10 Best Walking Tours in Paris

So often people come to Paris and find themselves overwhelmed at how much the French capital coffers. With so much to see and do, it’s common to ask what is the best way to tour Paris.

Well, there are plenty of ways to do so. However, if you want to maximize your time, the best way to explore is by taking a guided walking tour.

Paris is by all means a walkable city. You can walk from north to south in about 4 hours. But with such dense streets, it’s near impossible to explore all the city offers in a single day.

That’s why we recommend going on a guided walking tour so that you can appreciate the art, architecture, culture, and history of Paris in a short time. With this in mind, here’s our list of top Paris Walking Tours, from the hills of Montmartre to the Eiffel Tower, and everything in between.

Best Walking Tours in Paris

1. Montmartre Neighborhood Tours

One of the most well-known neighborhoods of Paris is the bohemian Montmartre. When you explore Paris, you can’t pass through without wandering through this historic district. As far as walks in Paris go, this one is a can’t-miss.

Starting at the metro Blanche met by local tour guides, you’ll pass the iconic Moulin Rouge cabaret. You’ll then weave through the cobblestone streets up through Montmartre Village. Here, you’ll be captivated by the charming cafes on the picturesque Rue Lepic. After this, you’ll learn about the history of artist Pablo Picasso outside of his namesake museum.

Passing through the French artist-filled Place du Tertre, you’ll find yourself at the top of the Montmartre hill, looking at one of Paris’s top attractions, the Sacré Coeur. If you have time after the walking tour to climb the basilica, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.

See Related: Best Cabarets in Paris, France

2. The Louvre

This one is a bit different than the other walking tours in the sense that it takes place entirely inside. Here, you’ll get the chance to walk through the infamous Louvre Museum all with the company of an expert guide. You’ll start your tour meeting at the Carousel, where you’ll skip the line and head inside. 

Once in, you’ll be guided through the inner works of the Louvre. Keep in mind, the museum is massive so while you might not get the chance to see everything on this tour, you’ll be taken to the can’t-miss masterpieces. All the while, your guide will be telling detailed stories about the history and context of each piece of art.

Spend the morning wandering the halls, marveling at the infamous Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Though this Louvre Tour only lasts three hours, once your guide leaves have a private tour of your own and stay at the museum as long as you’d like.

See Related: Louvre Museum: Things to See & Do

3. Classic Paris Walking Tour

This classic Paris walking tour offers you the chance to explore the iconic sights of the French capital. You’ll explore the main attractions of the right bank, including The Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs-Elysees.

Crossing to the other side of the River Seine, you’ll learn history about the Palais de Justice, Musée d’Orsay, and the École Militaire. The highlight of the tour? Getting to visit the Eiffel Tower, of course! For those wanting to enjoy Paris and the best landmarks, and learn about the history of this special city, then this classic tour is the one for you.

See Related: Orsay Museum: What to See & Do

4. Père Lachaise Walking Tour

One of the most popular spots to visit, Père Lachaise is a secret-filled cemetery in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. It’s the resting place of some of the most famous figures in world history including French favorite Édith Piaf, as well as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. However, it’s more than just a graveyard. It’s full of stories from some of the most cultural figures of the world, just waiting to be explored.

On this Père Lachaise walking tour, you’ll learn in detail about the lives of the individuals buried here and the history that haunts them. This two-hour tour takes place across the cemetery’s 44 hectares, offering plenty of insight into both the past and present. Follow local tour guides as they talk you through the anecdotes of the beyond, as well as an appreciation for the funerary art surrounding you.

See Related: Best Parks in Paris to Visit

5. Paris: Iconic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour

For many, Paris is one of the most iconic cities in the world. This walking tour takes you through some of its most renowned neighborhoods and allows you to explore the city like a true local.

Some of the neighborhoods you’ll get to discover are:

• Le Marais
• Montmartre
• The Latin Quarter
• Saint Germain des Près

Each of these popular areas has its unique character, and exploring them with a knowledgeable guide will give you insight into how the locals live.

See Related: Best Bus Tours in Paris, France

6. Street Art Walking Tour

Come and explore outdoor creative expression in one of Paris’s most artistic neighborhoods. Belleville is home to the coolest and most interesting murals, as well as frescoes symbolic of the city. On this walking tour, you’ll see a new side of Paris far from the typical tourist spots. 

This 90-minute walking tour will take you through the former working-class area of Belleville, which has since been transformed into an artistic hub. This creative quarter can be explored endlessly in itself, so hopping on a walking tour is the best way to discover some of the highlights.

