Self-guided audio tour in Paris

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Paris. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:

• Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: Gain priority access to the world's most visited museum housing the Mona Lisa and thousands of masterpieces. Perfect for art lovers!
• Seine River Cruise: See Paris from a different perspective on a relaxing boat ride along the Seine. The best tours in Paris often combine land and water experiences, making this a perfect complement to your walking exploration.
• Eiffel Tower Summit Access: Ascend to the top of Paris's iconic symbol for breathtaking panoramic views. Book in advance as this is one of the must-see places in Paris that often sells out.
• Montmartre Food Tour: Explore the bohemian neighborhood while sampling local delicacies and learning about the area's artistic heritage. A delicious way to discover hidden gems in Paris.
• Versailles Palace and Gardens: Take a day trip to the magnificent royal residence just outside the city. The opulent interiors and meticulously designed gardens are worth the short journey from Paris.
• Catacombs Skip-the-Line Tour: Descend into Paris's underground ossuary, home to the remains of more than six million people. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the city's fascinating and macabre history.
• Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie: Marvel at the stunning 13th-century stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle and visit the former royal palace and revolutionary prison where Marie Antoinette was held.
• Musée d'Orsay: Housed in a former railway station, this museum boasts the world's largest collection of impressionist masterpieces. The building itself is an architectural wonder worth exploring without a guide.
• Luxembourg Gardens: Take a break from your self-guided tours in Paris with a stroll through these beautiful formal gardens, complete with orchards, fountains, and the picturesque Medici Fountain.

Best Time to Visit
Paris shines from April to June and September to October when the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are thinner. Spring brings flowering chestnut trees along the boulevards, while autumn bathes the city in golden light perfect for photography during your Paris walking tours. Summer offers longer days and vibrant street life, though August sees many locals on vacation with some small businesses closed.

Getting There
Paris is well-connected by high-speed trains from major European cities and has two international airports (Charles de Gaulle and Orly). Once in the city, the extensive metro system is the fastest way to travel between neighborhoods. Consider purchasing a Paris Visite travel pass for unlimited public transportation. For the best tours in Paris on foot, comfortable walking shoes are essential as many historic areas feature cobblestone streets.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most museums in Paris close on either Monday or Tuesday, so check schedules before planning your self-guided tours in Paris. Shops typically open around 10 AM and close by 7 PM, with department stores staying open later. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner (roughly 3-7 PM). National holidays like Bastille Day (July 14) and May 1st see closures of public buildings, though major tourist sites often remain open.

Comfort on the Go
Paris is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes that can handle cobblestones and occasional hills, especially in Montmartre. Carry a water bottle as public fountains (Wallace fountains) throughout the city provide free drinking water. Weather can change quickly, so a light jacket or umbrella is advisable even in summer. For exploring hidden gems in Paris, a portable phone charger is essential for using map apps and your audio guide all day.

Local Customs and Etiquette
Begin interactions with "Bonjour" (hello) before asking questions, even if you don't speak French—this simple courtesy goes a long way. When dining, keep hands visible on the table, not in your lap. Tipping is not required as service is included in prices, though rounding up the bill for good service is appreciated. Parisians value their privacy, so keep voices moderate in public spaces and on public transportation during your Paris sightseeing tours.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Paris?
You should plan at least 2-3 full days to experience Paris's highlights. Our self-guided tours in Paris can be completed in 3-4 hours if walked continuously, but the beauty lies in setting your own pace. Most visitors prefer spreading the experience across a day, stopping for coffee at a sidewalk café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, browsing boutiques in Le Marais, or enjoying a picnic lunch along the Seine.

