants, cafes, etc.), search, location bookmarking, `Findme` (iPhone and iPad 3/4G model), movement tracking (iPhone and iPad 3/4G model), and more. You can track your steps, take photos along the way, and then share your tracks and photos with friends. Sightseeing walks included in this application are: * Walk Through Montmartre (12 sights) * Panthéon (5th Arr) Walk (12 sights) * Hôtel-de-Ville Walk (10 sights) * Religious Sights of Paris (7 sights) * The Da Vinci Code Walk (6 sights) * French Revolution Landmarks (7 sights) * Élysée (8th Arr) Walk, 2 (7 sights) * Bourse - Opera Attractions (8 sights) * Louvre (1st Arr) Walk, 1 (15 sights) * Luxembourg (6th Arr) Walk (11 sights) * Louvre (1st Arr) Walk, 2 (10 sights) * Élysée (8th Arr) Walk, 1 (6 sights) * Palais-Bourbon Walk (9 sights) * Le Marais Walk (10 sights) * Opera-Élysées Souvenir Shop (11 sights) * Champs-Élysées Nightlife (5 sights) * City Center Nightlife (7 sights) * Top Paris Museums (6 sights) Discovery walks included in this application are: * Champs-Elysées Shopping * Les Halles Walking Tour * Latin Quarter Walking Tour * Parisian Mood Walking Tour * 1st and 2nd Arr. Hidden Passages Walking Tour * Canal Saint-Martin Walking Tour * Montparnasse Walking Tour * Belleville Walking Tour * Antiques Hunting in Village Saint Paul * Carré Rive Gauche Antiques Hunting No Data Plan or Internet is Needed, and No Roaming either. All the data used in this app is built into the software, so there is no need for internet access or cellular data plan. No need to pay costly roaming charges when traveling to foreign cities. The app works with your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. All the navigation features related to the city walks are disabled in this Lite version, which means that you can view the walk details (sight descriptions and photos), but NO navigation assistance is provided to guide you from one sight to the next. Download the Lite version if you want to use the city map or learn about the city walks. However, if you want to join the walks, it is highly recommended that you download a Full Version of this app. The Full Version includes detailed walk route maps to guide you from one sight to the next. Please visit our website at www.GPSmyCity.com to find city walks for over 470 cities worldwide. Note: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. This app gives you the option to turn off the GPS tracking in the background to prolong the battery life.

Version 7.1.1

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. - User interface and stability enhancements. - Added tutorial videos.

Ratings and Reviews

Incredibly helpful.

Look no further. This app does it all for navigating around Paris - even if you don't follow the suggested walks. It's helpful for metro, bus, sights, restaurants, etc. You can easily input your hotel or bnb to find your way back. It zooms and expands readily while still keeping you located and routes you where you want to go with no problem. All done offline!! A really great find.

App Privacy

The developer, GPSmyCity.com, Inc. , has not provided details about its privacy practices and handling of data to Apple.

No Details Provided

The developer will be required to provide privacy details when they submit their next app update.

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support

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Self Guided Walking Tours of 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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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8 Great Apps For Getting The Most Out Of Paris

Knowing where to begin when exploring a city like Paris can be a daunting prospect. Luckily, there are a number of fantastic apps that make it easier to navigate, eat, and enjoy the city. Here are a few of our top picks for apps to help you get around Paris.

Citymapper is truly a cut above the multitude of route-planning apps that saturate the market. Not only will it give you a number of different options of public transport that will get you where you need to go, factoring in delays, but also includes the walking and taxi journey time. The best feature of all is that it will give you a cycle route, with Vélib (Paris bike system) points marked on the map, along with the distance you will cover, number of calories you will consume in doing so, alongside a hilarious conversion into its equivalent in French food. Seriously, you will wonder how you ever managed without it. The app cannot be used offline, so make sure you plan your journeys before and take screenshots to refer to later. You can download on iTunes and Google Play .

Yandex – Translate

For those emergency scenarios when you are struggling to make sense of a menu, or you need to ask for something in a shop – Yandex is the perfect app. Thanks to the fact that it functions offline, you do not even need to worry about finding a wi-fi spot before making yourself understood! It can translate from an image or sound recording too, which can come in incredibly handy. Get it on iTunes and Google Play .

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The Culture Trip App

The easiest part about traveling in a city is seeing the tourist attractions. The hardest part? Experiencing the place like a local. With The Culture Trip App , visitors have the best of art, food, culture, and local tips at the touch of a finger. It’s very easy to use: just select your location and choose from the “I Want” menu, which offers a range of options, including art, music, history, food, film, design, travel and more. Best of all, the app covers every city in the world – so you can always be in the know, no matter where you are. Get it on iTunes and Google Play

Ulmon (City Maps to go)

This is a very handy little app , which not only allows you to access detailed maps of the city offline but also provides articles and travel tips based on your interests. When you download, you will be asked to highlight your interests from a list of options and then personalize accordingly. With each attraction listed, comes a link to nearby hotels, reviews from other visitors and information about that place. If you are someone who really likes to plan ahead, there is also the option to create a bucket list, bringing everything you want to do into one place. Get it on iTunes and Google Play .