You’ll walk through the streets of the 19th and 20th arrondissements, exploring some of the best-hidden art hubs in the city. The tour includes a walk down the iconic rue Denoyez, an alleyway full of some of the coolest street artworks. 

See Related: Top 10 Art Museums in Paris

7. Notre Dame Walking Tour

One of the top Paris walks is past the Notre Dame Cathedral. This walking tour takes you past the impressive building, now in reconstruction after the 2019 fire. Here, you’ll have the chance to appreciate the intricate exterior architecture while learning about the history dating centuries back.

Your guide will walk you around the outskirts of the grounds, stopping to admire the details of the building that’s still standing, all while hearing about local stories and experiences of when the tragic fire hit. The guide will end with the chance to enter the crypts and learn about the secrets hidden beneath the surface. Here, you’ll head down for a self-guided tour of the underground Ile de la Cité.

See Related: Cathedrale Notre Dame

8. Top Paris Sites Walking tour

As the name suggests, this walking tour is a great option for those who want to get the most out of their visit to Paris. It includes stops at some of the city’s main attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Moulin Rouge, and so much more. With over 30 attractions visited in total, you’ll have a real feel for the city in just a short trip.

You’ll be able to learn about the history behind each site and gain insight into the history that has made them so iconic. In just a half day, you’ll cover a lot of ground, from neighborhoods like Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Latin Quarter. You’ll be able to get a sense of the various areas of Paris in just one afternoon- or morning!

This tour combines both taking the metro and walking in Paris, so we recommend buying transport tickets beforehand.

See Related: Avenue des Champs Elysées

9. Food and Wine Walking Tour

Food lovers, rejoice! This walking tour combines Paris’s culinary delicacies all the while staying active. Here, you’ll take a walk around some of the most famous food spots in the Marais district of Paris. With roughly 10 tasting stops, the Food and Wine Walking Tour is the best bang for your buck (and belly).

Browse through local markets and stop in artisan boulangeries as you sample your way through the streets. Indulge in some of the country’s top delicacies such as cured hams, cheese, baguette, and more. The tasty tour will also include a brief wine tasting, letting you discover the world of French wine in a leisurely fashion.

See Related: Best Champagne Tours from Paris

10. Ghosts, Mysteries, and Legends Night Walking Tour

This Night Walking Tour takes off once all goes dark in the City of Lights. This eerie adventure takes you through some of the most haunted spots in Paris. You’ll start at Hotel de Ville, entwining your way through the spookiest streets of the city.

Hear tales of Paris’s most mysterious legends, murders, and other mysteries that have lived on through the history of the city for generations. Stop at old churches as you learn about the stories of the past. One of the tour’s highlights is the haunting history of the Palais de Justice- but you’ll have to hear it for yourself.

See Related: Best Catholic Churches in Paris, France

Bonus: Best Free Walking Tours in Paris 

If you’re asking yourself, are there free walking tours in Paris, France? You’re in luck! Here we have compiled a bonus list of the best free walking tours. One company that offers some of the best free tours in Paris is called Discover Walks.

They’ll take you to some areas that the other tours don’t always go to. Discover Walks offers private tours, as well as self guided walking tours in Paris.

If you’re looking for Paris walking tours in English, we recommend trying one with them. Places are limited since they are free, so make sure to make a reservation in advance. Another piece of advice is that although these are without costs, it’s still important to leave a tip for your guide. Tips are not mandatory but extremely recommended if you’ve enjoyed your journey.

Here’s a quick list of some of the main free tours they offer:

See Related: Arc de Triomphe: Exploring the Iconic Paris Arch

Free Walking Tour – Le Marais

This free tour takes you through the trendy Le Marais district of Paris, where you can explore the history of the Jewish Quarter and window shop the quaint boutiques.

See Related: Best Skip-the-Line Tours in Paris

Paris Landmarks Free Walking Tour

As the name suggests, in this free tour you’ll get to explore some of the most famous landmarks the city has to offer, including the Opéra, Louvre, Place Vendome, and more.

See Reelated: Best Free Walking Tours in Paris, France

Paris Hidden Gems and Secrets Free Walking Tour 

This free walking tour takes you through some of the hidden gems of Paris and the secrets the city holds.

Related Resources

• Best Tours in Paris by Bus
• Best Bike Tours in Paris, France
• Best Boat Tours in Paris, France

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