The Ultimate Paris Free Tour: Stories Behind the City's Greatest Icons

From the medieval streets surrounding Notre Dame to the grand courtyards of the Louvre, you'll discover not only the landmarks themselves, but the fascinating stories hidden behind them. Learn how kings, revolutionaries, emperors, artists, and ordinary Parisians shaped the city we know today.

Highlights include:

• Notre Dame and its remarkable story of survival

• The Louvre and the history behind the world's most famous museum

• Spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower from the Seine

• The French Revolution and the events that changed the world

• Louis XIV, the Sun King

• Napoleon Bonaparte and his lasting legacy

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

Starting at Place Saint-Michel and ending near the Louvre, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors who want more than just photos. Through engaging storytelling, humor, and local insight, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of Paris—not just its history, but the spirit that made it one of the world's most iconic cities.

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.

The tour lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes

Available in English

Guide: Essential Tours

PRO

Guiding since 2022

Get the local perspective! We are a small team of young, professional, licensed guides with years of experience and a passion for storytelling, history, food and culture. 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

9.1 km walking

2 hours and 15 minutes

Meeting point:Saint-Michel, 75006 Paris, FranceMeet your guide in front of the Fountain Saint-Michel at Place Saint-Michel. Look for the **red umbrella** — easy to spot in the square! 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

Place Saint-Michel

Outside visit

Notre Dame Cathedral

Outside visit

Sainte Chapelle

9 stops

9.1 km walking

2 hours and 15 minutes

Outside visit

Place Saint-Michel

Outside visit

Notre Dame Cathedral

Outside visit

Sainte Chapelle

4.81

223 reviews

Professionalism

4.87

Entertainment

4.81

Communication

4.81

Quality

4.85

Route

4.69

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.