This app is every foodie’s dream come true. No matter where you are in the city, you can open up its map which has recommended restaurants plotted all over it, along with reviews and price guidelines, all accessible offline. Le Fooding Guide is written by Parisians, for Parisians, and they specialize in contemporary and creative restaurants, so you can be sure that their suggestions will take you somewhere exciting, and you will be dining with the locals. You can search by location, price or food type, and it also has a ‘chance’ feature, which gives you a completely surprise suggestion when you shake your phone – go on, live a little! Get it on iTunes and Google Play .

La Fourchette/The Fork

This is one for foodies on a budget: it can be used to both find and book a restaurant, providing offers of up to 50 percent off when you book through the app, making dining in the city quite a bit more affordable. Each option comes with a link to TripAdvisor reviews and a menu, so you can be sure you are making the right choice. Get it on iTunes and Google Play .

Spotted By Locals

This app is not exclusive to Paris, but it is an incredible tool for those who like to explore a little beyond the main tourist spots. Although it is not free, it is absolutely worth the few dollars you will pay for it, with honest, insider advice from Parisian journalists who genuinely seem to care about their audience. Get it on iTunes and Google Play .

Paris Guide Monument Tracker

Paris boasts some of the most beautiful monuments and buildings in the world. So much so that it is often difficult to keep track of what they all are and their significance. This app is genius, listing every monument with a concise and palatable description of its history. It also includes a quiz and treasure hunt, a fun little way to get to know the city as well as information and prices on events and activities. A word of warning though, you may want to turn off location tracking since it will drain your battery… fast! Get it on iTunes and Google Play .

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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9 Essential Apps for Getting the Most Out of Your Trip to Paris

• By Rachel Huber
• April 9, 2018

Once upon a time a trip to Paris meant traveling with a stack of books, from city guides to phrasebooks, restaurant round-ups to metro and street maps. Thankfully, if there’s one thing the smartphone has heralded it is an era for emptier backpacks, relieved shoulders, and thousands of cool, new, and ever-practical ways to navigate the city like a pro. Welcome to the age of the appli (that’s app to you and me). Chances are you’ve already got a home screen laden with faithful go-to’s, but these free Paris-friendly options are guaranteed to give you that edge to truly make the most of your next stay.

Enjoy arty anecdotes with  Artips

Sure, long languid days spent taking in an entire museum can be great  — if not tiring  — but sometimes there’s nothing better than speedily dipping in and out of an art museum, especially for those in a time crunch. Based on a popular e-newsletter that shares bite-sized anecdotes on art history, Artips, which is available in French and English, offers up fun round-ups of the 10 essential pieces of art to visit at each Paris museum. Better yet, all the anecdotes are available in audio or written form. While the app is free, there are optional paid upgrades for some additional content.

Walk Paris with Eco Walks ( Paris Balades  Durables)

There’s no better way to see Paris than on foot and since the city of Paris has dedicated millions of euros to improving access to pedestrian and green spaces, it’s also the ideal way to get in touch with nature right in the heart of the city. Pull up the app to find the closest 2 km stroll, or use it to plan a longer walk. This app serves up an array of walking itineraries in and around the city, no matter whether you’re craving a walk along a pretty planted walkway, or through a historical neighborhood. Bookmark and share favorites and read information as you go.

Find restrooms with  Où sont les toilettes?

Public toilets and lack thereof can be one of the biggest complaints for travelers in Paris. And while using one of those infamous sidewalk restrooms with their automatic opening doors can represent a rite of passage for many, they can also often be out of order or just too intimidating for kids. This highly-rated app from toilet paper company Le Trèfle brings together thousands of toilet locations including disabled access restrooms, all so you don’t have to buy something to use a Starbucks bathroom. There are even cleanliness reviews included.

Uncover hidden gems with  Secrets de Paris

If you’ve been curating endless lists of must-see spots and Instagrammable café terraces for your next visit, stop now and download this app. Designed to serve up a constant rotation of hidden spots, you’ll find everything you need for getting that essential, local-eye-view of the city. Refreshed each and every day with a new must-try local spot, save your favorites or check out the archives. Available in French and English. Camera at the ready, your Instagram grid will thank you.

Go sightseeing with  Paris Monument Tracker

Perfect for sightseers looking to maximize their monument count, this simple monument app makes hitting up points of interest a breeze. Download ready-made walking itineraries, access background information, and enjoy fun Paris monument-themed quizzes and virtual treasure hunts. Complete with easy offline mapping, check out the Paris map app or download one of the developer’s other city versions, including Lyon and Nice.

