10 Amazingly insane free walking tours in Paris

Shimmering with glamor, glory, and grandiose, Paris is one of the priceless destinations in the world. The sheer beauty of the place is simply unexplainable in words and the artistic landscape of Paris is something that should be explored by everyone to get the magical essence of the intimate city. And the best way to get that is by going on a walk across the famous attractions in the city. Worried about how much it is going to cost you? Don’t be. Presenting you with 10 amazingly insane free walking tours in Paris that will cost you nothing!

Also, we have got a surprise for you at the end.

1. Montmartre Tour

Set at a height of 130 m above the ground level, Montmartre is a beautiful hill in Paris that is known for its bohemian vibe and authentic charm. As you walk through the picturesque streets of Montmartre, you will get a sense of why famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir got inspired by this colorful hill. For unparalleled views, ride on a funicular to the top of the hill. If you are the adventurous kind, skip the funicular and climb the 222 steps that run through the Louise Michel public garden. Montmartre Tour is one of the top free walking tours in Paris.

Highlights: Incredible photo options, artistic setting, vineyard, bohemian lifestyle, contagious night-life
Attractions to see: Moulin Rouge, Le Chat Noir, Sacré-Cœur Cathedral, Musée de Montmartre, Clos Montmartre, Place du Tertre, Pétanque

2. Latin Quarter Left Bank Tour

Closely following Montmartre, Latin Quarter tour is one of the most sought after free walking tours in Paris by the tourists. Situated on the left bank of River Seine, the neighborhood of Latin Quarter is ever buzzing with locals, students, and tourists. Out of which college students occupy a major part of the population. Thanks to the huge number of university establishments around Latin Quarter, you get a flashback of your college days as you explore Latin Quarter. Equally competing with the number of universities are the innumerable cafes where you can stop at for a quick refreshment.

Highlights: Winding streets, Universities, Cafes, Eiffel Tower view
Attractions to see: Sorbonne University, Pantheon, Luxembourg Garden, Musée National du Moyen-Âge, Arènes de Lutèce, Medieval Garden of the Cluny Museum

3. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Tour

Spread across an area of 25 hectares, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is one of the biggest and popular public parks in Paris. If you are looking for a family walking tour in Paris where you can enjoy with your kids, then consider Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. It has got the whole package. From caves to waterfalls to the de la Sybille temple to suspended bridge to the artificial lake to exotic trees and birds, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont has it all. Pack a picnic, sip a bottle of wine, and lose yourselves to the stunning sunset views from the top. For the kids, there is also a puppet show to be entertained at.

Highlights: Stunning views, lush greenery, gorgeous landscape, puppet show, artificial lake, waterfalls
Attractions to see: Guignol in Paris, Théâtre Guignol Anatole – Marionettes des Buttes Chaumont, De la Sybille temple

4. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris Tour

The medieval Catholic Cathedral of Notre-Dame is one of the finest combinations of artistry and spirituality. There is a certain kind of magical aura that oozes out of the cathedral that makes it distinctly special. Go on a free walking tour uncovering the secrets of this historical monument, gaze at the stained glass windows that reflect the mystery, be awestruck by the impeccable detailing, feel the statues come alive, and climb the towers to soak in the panoramic views from the top. Visited by tourists from all around the world, Cathédrale Notre-Dame will leave you speechless and you can’t ask for a better free walking tour in Paris.

Highlights: Architecture, Spiritual aura, Intricate detailing, Statues, Stained glass paintings
Attractions to see: Point Zéro des Routes de France, Square Jean XXIII, Pont au Double, Charlemagne et ses Leudes

5. Le Marais Tour

An amalgamation of the past and the present, the neighborhood of Le Marais is the closest you can get to experiencing the medieval Paris. As you set out on a free walking tour of Le Marais, you will soon realize that the locale is a separate world in itself with an eccentric mix of fashion, history, and culture. Go thrift shopping in one of the many fashion stores crowding the area, explore the old mansions to understand how it was to live back during the 17th century, strike up a conversation with a random Parisian, and dance around with the hip crowds within the bars. Le Marais is also the hub for the LGBT community.

