Paris Starts Here: Stories, Secrets & Iconic Landmarks

The tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes

Available in English

Description

Paris starts here.

Join passionate local guides on a free walking tour through the heart of Paris and discover not only the city's most iconic landmarks, but also the scandals, rivalries, revolutions, and hidden stories that shaped French history.

Perfect for first-time visitors, this Paris walking tour combines famous sights with engaging storytelling, helping you understand not just what you're seeing, but why Paris became one of the world's most beloved cities.

Highlights

• Notre-Dame Cathedral and the incredible story of how Paris' most beloved monument survived revolution, war, and fire

• The Louvre, from medieval fortress to the world's most famous museum

• Spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower from the banks of the Seine

• The French Revolution and the dramatic events that changed France— and the world, forever

• The royal crisis that led to the creation of the Pont Neuf and transformed the future of Paris

• Napoleon Bonaparte's rise from outsider to emperor and the legacy he left behind

• The hidden stories, legends, scandals, and unforgettable characters that bring Paris to life

Starting at Place Saint-Michel and ending near the Louvre, this tour is the perfect introduction to Paris, its history, and its most iconic landmarks.

And of course, we're always happy to share our favorite recommendations for restaurants, neighborhoods, museums, and day trips to help you make the most of your time in Paris.

Guide: Essential Tours

PRO

Guiding since 2022

Get the local perspective! From Montmartre to the Latin Quarter, we lead tours of every beautiful and historic Parisian neighborhood, as well as inside the Louvre, Orsay and Versailles. With backgrounds in Art History, Theatre, Modern Languages, and all things Paris, our mission is to share both the city’s rich and fascinating history as well as the lesser known tricks and hot spots so you can get the best out of your stay in Paris.

9 stops

8.9 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:22 Pl. de l'Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris, FranceMeet your guide in front of Hôtel de Ville. Look for the **red umbrella** — easy to spot! Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins so we can start on time and make the most of our journey through Paris. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour begins so we can start on time and make the most of our journey through Paris. Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Hotel de VilleLook for your guide holding a RED umbrella on the "Parvis de l'Hotel de Ville"

Outside visit

Notre Dame Cathedral

Outside visit

Sainte Chapelle

9 stops

8.9 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Outside visit

Hotel de VilleLook for your guide holding a RED umbrella on the "Parvis de l'Hotel de Ville"

Outside visit

Notre Dame Cathedral

Outside visit

Sainte Chapelle

4.85

231 reviews

Professionalism

4.90

Entertainment

4.84

Communication

4.84

Quality

4.88

Route

4.74

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Accepts bookings of up to 10 people.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.