The Essential Paris Walking Tour: Must-See Sights for First-Time Visitors

Narrowing down where to go when visiting Paris, with its many attractions and neighborhoods, can be overwhelming, especially if you’re just passing through for an afternoon and have little time, or it’s your first time here. Fortunately we’ve enlisted the help of one of the City’s professional, local tour guides, to curate this free, essential self guided tour of central Paris. A stroll along the river Seine is the best way to soak up the history of the City and its ambiance. Whether you’re only here for a few hours, or are looking for a free walking tour of Paris that captures the spirit of the City of Light and takes your breath away, you won’t be disappointed.~HIP Paris Editors

From Notre DaME To the Eiffel Tower: Paris Walking Tour – Free Itinerary

Notre Dame

Our adventure begins at Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité. This island is the heart of historic Paris. This beautiful city was born here, around 200 BCE when a Galic tribe, the Parisii (Par-ee-SEE), settled in the area. The Romans crashed the party about 150 years later, but “Paris” retained its name from these original settlers.

Marché aux Fleurs

The next destination is the enchanting Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market). Established by Napoleon to enhance the Parisian charm, this vibrant market is bursting with colors and fragrances. Check out the lush Orchid House. When you’re ready to cool down, head to the ornate Wallace Fountain. Its refreshing water is a little gift from Paris on a hot day.

Pro Tip: Paris boasts about 1200 drinking fountains, and the water is safe! Bring a refillable bottle to avoid buying overpriced water.

Cité, Palais de Justice, Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie

After soaking in the floral beauty, make your way to the Cité Metro station. This gem feels like stepping into turn-of-the-century Paris with its intricate Art Nouveau ironwork by Hector Guimard. Nearby, the imposing Palais de Justice stands tall, a former royal residence now serving as France’s highest court. To its left is the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, one of the oldest churches in Paris, dating from the Middle Ages. To the right, the historic Conciergerie awaits with tales of revolution-era prisoners like Marie Antoinette.

Pro Tip: Visiting Sainte-Chapelle on a sunny day is one of the best ways to appreciate its beautiful architecture. The stained glass will make you feel like you’re walking through a kaleidoscope.

Pont Neuf, Institut de France, Académie française

Ascend the stairs and continue your stroll across Pont Neuf—ironically named “New Bridge” since it’s the oldest in Paris. From here, make your way to the Left Bank, where the Institut de France awaits. This architectural beauty is home to the prestigious Académie française, the esteemed guardians of the French language.

Some Interesting Facts: The Académie française has a well-documented history of trying to protect French from the influence of English. They often create French alternatives for popular English terms, such as their proposed “le toile d’araignée mondial” (the world spiderweb) as an alternative to “le World Wide Web.” This suggestion never gained widespread popularity, though. French speakers overwhelmingly adopted the English term “le Web” instead.

Musée du Louvre

Continue your journey into the Louvre Museum through the entrance directly across from the bridge. Back in the seventeenth century, King Louis XIII decided to spruce things up with the construction of the Cour Carrée, or square courtyard. From the central fountain, you’ll get a sneak peek of the iconic glass pyramid through a small doorway. Walk through, and voilà, you’re stepping into the most famous part of the Louvre!

Tuileries Gardens

Pass the pint-sized Arc de Triomphe and step into the sprawling Tuileries Gardens. This former industrial site was transformed into a horticultural haven by Catherine de Medici. Soak in the view of the Louvre, take some photos, and let your imagination wander through the lives of French royalty who once strolled these very paths.

Pont Alexandre III and Hôtel des Invalides

After admiring the Petit Palais, head to Pont Alexandre III, Paris’s most elaborately decorated bridge. It’s a wedding photographer’s outdoor studio with ornate sculptures and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. Cross the bridge to the Left Bank of the Seine river again so you’re standing in front of Hôtel des Invalides, a grand building housing a military museum and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. From here, the Iron Lady of Paris awaits!

The Eiffel Tower

This stretch along the Seine is the longest on the tour, so lace up your comfy shoes! But trust me, the reward is worth it to see one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations from this vantage point. The Eiffel Tower will soon rise before you, an iconic landmark you can’t miss. If you need extra content for your IG, head to 228 Rue de l’Université, best places for photos, with the Eiffel Tower as the perfect backdrop. Snap some selfies, wander around the base of the Iron Lady, and imagine yourself at her inauguration in 1889.