Get around town with  Paris Travel Guide and Offline City Map

Don’t blast through your data, download Ulmon’s offline mapping app for handy maps and public transport planners. Consistently updated to feature up-to-the-minute information and travel advice, this app will even show you street numbers so you can figure out which side of the street and how far to walk.

Take in urban art with My Paris Street Art

Mapping as many space Invader mosaics you can around Paris? Looking for some lesser known pieces of street art? The Paris Street Art app makes hunting down street art easy so you can locate and share your finds. Log in and use it to find the closest designs, or simply read about the work around you.

Find the right words with  Translate Offline: French Free

Need a French word? How about an entire phrase? Google translate can be a life saver, but when roaming charges are a concern, it’s certainly not the most practical solution. Enter this handy app that works offline to translate as you type. There are even voice input and picture input options so you can translate signs and spoken word. Better still, there are even options to create your own reference history and personalized phrasebook.

Eat well with  Le Fooding

With café, bistro, and restaurant choices aplenty, there’s no danger of going hungry in Paris. There is, however, the risk of feeling unable to choose the right spot for lunch or dinner. Enter Le Fooding, a popular restaurant guide with its own app. Free to download, Le Fooding makes picking the nearest, best, fanciest, cheapest or trendiest spot around a cinch. Find weekly news content, thousands of reviews and make restaurant reservations in a few stress-free English-language clicks. Bon appétit!

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Paris Walking Route Planner: A Comprehensive Guide

• 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

Paris is a city best explored on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charming streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. With countless attractions to discover, having a walking route planner can help you make the most of your time in the City of Lights. In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your own self-guided walking tour of Paris.

1. Research and Plan

Before you start exploring Paris on foot, it’s important to do some research and plan your itinerary. Determine the attractions and landmarks you’d like to visit and create a list of them. Take into consideration their proximity to each other and prioritize the ones you’re most interested in.

1.1 Map Your Route

Once you have your list of attractions, it’s time to map out your route. There are several online tools and mobile apps available that can help you plan your walking route in Paris. One popular option is Google Maps. Simply enter your starting point and add each destination to create a comprehensive route.

Another useful tool is the RATP website, which provides detailed information on public transportation in Paris. You can use it to check the nearest metro stations and plan your route accordingly.

2. Consider Your Fitness Level

While exploring Paris on foot is a fantastic experience, it’s essential to consider your fitness level before setting out on a walking tour. Paris is a city known for its numerous stairs and hilly streets, so be prepared for some physical activity.

If you’re not used to walking long distances, consider breaking up your route into smaller sections and take breaks in between. Take advantage of public transportation options, like buses or metro, for longer distances or when you need a rest.

3. Dress Comfortably

Paris is a fashion capital, but when it comes to exploring the city on foot, comfort should be your priority. Opt for comfortable walking shoes and wear breathable clothing, especially during warmer months.

Additionally, be prepared for unpredictable weather. Paris can be quite rainy, so bringing a lightweight raincoat or umbrella is always a good idea.

4. Explore Neighborhoods

Paris is made up of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Don’t limit yourself to just the popular tourist areas. Venture into the lesser-known neighborhoods to discover quaint cafes, hidden boutiques, and local gems.

Some must-visit neighborhoods include the Marais, Montmartre, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Le Marais. Take the time to explore these areas and get a taste of the Parisian lifestyle.

4.1 The Marais

The Marais neighborhood is known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and trendy shops. Visit the Place des Vosges, one of the oldest planned squares in Paris, and don’t miss the famous Musée Picasso.

4.2 Montmartre

Climb the stairs of Montmartre to reach the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica and enjoy panoramic views of Paris. This bohemian neighborhood is filled with artists, street performers, and charming cafes.

4.3 Saint-Germain-des-Prés

With its beautiful architecture and rich history, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a must-visit neighborhood for art lovers. Explore the Musée d’Orsay, stroll along the Seine River, and indulge in a cup of coffee at the famous Café de Flore.

4.4 Le Marais

Le Marais is a trendy neighborhood filled with hip boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife. Visit the Centre Pompidou, a modern art museum, and get lost in the enchanting streets of this lively district.

5. Safety Tips

While Paris is generally a safe city for tourists, it’s always important to keep some safety tips in mind:

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Avoid displaying valuable items and keep your belongings secure.
• Use well-lit and busy streets, particularly at night.
• Be cautious when crossing the road, as Parisian drivers can be fast-paced.
• If you’re unsure of directions or need assistance, approach official tourist information offices or ask for help from trustworthy sources.

Exploring Paris on foot allows you to truly appreciate the city’s beauty and charm. With a well-planned walking route and comfortable clothing, you can make the most of your time in the French capital. Remember to research, consider your fitness level, and explore the diverse neighborhoods that make Paris unique. Stay safe and enjoy your walking tour of the City of Lights!

