6 Best Free Tours in Paris

There are cities that beg to be discovered without rushing, without set schedules, without paper tickets. Cities that are best understood by walking, listening and looking around. Paris is one of them. And that's why a free tour is one of the best ways to start getting to know it.

These types of tours don't have a fixed price: you decide how much to give the guide at the end of the tour, based on what you've experienced. It's an intimate, flexible experience based on trust. And in a city like Paris, where every corner has a story to tell, that's worth its weight in gold.

This free tour of Montmartre is a direct immersion into the history, culture and personality of one of the most charismatic neighbourhoods in Paris. It starts at the Blanche metro station, right in front of the legendary Moulin Rouge, and from there you'll venture into lively, charming alleyways, such as those surrounding La Maison Rose and Le Moulin de la Galette.

Montmartre was home to artists such as Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso, and that bohemian and artistic spirit can still be felt on every corner. The route ends at the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, from where the city opens up into an unforgettable landscape. The tour is designed for all audiences, including children and people with reduced mobility, and is guided by native Parisians who know how to bring each story to life.

This free tour of the Île de la Cité is a journey to the oldest part of the city. This is where Paris was born, and it is here that much of its essence is concentrated. On this tour, you will discover places such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, steeped in history and mystery.

To set foot on the Île de la Cité is to step into a past where the Gothic, the judicial and the religious intersect. Ideal for those looking for a more historical, intimate and symbolic tour, away from the tourist crowds.

If you only have time for one tour, this free tour of the essentials of Paris brings together the most representative sights of the city. You will walk past the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars, the Seine, Les Invalides... all explained in detail, with context and an engaging narrative.

This is a well-balanced, comprehensive and highly visual tour that combines history, anecdotes and opportunities to take spectacular photos. A perfect option for those looking for the most iconic version of the French capital.

The free tour of Le Marais takes you through one of the most distinctive and characterful neighbourhoods in Paris. From medieval architecture to Jewish heritage, boutique shops and cafés, Le Marais is a perfect blend of history and modernity.

This tour is ideal if you already know the basics of Paris and are looking for a more local, neighbourhood experience. A stroll through charming alleyways, quiet squares and stories that don't usually appear in guidebooks.

The free tour of the Latin Quarter in Paris is a tribute to the intellectual, bohemian and rebellious life of the city. Figures such as Hemingway, Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir lived and wrote here. The voices of May 1968 were raised here. Culture still beats here.

Walking through this neighbourhood is like immersing yourself in literary, political and university history. It is a perfect route for those who enjoy the avant-garde, the symbolic and the non-conformist. And for those who want to see another Paris: the one that thinks, writes and dreams.

The free tour around the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe starts near the majestic Arc de Triomphe and goes down the elegant Champs-Élysées avenue before heading towards the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. It's an ideal tour for those who want to understand the architecture, national symbolism and contemporary history of the city. An elegant, visual walk full of "wow" moments.

In addition to the tours above, Paris offers many other free routes that take you off the beaten track. These tours are usually organised by independent guides or small companies, and work particularly well in high season or on demand.

Free tour of Paris' covered passages

A different route that takes you through 19th-century covered passages, such as the Galerie Vivienne and the Passage des Panoramas. Here you'll find a mix of old bookshops, hidden cafés and unique shops. Perfect for those who want to discover a hidden Paris, full of history and charm.

Free tour of the Père-Lachaise Cemetery

This tour takes you through one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, where figures such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf are laid to rest. Beyond the morbid fascination, it is a walk full of history, funerary art and surprising anecdotes. Ideal for those looking for a poetic, different and quiet Paris.

Before the tour

• Book in advance: groups are limited.
• Arrive 10 minutes before the meeting point.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.

During the tour

• Listen, ask questions, interact. The guides appreciate it.
• Take photos, but also look with your own eyes.
• Leave a fair tip at the end: value the guide's work.

What if it rains?

Paris is charming even with an umbrella. Most tours go ahead as planned, except in extreme conditions. Always check your confirmation email in case of last-minute changes.

How much do you usually pay the guide?

Although free tours do not have a mandatory cost, most travellers usually leave between €10 and €15 per person, depending on the duration, the quality of the tour and the country where it takes place. In European destinations such as Paris, this average can rise to £15 or even £20 if the experience has been particularly good.

It is important to remember that guides do not receive a fixed salary for these tours: they live exclusively on tips. If you enjoyed the tour, please value the work and contribute to keeping this model alive.

Are they accessible to all audiences?

Yes. Most tours are designed for diverse groups: adults, families, seniors... There are even routes that can be adapted or made accessible in advance upon request. It is only necessary to take into account the duration and type of terrain.

Can I go without a reservation?

Ideally, you should book online in advance to secure your place. Many groups are limited and fill up quickly, especially in high season. Booking is free, quick and avoids disappointment at the last minute.

What happens if it rains?

Tours usually go ahead as planned, except in extreme conditions. Paris loses none of its charm in the rain, and many guides are prepared to do the tour with umbrellas. However, check your confirmation email for any last-minute changes or specific advice.