What makes Paris different from other cities in France?
Paris stands out with its unparalleled concentration of iconic monuments and world-class museums in a relatively compact area. Unlike Lyon's food focus or Nice's Mediterranean charm, Paris combines grand Haussmannian boulevards with intimate village-like neighborhoods. The city also features 37 bridges spanning the Seine and more bookshops per square mile than any other European capital, reflecting its intellectual heritage.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Paris?
An audio guide gives you the freedom to explore Paris at your own rhythm without being tied to a group schedule. This flexibility is particularly valuable in a city with so many tempting detours—whether it's a charming patisserie or an unexpected street market. You'll also save significantly compared to private guided tours in Paris, while still enjoying professional narration and insider stories about the city's landmarks.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, our Paris walking tours app works completely offline after initial download. This is particularly useful in Paris where some metro tunnels and historic buildings with thick walls can interfere with mobile signals. We recommend downloading the tour before leaving your accommodation's WiFi to ensure smooth operation throughout your exploration.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy our Paris sightseeing tours, though the content is primarily written for adults. Kids from about 12 years old will appreciate the stories about French royalty, revolution, and the construction of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Paris is also home to many child-friendly spots like puppet shows in the Luxembourg Gardens that you can pause to enjoy during your self-guided walk.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Yes, you can enjoy our Paris walking tours with multiple people. Each person can use their own smartphone with headphones for the best experience. We offer family and group discounts on our website, making it an affordable option for exploring must-see places in Paris together while still allowing everyone to move at their preferred pace.

What else is there to do in Paris?
Beyond our audio guides, Paris offers exceptional culinary experiences like cooking classes or food market tours in Bastille. For panoramic views without crowds, try the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette or the Tour Montparnasse instead of the Eiffel Tower. Art enthusiasts should consider smaller museums like Musée Marmottan Monet or Musée Jacquemart-André for a more intimate experience than the major galleries.

Is there a free tour in Paris?
While some companies advertise "free" walking tours in Paris, these typically expect substantial tips at the end, often €15-20 per person. Our self-guided tours offer better value with professional narration, carefully researched content, and the freedom to explore without a guide rushing you through crowded spots. Unlike group tours that follow rigid schedules, our audio guide lets you see Paris in one day at your own pace.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Paris content is crafted by historians and longtime residents who know which café served Hemingway's favorite cocktail and where to find the best view of Notre-Dame that most tourists miss. We combine historical accuracy with the kind of insider knowledge that transforms a simple walk into one of the best tours in Paris.

When is the best time of day to explore Montmartre?
Early morning (before 10 AM) is ideal for exploring Montmartre without crowds, especially around Sacré-Cœur Basilica. The neighborhood transforms throughout the day—morning offers peaceful streets and authentic local life, midday brings artists to Place du Tertre, while evening presents spectacular sunset views over Paris and a lively atmosphere in the best areas to explore in Paris for nightlife.

How can I avoid long lines at major Paris attractions?
To avoid lengthy queues at popular sites, purchase tickets online in advance for timed entry, especially for the Louvre and Eiffel Tower. Visit the Louvre on Wednesday or Friday evenings when it's open late and less crowded. Consider a Paris Museum Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions. For Versailles, go on weekdays and arrive before opening or after 3 PM when tour groups typically depart.

Is it worth visiting Paris during fashion week?
Visiting during Paris Fashion Week (held in January/February and September/October) offers a unique glimpse into the city's fashion identity with pop-up events and celebrity sightings. However, hotel prices increase by 20-30%, restaurants require reservations weeks in advance, and some areas become exceptionally busy. For fashion enthusiasts, it's exciting; for general tourists seeking self-guided tours in Paris, scheduling around these dates may be preferable.

"De audiogids onthulde lagen van Parijs die ik nooit had opgemerkt, ondanks drie eerdere bezoeken. Wandelen door Le Marais op mijn eigen tempo terwijl ik leerde over de joodse erfenis en aristocratische verleden was verhelderend." — Merel, Nederland

"I thought I knew Paris well, but this self-guided tour introduced me to hidden courtyards and architectural details I'd walked past a dozen times without noticing. The stories about the French Revolution brought the city to life in a completely new way!" — Jamey, UK

"Korištenje aplikacije za pješačke ture po Parizu omogućilo nam je da uzmemo dugi ručak u lokalnom bistrou koji smo otkrili, a zatim nastavimo istraživati bez osjećaja žurbe. Offline karte su savršeno funkcionirale, čak i u uskim ulicama Latinske četvrti gdje moj podatkovni signal obično padne." — Ava, Kroatië