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• Best Walking App ...

Best Walking App of Paris

We are spending a week in Paris and would like to know the best walking app to download on an Apple iPhone.

By "walking app," do you mean an app with guided walks, or a mapping app so you can find your way from point A to point B?

For the former, Rick Steves Audio Europe has several walks for Paris, and several for various museums and sights (including Pere Lachaise cemetery and Versailles). It's free. I'm sure there are other apps that have guided walks, but I haven't used them, and some are likely not to be free.

If you want a mapping app, Google Maps works fine in Paris for walking directions - at least it did on my Android in conjunction with T-Mobile roaming service. If you won't have cell service, let us know, so others who know how to get mapping apps to work without it can give the latest details (there are definitely ways, I just don't know them, and I don't know the ins and outs of iPhones).

For a mapping app that can guide you from Point A to Point B, I would recommend HERE Maps. Download the app and the map of France ahead of time on your phone, and you will be able to access it without using cellular or wifi signal while you're in Paris.

You can also go ahead with your account and save sites that you want to visit -- and your hotel -- ahead of time. Then you can just put them in your Here maps andfind out how to get around.

I use it in conjunction with CityMapper for public transport guidance (for this you do need cellular or wifi connection). I find it easier to follow the walking directions in HERE maps.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

• 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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

11 Essential Apps for Travellers Visiting Paris in 2023

Are you excited about exploring the City of Lights? Paris is full of history , culture, and mouth-watering cuisine. But navigating it can be challenging, especially for noobies. Don't sweat. I've got the digital toolkit that will turn you from tourist to local in no time. Here are my absolute go-to apps for Paris in 2023 that help me nail every Paris trip. Whether you're navigating the extensive metro system, hunting down hidden gems, or grabbing those last-minute tickets to a chic fashion show, these apps are your Paris lifeline.

Best Apps for Paris in 2023

1. citymapper, 2. ratp app, 4. duolingo, 5. google translate, 6. google lens, 7. urbs travel app, 9. the fork, 10. mister good beer, best apps navigating paris with ease.

Navigating the streets of Paris can be a thrilling experience, with so many stunning sights around every corner. But to truly make the most of your time in the French capital, you’ll want to use the best apps to get around efficiently. These Paris travel apps will help you traverse the city’s complex public transport system and discover the quickest routes to your destinations, ensuring that your next Paris trip is a breeze.

Let’s dive into the top transportation apps that will make your journey through the City of Lights as seamless as possible, especially when you’re wondering how many bikes are available!

Citymapper is a must-have app for visiting Paris, offering optimized route suggestions, real-time updates, and offline maps to help you confidently navigate the city. This app not only covers the Parisian metro system, but also provides information on buses, trams, and even bikes! With Citymapper in your pocket, you’ll be able to find the best route and transportation mode for any journey, whether you’re heading to the Eiffel Tower or exploring the charming streets of Montmartre.

One of the most impressive features of Citymapper is its ability to adapt to your needs. Need to catch a train at Gare du Nord? Citymapper will tell you exactly where to board the metro to ensure you’re closest to your exit when you arrive. And if you’re worried about not having an internet connection, fear not! Citymapper offers offline maps, allowing you to navigate Paris without using data or relying on spotty public Wi-Fi.

It’s time to download Citymapper and make your trip to Paris as smooth as a perfectly baked croissant!

Download from Google Play or Apple App store .

As the official transportation app for Paris, the RATP App is your go-to source for everything related to public transportation in the city. Providing real-time transit times, route planning, and disruption alerts, this app is an essential tool for navigating Paris’ extensive metro, bus, tram, and RER network. With its user-friendly interface and accurate information, you’ll never have to worry about missing a connection or getting lost in the maze of the Parisian metro system.

The RATP App also offers an official map of the Paris metro system, making it easy to plan your routes and find your way around. Plus, you can receive notifications about delays and disruptions right on your phone, ensuring you’re always in the know about any potential travel issues. Don’t let the complexity of Paris’s public transport system intimidate you – download the RATP App and conquer the city with ease!

Last but not least, Moovit is a comprehensive transportation app that combines the best features of Citymapper and the RATP App. With Moovit, you can:

Access interactive maps

Get real-time information on buses, metros, and RER

Easily plan your journey

Avoid any surprises along the way

One of the most convenient features of Moovit is its ability to wake you up before your stop, ensuring you never miss your destination. So why not give Moovit a try and make your Paris trip even more enjoyable?

Download from Google Play or Apple App store.

Mastering the Language: Essential Language Learning Apps

While many Parisians speak English, learning some basic French phrases can greatly enhance your Paris experience and help you connect with locals. Plus, knowing the language will make it easier to navigate the city, read street signs, and understand menus.

