Best free walking tours in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is full of hidden treasures and fascinating stories at every corner. Whether you are a curious tourist or a resident eager to rediscover your city, free walking tours offer a unique way to explore the French capital. In this article, we will reveal the best options for free walking tours, allowing you to dive into the history, culture, and architecture of Paris without spending a dime.
Updated on
Eric RENAUD

1. Free guided tours of Saint-Eustache Church: a treasure to discover

Discovering Saint-Eustache Church, located in the Les Halles district, is an unmissable experience for families visiting Paris. This historic monument, with its spectacular Gothic architecture, offers free guided tours that allow you to explore its rich past.

Why visit Saint-Eustache Church?

The guided tours are family-friendly and include exciting anecdotes about the church's history. Children will be fascinated by stories of the French Revolution and classical music, as Saint-Eustache has hosted famous concerts.

Practical information

  • Tour times: Check the church's website for specific times.
  • Duration: About 1 hour, perfect for a family outing.
  • No reservation needed, but it is advisable to arrive a little early to secure a good spot.

Don't miss this opportunity to spark your children's curiosity while discovering a hidden treasure of Paris!

Discover Montmartre in 40 minutes with Turtle - Sacré Cœur!

Discover the charm of Montmartre in 40 minutes with Turtle! Explore the Sacré-Cœur and its secrets. Book your adventure now!
TICKETS CITY TOUR SACRED HEART

2. Free Parisian Museums: A Sunday Each Month Not to Be Missed

Visiting Paris with family is an enriching adventure, and the first Sunday of each month, this experience transforms into a true cultural opportunity. Indeed, many Parisian museums offer free entry, allowing families to discover art and history without spending a dime.

Which museums are involved?

Each month, iconic institutions such as the Musée d'Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, and the Musée de l'Orangerie open their doors free of charge. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to culture.

For a complete list of museums participating in this initiative, check our dedicated page on free museums and monuments in Paris.

Practical Tips Come To Paris

  • Arrive early to avoid queues.
  • Prepare your children by talking to them about the artworks they will see.
  • Plan a picnic to enjoy a friendly moment in a park after the visit.

3. Free Thematic Walking Tours: Explore Paris at Your Own Pace

Paris, a city of history and culture, offers numerous free thematic walking tours that allow families to discover its treasures at their own pace. Whether through the picturesque streets of the Marais or along the banks of the Seine, each walk reveals a unique facet of the capital.

Why Choose a Walking Tour?

These tours are ideal for children, as they combine learning and fun. By following a walk in Paris, little ones can explore while having fun. For example, you can discover the iconic monuments and the hidden secrets of the city. Apps and brochures are often available to guide your adventure.

Suggestions for Walks in Paris

For ideas on routes, check out our selection of the 10 best walks in the capital. These varied itineraries will help you plan wonderful family days, filled with discovery and wonder at every corner.

Discover our outdoor activities in Paris!

4. Sustainable Walks in Paris: Discovering the Capital Differently

Paris is reinventing itself with the launch of the Sustainable Walks in Paris app, which offers 27 unique routes to explore the city from the perspective of sustainable development. These routes, available from May 2025, take you to discover neighborhoods in full transformation, natural spaces, and numerous local initiatives in favor of biodiversity.

A New Way to Visit Paris

Whether you choose to stroll on foot or pedal through the streets of the capital, these walks raise your awareness of ecology while providing a unique experience. Indeed, this innovative approach allows for a combination of tourism and respect for the environment, all while discovering Paris in a different way.

For those seeking even more original adventures, feel free to explore unusual walks in Paris that will immerse you in the city's lesser-known corners. These enriching discoveries are perfect for families looking to combine learning and entertainment during their stay in the capital.

A sightseeing boat from the fleet of Bateaux Parisiens
A sightseeing boat from the fleet of Bateaux Parisiens

5. Cinema Tour: Following the Footsteps of Famous Films in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, has been the backdrop for many iconic films. Why not take a cinematic journey with your children and discover these legendary places?

A Journey Through Cinema

The Cinema Tour takes you to locations such as the famous Place des Vosges, where scenes from The Intouchables were filmed, or the Café des Deux Moulins, made famous by Amélie. This tour is perfect for sparking the interest of younger audiences in the seventh art.

Outdoor Cinema in Summer

And for those who wish to extend the experience, don't miss the outdoor cinema screenings in Paris. Every summer, films are screened in parks, offering a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. To discover the best screenings not to miss in 2025, check out our article on outdoor cinema Paris.

Open-air cinema

6. Self-guided walking tours: the best free podcasts

Exploring Paris at your own pace while listening to fascinating stories is now possible thanks to numerous free podcasts. These audio guided tours allow you to discover the city while having fun, ideal for families with children.

Why choose a podcast to visit Paris?

Podcasts offer unmatched flexibility. You can choose your route, stop wherever you like, and listen to anecdotes about iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Sacré-Cœur. It's a great way to engage children who will enjoy the captivating tales.

Podcast suggestions to discover:

  • Stroll through Paris: Dive into the history of different neighborhoods with stories suitable for younger audiences.
  • Paris through stories: Perfect for families, this podcast offers tales and legends that will spark children's imagination.

Quick tip: Download your podcasts before your visit to enjoy an experience without internet connection.

7. Original Guided Walks: Art, History, and Nature in Paris

Discovering Paris through original guided walks is an enriching adventure for the whole family. These strolls immerse you in the art, history, and nature of the capital while captivating the attention of children.

Which walks to choose?

  1. Artistic walk in the Marais: Explore art galleries and historic alleys while learning fascinating anecdotes.
  2. Stroll to discover Parisian gardens: Interactive visits in spaces like the Jardin des Plantes, where children can learn about plants and animals.
  3. Historical visit of Montmartre: An excursion that combines history and fun, with stops at Sacré-Cœur and stories about famous artists.

Why choose these walks?

These activities are designed to awaken children's curiosity while being fun and educational. Moreover, the guides are often very engaging, making each visit memorable.

Don't forget to book in advance and check availability to fully enjoy these unique experiences in Paris!

Street Art in Paris
Street Art in Paris

8. The Banks of the Seine and Parks: Free Walking Paths

Strolling along the Banks of the Seine is a wonderful family activity in Paris. These walks, lined with greenery, offer stunning views of the Seine and the city's iconic monuments. Children can expend energy on the playgrounds, while parents relax on the shaded benches.

Activities Not to Miss

In addition to the walk, parks like the Jardin des Plantes or the Parc de Bercy offer ideal spaces for picnicking and playing. You can also explore the most beautiful places to swim in Île-de-France, a great way to cool off during hot summer days. To discover these spots, check out our article on the best swimming spots in Île-de-France.

Practical Tips Come To Paris

Remember to bring water and snacks to fully enjoy your day. The Banks of the Seine, accessible to all, are the perfect place for a family outing that combines relaxation and discovery.

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