6 Best Free Tours in Paris

There are cities that beg to be discovered without haste, without timetables, 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 get to know it.

This type of tour does not have a fixed price: you decide how much you want to pay the guide at the end of the tour, depending on what you have experienced. It is a close, flexible and trust-based experience. And in a city like Paris, where every corner has a story, that's worth gold.

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

Montmartre was home to artists such as Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso, and that bohemian and artistic spirit is still present in every corner. The route ends at the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, from where the city opens out into an unforgettable landscape. The tour is designed for everyone, 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 Ile de la Cité is a trip to the oldest heart of the city. This is where Paris was born, and this is where much of its essence is concentrated. On this tour you will see places such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, shrouded 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, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.

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'll walk around the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars, the Seine, the Invalides... all explained with proximity, context and an engaging narrative.

It's a balanced, comprehensive and highly visual tour, combining history, anecdotes and spectacular photo opportunities. 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 Paris' most distinctive neighbourhoods. From medieval architecture to Jewish heritage, boutiques and signature cafés, Le Marais is a blend of history and modernity in perfect harmony.

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 of Paris is a tribute to the intellectual, bohemian and rebellious life of the city. Here lived and wrote figures such as Hemingway, Sartre or Simone de Beauvoir. This is where the voices of May '68 were raised. Culture still beats here.

To walk through this neighbourhood is to soak up 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.

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

Free tour around the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower

This tour starts near the majestic Arc de Triomphe and heads along the elegant Avenue des Champs Elysées before heading towards the Champ de Mars and the Eiffel Tower. It is an ideal tour for those who want to understand the architecture, national symbolism and contemporary history of the city. An elegant, visual tour full of "wow" moments.

Free tour of the covered passages of Paris

A different route that takes you through the 19th century covered passageways, such as the Galerie Vivienne or the Passage des Panoramas. They mix old bookshops, hidden cafés and unique shops. Perfect for those who want to discover a hidden Paris with history and charm.

Free tour of Père-Lachaise Cemetery

This tour takes you to one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, where the likes of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf are buried. Beyond the morbid curiosity, it is a walk full of history, funerary art and surprising anecdotes. Ideal for those looking for a poetic, different and silent Paris.

Before the tour

• Book early: groups are limited.
• Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point.
• Bring comfortable shoes and a bottle of water.

During the tour

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

What if it rains?

Paris is charming even with an umbrella. Most tours will still run, barring extreme conditions. Always check your confirmation email for any last minute changes.

How much do I usually pay the guide?

Although free tours are not compulsory, most travellers pay between €10 and €15 per person, depending on the duration, quality of the tour and the country where the tour takes place. In European destinations such as Paris, that average can go up 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 liked it, value the work and contribute to keep this model going.

Are the tours accessible to everyone?

Yes, most of the tours are designed for different groups: adults, families, senior citizens... There are even routes that are adapted or accessible in advance if requested. Just bear in mind the duration and type of terrain.

Can I go without booking?

Ideally, you should book online in advance to make sure you have a place. Many groups are limited and fill up quickly, especially in high season. Booking is free, quick and saves you from being left out at the last minute.

What happens if it rains?

Tours usually go ahead anyway, barring extreme conditions. Paris doesn't lose its charm in the rain, and many guides are prepared to do the tour under an umbrella. Just check the confirmation email for any last-minute changes or specific advice.