To help you with this endeavour, we’ve compiled a list of essential language learning apps that will make mastering French a fun and enjoyable process. So let’s dive into these fantastic apps and get you speaking the language of love in no time!

Duolingo is a popular language learning app that makes learning French a breeze. With its gamified approach and adaptive learning platform, Duolingo keeps you engaged and motivated, turning language learning into a fun and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your French skills, Duolingo has something for everyone, including teaching you the perfect French word for any situation.

With the free version of Duolingo, you’ll have access to basic language learning features like organized, progressive lessons and fun, game-like activities. Looking for even more? The premium version, known as Super Duolingo, removes ads and unlocks additional features to enhance your learning experience.

So download Duolingo and start practising your French before your trip to Paris!

Google Translate is an indispensable tool for anyone travelling to a foreign country. This free translation app allows you to:

Translate text, speech, and even images in over 100 languages

Easily communicate with locals

Understand signs and menus

Learn new French words and phrases

Making it an essential companion for your Paris trip.

One of the most impressive features of Google Translate is its live camera translation function. Simply open the app, tap the camera icon, and point your device at the text you want to translate – voilà! Google Translate will automatically detect the text and provide an instant translation. This feature is particularly useful for understanding street signs, menus, and other written information during your Paris visit.

Another fantastic app for overcoming language barriers in Paris is Google Lens. This AI-powered image recognition technology uses your smartphone camera to translate text in real time. Much like Google Translate’s camera feature, Google Lens allows you to understand signs, menus, and other written information just by pointing your camera at the text. With Google Lens, you’ll never feel lost in translation during your Paris trip.

Uncovering Hidden Gems: Best Apps for Unique Paris Experiences

Paris is full of iconic attractions and world-famous landmarks. However, some of the most memorable experiences can be found off the beaten path. To help you uncover the city’s hidden gems and unique experiences, we’ve curated a list of apps that will guide you to lesser-known destinations and local favourites.

Urbs Travel App is a fantastic resource for uncovering off-the-beaten-path attractions, restaurants, and experiences in Paris. This app offers personalized recommendations based on your interests and preferences, ensuring you discover hidden gems tailored to your tastes.

The app offers audio descriptions and bespoke routes, with smart city guides written by cultural experts and performed by professional voice-over artists. Whether you’re looking for a cosy neighbourhood bistro or an underground art gallery, Urbs Travel App will help you explore Paris like a local.

Say goodbye to long lines at cultural landmarks with Tiqets, the app that opens doors to culture. You'll never miss out on your dream Paris destinations with instant ticket delivery and Skip the Line options.

The app is your trusted guide, offering a comprehensive list of Paris's must-see attractions and hidden gems. From planning your itinerary to flexible booking options, Tiqets ensures your Paris trip is hassle-free and enriching. With Tiqets in your pocket, you'll feel more prepared and connected to the vibrant culture of London.

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Satisfy Your Appetite: Best Apps for Dining in Paris

Paris is a gastronomic paradise, with an abundance of world-class restaurants, cosy bistros, and charming cafes. To help you make the most of your culinary journey, we’ve compiled a list of the best apps for dining in Paris. These apps will help you find the perfect dining experience and offer restaurant reservations, reviews, and exclusive discounts.

So let’s dig into these delicious apps and satisfy your appetite!

The Fork is the ultimate app for dining in Paris, allowing you to book tables, read reviews, and access exclusive discounts at a wide range of Parisian restaurants. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive list of dining options, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a casual lunch with friends.

What sets The Fork apart from other dining apps is its exclusive discounts and promotions. By booking through the app, you can:

Save up to 50% off your meal at participating restaurants

Earn points for each reservation through the loyalty program

Redeem points for future discounts

So, not only will you discover amazing dining options in Paris, but you’ll also save money while doing so!

For beer enthusiasts visiting Paris, Mister Good Beer is a must-have app. This handy app helps you find budget-friendly bars with quality brews in the city. With reviews and recommendations from fellow beer lovers, you can trust that you’re getting the best experience possible. So raise a glass and say “Santé!” to discover the best craft beer Paris has to offer.

Yelp is invaluable for discovering amazing restaurants, bars, and cafes in Paris. With user-generated reviews and ratings, you can get a feel for the atmosphere, service, and quality of food before you even step foot inside. Plus, it is a great value. Yelp’s custom search filters and themed lists make it easy to find the perfect dining experience based on your preferences and budget.

In conclusion, visiting Paris in 2023 will be an unforgettable experience, thanks in large part to the amazing apps we’ve introduced in this blog post. From navigating the city’s complex public transport system and learning the French language, to uncovering hidden gems and finding the best dining experiences, these apps will help you make the most of your Paris trip. So don’t wait – start planning your dream Paris adventure today and make sure to download these essential apps for a truly magical and memorable journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

What app do i need to travel paris.

If you’re traveling to Paris, then RATP is the perfect app for you! It provides users with detailed information on transportation timetables and next departures - everything you need for a hassle-free experience in the City of Lights.