Highlights: Fashion, historical old mansions, the cultural vibe, hip crowd
Attractions to see: Place des Vosges, Hotel de Sully, Musée National Picasso, Musée Carnavalet, Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis

How to spend a layover in Paris?

6. Saint-Germain and River Seine Tour

Surrounded by iconic landmarks and picturesque spots on all the sides, a free walking tour of Saint-Germain and River Seine will take you through some of the scenic spots in Paris. At the centerpiece of this walking tour is the quaint Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Start with touring the insides of this oldest Romanesque church, glance through the interesting murals, and close your eyes to feel the whispering of the old souls. When you have had enough of the Abbey, go on a stroll across the mesmerizing River Seine which looks totally surreal in the evening with plenty of photo options. To keep your appetite at bay, step into one of the cafes lining the river.

Highlights: Scenic views, interesting interiors, laid-back cafes & restaurants, Culture, History
Attractions to see: Monnaie de Paris, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, Place Dauphine, Square du Vert-Galant

7. Jardin des Tuileries Tour

Wedged in between two iconic places: Louvre and Champs-Élysées, Jardin des Tuileries is a popular park amongst the locals and the tourists visiting Paris. While you will be overwhelmed by the historic significance and the beauty of the park, make sure to come out of it and go on a stroll across the perfectly symmetrical alleyways. Admire the beauty of the garden, get cozy with your favorite book, indulge in people watching, and relax in the tranquil setting of the garden. Home to two museums, the splendid garden of Jardin des Tuileries defines the Parisian style of intricate landscaping.

Highlights: Perfect relaxation spot, Greenery, Picnic destination, Tranquility
Attractions to see: Musée de l’Orangerie, Jeu de Paume, Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, Site du Palais des Tuileries, Musée Des Arts Décoratifs

8. Musée National d’Art Moderne Tour

Are you a lover of art who is looking for a free walking tour that will give you a peek into Paris’ connection with art? Then, head to the Musée National d’Art Moderne. Finding a place in the list of most visited art museums in the world, Musée National d’Art Moderne is one of the largest art museums carrying modern and contemporary artwork. Take a walk inside the museum expressing admiration for the incredible work of art that is on showcase. Musée National d’Art Moderne comprises of over 100,000 pieces of art perfected by over 6,400 artists which include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jean Metzinger, Albert Gleizes, and Alberto Giacometti. The aesthetics of Musée National d’Art Moderne will definitely blow you.

Highlights: Modern & contemporary artworks, paintings, sculptures, bookstore
Attractions to see: Palais de Tokyo, Flamme de la Liberté, Musée Galliera

9. Jardin des Plantes Tour

Escape from the noise and the commotion of the city and settle down at the medicinal herb garden of Jardin des Plantes. The idyllic garden is lovely during the time of autumn and is a favorite spot for those who wish to break away from the concrete spell of Paris and unwind in the soothing grounds of Jardin des Plantes. But, Jardin des Plantes offers you more than just relaxing. As you go on a walking tour across Jardin des Plantes, you will realize that the site is also home to four galleries and a zoo. Go jogging along the long promenade, say ‘hello’ to the North-Chinese Leopards in the zoo, and strike up a romance with your loved one at the rose garden.

Highlights: Tranquility, Picnic spot, Gallery, Zoo, Gardens
Attractions to see: La Ménagerie, Jardin de l’école de Botanique, Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée, Enclos des Wallabies, Grande Galerie de l’Évolution

10. La Madeleine Tour

Built in honor of Napolean’s army, the magnificent La Madeleine is now an interesting church which looks totally unique in its own sense. While just the looks of the church are enough to keep one tied, the flawless classical music concerts that take place within the church will make you return for more. When you have covered La Madeleine to the fullest, go on a walking tour of the neighborhood as well. There are a dozen chic boutiques, and luxury hotels to spend time at. Designed in a classic Greek temple architecture, La Madeleine looks striking with the facade standing out as the center of attraction.

Highlights: Music, Boutiques, Greek architecture
Attractions to see: Hôtel de Pourtalès, L’Olympia Bruno Coquatrix, Musée du Parfum Fragonard Paris

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Intrigued by the list of free walking tours in Paris? Here’s our surprise Paris Itinerary for you to enjoy.