Did you notice that there’s a headless saint on the front of Notre Dame Cathedral? Where can you find the city’s only working vineyard? What’s up with the left-bank-right-bank rivalry? Wait, Cyrano de Bergerac was a real guy? These are just some of the things you learn as you explore France’s capital with Discover Walks Paris … and best of all, these tours are free!
Over the past three years, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Paris at least once a year. While there is a certain bliss in wandering the streets and discovering the city’s gems on your own, there are some things it takes an insider to reveal. That’s why I fell in love with Discover Walks Paris. The company runs fee daily walking tours in a variety of Paris’ greatest neighborhoods, including the Marais, the Latin Quarter, St. Germaine, and Montmartre.
While the tours are free, the funny and dedicated tour guides work for tips, so be generous. I’ve taken four tours with this company, and each one was outstanding. It’s the quality of the guides that make these tours so good. Each is a native Parisian who shares their love of this grand city with you. Each speaks impeccable English, has a great sense of humor, and has the gift of a natural storyteller. And each tour ends with a group picture, which the guides post on their Facebook pages for everyone to download, so you get a souvenir too! Unless you’ve got a local friend who’s willing to take you around the city, you really can’t beat these 90-minute to 2-hour tours. It’s not a huge investment of time or money, but it pays off big.
Where to Go?
Reservations are not needed for these free tours; just visit their website to figure out which tour you want to take, and show up at the designated time and meeting point. Your guide will be the one in the bright pink vest! Depending on the tour, the average tip ranges from €11-€13. Beyond the free tours, the company also runs several for-fee tours and will even custom design private tours. Bon séjour à Paris!