RATP is easy to use and provides up-to-date information on the Paris Metro, RER, bus, tram, and Noctilien networks. It also has an interesting history.

What are the top transportation apps for navigating Paris?

Don’t worry about navigating Paris - Citymapper, RATP App, and Moovit are the perfect apps to get you from point A to point B!

Which language learning apps are essential for visiting Paris?

You can’t miss the opportunity to learn some French before visiting Paris – Duolingo, Google Translate, and Google Lens are all essential language learning apps for a great experience! These apps are easy to use and can help you understand the language and culture of Paris. They can also help you communicate with locals and make the most of your trip. Duolingo is a great app for learning French. It offers a variety of lessons.

How can I discover unique and hidden gems in Paris?

Explore the backstreets of Paris, and don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path – you may stumble upon delightful surprises like Paris’s secret gardens, flea markets, hidden bars, and other fascinating places. Our Urbs Travel app's Paris content will also help you find hidden gems based on your interests!

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A day tour with Paris Immersif

Hello everyone and welcome to the walking tour of Paris. I am a Parisian influencer, also known as Paris Immersif. I am always on the hunt for good deals and interesting spots in Paris, which I usually share on my Instagram account. As you will notice, I have a strong french accent so be sure I am a real Parisian ;) Today I'm here to guide you through the streets of the Palais Royal district. During this digital tour, we will visit the places loved by Parisians, the places that shouldn't be missed, such as locally popular restaurants, cafes, famous museums, and landmarks of Paris. I will share my knowledge about Parisians, where they spend their time, why they love fashion so much, and more.

If you're ready for the day with me, immerse yourself in the Palais Royal district and discover this journey with the anecdotes from a Parisian herself

Credits Tour produced by Paris Immersif Image by EQRoy / Shutterstock

Paris Before and After Baron Haussmann

The emperor Napoleon III, a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed emperor of France in 1852 after a coup d’état against the French republic, of which he was already president. A great admirer of British modernity, he set out to transform Paris into a leading light among European cities. In 1853 he engaged the recently appointed Prefect of the Seine, Georges Eugène Haussmann to oversee the work and apply the plans and recommendations of the Commission Siméon which had studied in detail the question of embellishing the city. Ably assisted by the engineers Eugène Belgrand and Jean-Charles Alphand, this trained lawyer set out to implement a massive public works programme that became known as Haussmann’s renovation of Paris. Fiercely criticised for his spending, the extent of his projects, accused of expropriating the citizens of the city and gentrifying the centre of Paris, he was unwavering in his commitment to change. The outcry led to his dismissal in 1870, but work continued until 1927 on project which he had instigated and the distinctive image of Paris with tree-lined boulevards, apartment buildings of handsome regularity and monuments that can be admired from a distance and which contribute greatly to Paris’ reputation as a beautiful city to visit can all be traced back to this indefatigable administrator. This tour will take you to a number of sites associated with Baron Haussman to give you an idea of Paris before and after the work carried out in the mid-19th century and the extent of his transformation of the city.

Credits Audio tour  developed by "AD translations" and powered by IZI.travel

Destaques de Paris

Bem-vindo a Paris!

Convido-o a juntar-se a mim numa caminhada para descobrir Paris e as histórias por trás dos marcos mais icónicos da cidade.

Da origem do Louvre à demolição de metade de Paris, durante este passeio terá informações que certamente encantarão e surpreenderão os ouvintes.

O percurso começa na Catedral de Notre Dame e termina na Torre Eiffel. Pelo caminho, visitaremos o Louvre, o Palais Royal e os Champs Elysées, além de outros locais surpreendentes.

Divirta-se a explorar a Cidade das Luzes!

Créditos Tour de áudio desenvolvido por GlobeTrott Travel Imagem por Chris Karidis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Rick Steves Gave Me a Personal Tour of Paris — Here’s How You Can Get One, Too

This informative guided tour of Paris might just be Rick Steves Europe's best-kept secret.

Kelsey Fowler

As someone who doesn’t mind spending time alone on vacations, I find some of my favorite travel memories include walking around a city or exploring a museum on my own. On a recent trip to Paris, I wanted to experience the history and atmosphere more than the last time I had set foot in the City of Light, when I was focused on checking off the “must see” tourist attractions.

So, driven by the mindset of traversing the city more as a traveler and not a tourist this time around, I decided that, rather than hiring an expensive personal guide, or hopping along on a packed group walking tour, I would turn to one of the most trusted guides in European travel: Rick Steves . Steves is a renowned travel writer, synonymous with European travel and his philosophy of embracing local culture while abroad. The Rick Steves guidebooks are hugely popular — in fact, I picked up the pocket version of the Rick Steves Paris book specifically for this trip.

While I couldn’t book Steves to guide me personally through Paris, I did have the next-best-thing : his audio tour. As I set out to explore the Left Bank, I had the convenience — and added company — of hearing Steves directly in my ear as I started my walk. Great audio guides allow the listener to explore cities at their own pace without needing to map out an itinerary in advance. Simply download the audio tour, head to the first landmark, and hit play.

Steves spent a lot of his 2022 travels talking to himself, carefully noting updates and changes for his 60 self-guided audio tours. In April 2023, Rick Steves Europe republished updated versions of these tours , with guides in Athens, London, Salzburg, Paris, and more. The walking tours are excerpted from Rick Steves guidebooks, and the free Rick Steves Audio Europe app includes bonus features like a companion map, tips, and the full script of each tour.

I opted for the Historic Paris Walk audio tour , as it covered a lot of the neighborhood near my hotel . The tour is advertised as a three-mile journey, and Steves recommends two hours for walking, and another two hours if you choose to go inside the sights.

Zachary Scott/New York Times Magazine/Courtesy of Rick Steves' Europe

Starting out at Notre-Dame de Paris, I was instantly immersed in the story of Paris that Steves tells, building on the history of the city and religion that led to the construction of the cathedral. Even though the Gothic landmark is still undergoing repairs from the 2019 fire, I was able to listen to a good portion of the tour anyway, as Steves hits on a lot of the history and architecture on the outside.

One of the great things about the audio tour is each chapter of the narration has a separate title and picture, making it easy to navigate forward or backward in the audio to find the right location. Walking through the center of the city, I enjoyed having Steves as a companion, bringing me from spot to spot with enough insight to keep even my jet-lagged self interested. His style of narration is friendly and informative. 

The tour also includes verbalized step-by-step directions, so, if you have a good sense of direction, you can easily follow the turns and head to the next landmark or street without missing a beat. (I did have to pause once or twice to look around and make sure I was headed in the right direction.) But it’s easiest to follow the tour in the order Steves has laid out, as I completed almost a full loop around Île de la Cité, from Notre-Dame, to Pont Neuf, the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter, and Place Saint-Michel.

Of course, when I got to the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company , I had to pause the guide to go inside. And that wasn't the only time I deviated from the tour: when I reached Sainte-Chapelle, I decided to skip that section as well. Because of Notre-Dame’s closing, this nearby church is even more popular now, and the line was too long for me to wait that day. In the updated tour found in the Rick Steves Audio Europe app, Steves does point out this is the one place to get an advance ticket for.

But as I walked through Paris, it truly felt like I had a personal guide with me. I didn’t feel like a tourist at all — I never had to pull out a map or a guidebook, and it made me appreciate walking through the city while learning its history.

The next day, I went to the Musée d’Orsay , one of Paris’s most popular museums, perhaps best-known for its extensive Impressionist collection with works by Van Gogh and Monet, among many others. Here, I pulled out my pocket-sized Rick Steves Paris guidebook (and quietly read it aloud to a friend as we walked the vibrant maze of Manets and Picassos). Steves also has an audio tour of the museum, and others, like the Louvre, if you’re more inclined to listen rather than read. 

If you — like me — are not an art student, but still want to appreciate these masterful works, Steves’s guides are helpful in pointing out which works are important to stop at, and what to look for once you’re there. I loved hearing more about the art world throughout history in Paris, and Steves is able to compare and contrast differing styles and movement, and build on that knowledge as you progress in time throughout the museum.

The Steves guides allowed me to explore landmarks and places I wouldn’t have otherwise known about, and get a great understanding of the city without any language barrier. Plus, self-guided tours offer flexibility and independence, while still offering a rewarding and informative experience. 

The Rick Steves audio guides are all completely free. Interested travelers can install the Rick Steves Audio Europe app to download the latest versions of the tours.

Best things to see and do in Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world. It is one of the places highest on the list of cities you should visit at least once in your life because of everything it has to offer culturally, in terms of its monuments, architecture, and cuisine. In addition to the main attractions of the city like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Montmartre and Le Marais neighborhoods, take a free walking tour to get to discover some of the lesser-known parts of the city where the River Seine flows. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Paris , you will be able to find a large selection of unmissable places to visit with your local guide who will show you the hidden charms and the way of life of this amazing city. You can’t leave Paris without having gone to visit the Saint Chapelle Church, the Louvre Museum, the gardens of Champs Elysées, Sacré Coeur Basilica, Pont Neuf (the New Bridge) over the Seine, Luxembourg Gardens, the Parisian Catacombs,  Vendome Square, Les Halles Market, the Pompidou Center, Orsay Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Latin Neighborhood, Tuileries Gardens, the Galleries Lafayette, Garnier Opera, or the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. 

Many travelers leave their reviews and opinions after having done their free walking tour in Paris (in the morning or afternoon) and they evaluate the route and their experience with the local guide. After, there may be other cities you want to visit and do a guided tour with a local guru like Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, or Nice. 

What is included in the Essential Free Tour of Paris?

What will i discover on the free tours through montmartre, paris, what is the atmosphere like on the free tours through paris at night, what will we explore on the free tours through the latin quarter of paris, are there free tours at the eiffel tower in paris, what awaits me on the free tours through monumental paris, what are the free tours of parks and gardens in paris like, what do the free tours of street art and graffiti in paris involve, free walking tour near paris, others cities to visit after paris, find other guruwalks in paris, where are you traveling to.

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!

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!

Medieval Marais

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

Reserve the Marais Tour now!

Pere Lachaise

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

Visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery!

Historic Passages

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

Take a stroll through history!

Haunted Paris

Discover the ghosts and legends of Paris' past!

Take the Haunted Paris Tour!

Most popular tours.

Versailles Palace Tour 85€

Louvre Masterpieces Tour 50€

Montmartre Tour 20€

Haunted Paris Tour 22€

Père Lachaise Cemetery Tour 20€

Latin Quarter Tour 20€

Marais Tour 20€

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More From Forbes

Don’t overlook liv guys in list of interesting masters plot lines.

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AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Phil Mickelson of the United States and his caddie, Jon Yarbrough, ... [+] walks the 13th fairway during a practice round prior to the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

There’s not a lot of highly competitive golf left in Phil Mickelson’s tank. He led the line of players defecting from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf two years ago, and has finished in the top 10 only twice in the 26 events he’s played.

He could be playing on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, as he’s 53. It’s easy to see why oddsmakers list Mickelson somewhere between 125-to-1 and 300-to-1 to win the Masters, placing him in the range of golfers like Jake Knapp, Kevin Na, Eric Cole and Adam Svensson.

But here’s a question to ask the guy sitting on the next bar stool: Where did Mickelson finish in last year’s Masters?

The answer, believe it or not, is second.

Mickelson was never a threat to Jon Rahm but put together a final-round 65 to tie 54-hole leader Brooks Koepka for second. It marked his 16th top-10 at Augusta National, where he built his legend by winning three times (2004, ’06 and ’10).

One of the fascinating features of the Masters is that it is one of the few events where all of the world’s best golfers are welcome, whether they stayed with the PGA Tour or took the guaranteed money being offered by LIV Golf.

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Juiced o j simpson once had a hidden camera prank show and made stabbing jokes on it, dua lipa creates an ‘illusion’ with latest single.

There are 13 LIV members in the 89-man field for the Masters, including the defending champ. Rahm was still on the PGA Tour side of the split when he out-dueled Koepka to win last April but shook hands with Greg Norman and LIV’s deal-makers in December, with reports of his guarantee ranging from $300 million to $550 million.

Eighteen LIV golfers qualified for the 2023 Masters but it is becoming harder for them to qualify with LIV events not registering in the Official World Golf Rankings. You can see why that is a point of great contention among LIV golfers.

The list of those playing this years Masters: Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Dustin Johnson, Koepka, Adrian Meronk, Mickelson, Joaquin Niemann, Rahm, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, Cameron Smith and Bubba Watson.

Garcia, Johnson, Mickelson, Rahm, Reed, Schwartzel and Watson qualified as past champions. DeChambeau, Hatton and Koepka qualified as past champions of other majors of the Players Championship. Hatton and Meronk were ranked within the top 50 in the OWGR, and Niemann was given a special exemption after winning once on the DP World Tour and twice in LIV events since November.

The list of LIV members who did not qualify for the Masters is headed by Talor Gooch, Louis Oosthuizen, Abraham Ancer, Mito Pereira, Harold Varner III, Paul Casey and Dean Burmester, who beat Garcia in a playoff to win last week’s LIV event in Miami.

The other three majors have also elected to include LIV members who qualify. There are currently eight LIV members eligible for the PGA Championship, nine eligible for the US Open and 13 eligible for the Open Championship.

It is a point of pride for LIV that 12 of their members made the Masters cut in 2023, with Koepka and Reed (tied for fourth) joining Mickelson in the top-10. Including Rahm, four of the top six finishers from last year enter this year’s event representing LIV. The only exceptions are Jordan Spieth and Russell Henley, who shared fourth with Reed.

PGA Tour members Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy head to Thursday’s first round with the lowest odds to win the Masters. But LIV members Rahm, Koepka, Niemann and DeChambeau are generally among the 10 players with the lowest odds.

McIlroy has become outspoken about the need for golf’s ruling bodies to bridge the chasm that was created when the the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, known as the Public Investment Fund, changed the financial landscape of the sport in 2022. The PGA Tour responded a year ago, adjusting its structure and elevating its prize money in an attempt to stop the exodus from its ranks.

It doesn’t appear a resolution is in sight. That makes events like the Masters even more interesting than they’ve always been.

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