15 free things to do and see in Paris
Paris, the City of Light, is brimming with free activities and visits that allow you to discover its treasures without spending a single euro. From emblematic monuments and sumptuous parks to museums with free permanent collections and strolls through historic districts, the capital offers a multitude of enriching experiences accessible to all. Whether you’re a Parisian by adoption, a tourist passing through or a lover of history and culture, discover our selection of 15 free activities and visits to do in Paris to make the most of this exceptional city with no budget constraints.
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Download1. Free museums
Paris has more than 1,200 museums and art galleries, and the permanent collections of many of them are among the capital’s must-see free visits. The Musée Carnavalet (23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris), free all year round, traces the history of Paris through 2,600 years of evolution. The Petit Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris) offers free access to its collections of art from Antiquity to the 20th century in an exceptional architectural setting.
Other municipal museums are also free: the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Maison de Victor Hugo, the Musée de la Vie Romantique and the Musée Cernuschi. In addition to these, national museums open their doors free of charge on the first Sunday of each month (October to March): the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée Picasso. A little-known tip: the Louvre also offers free admission on the first Saturday evening of each month from 6pm to 9.45pm.
2. Notre-Dame de Paris
A symbol of Paris for over eight centuries, Notre-Dame de Paris remains one of the capital’s most moving free visits. Although access to the interior now requires free online booking, admiring this Gothic masterpiece from the outside remains free and striking. From the forecourt, you can admire the western facade, its sculpted portals and rosettes in all their splendour.
Outdoor guided tours are offered free of charge by the CASA association in French, English and other languages according to availability. After the fire in 2019, watching the restoration work is also a unique moment in history. The thrill of coming face to face with this thousand-year-old monument to French history is priceless and an integral part of the free Parisian experience.
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3. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Perched at the top of the Montmartre hill, the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur offers one of the most beautiful free visits in Paris. This Romanesque-Byzantine basilica, inaugurated in 1914, welcomes visitors free of charge every day from 6.30am to 10.30pm, without exception. Its white dome, visible from afar, is an iconic landmark in the Parisian landscape and an integral part of Montmartre’s charm.
The interior features a monumental mosaic depicting Christ with open arms, one of the largest in the world. The side chapels and the atmosphere of meditation that reigns in this holy place offer a free spiritual interlude in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Paris. The view from the forecourt over the whole of Paris is in itself a grandiose spectacle, entirely free of charge, and particularly magical at sunset.
4. Père Lachaise cemetery
Covering 44 hectares, Père Lachaise is the largest cemetery in Paris and one of the capital’s most fascinating free tours. This veritable open-air museum is home to the tombs of celebrities who left their mark on their era: Honoré de Balzac, Simone Signoret, Jim Morrison, Frédéric Chopin, Jean de La Fontaine, Alain Bashung, Molière, Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde and Guillaume Apollinaire.
The cemetery’s beautiful, leafy alleys are a peaceful, free stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The funerary architecture, ranging from simple headstones to monumental mausoleums, tells the social and artistic story of Paris. An interactive map is available free of charge on the official website to help you find your way around the 70,000 plots and discover the most remarkable graves.
5. The quays and banks of the Seine
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the quays of the Seine offer one of the most beautiful free walks in the capital. This several-kilometre stroll along the river reveals Paris from a unique angle, with exceptional views of its iconic monuments: Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Institut de France, the Conciergerie and the many historic bridges.
The bouquinistes who have set up shop along the quays for over a century offer a permanent, free market in old books, postcards and vintage objects. This Parisian tradition is an integral part of the capital’s bohemian charm. In summer, the riverbanks are transformed into free relaxation areas with deckchairs, games and entertainment as part of Paris Plages. The architectural diversity of Paris’s bridges, each with its own personality and history, enriches this free walk.
6. The Luxembourg Gardens
Created by Marie de Médicis in the 17th century, the Luxembourg Gardens (Rue de Médicis and Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google with over 45,000 reviews) are one of the capital’s most beautiful free parks. Covering 23 hectares, this French-style garden harmoniously combines classical architecture and refined landscaping.
Open daily, with opening times varying according to the season (from 7.30am to 8.15am and closing from 4.30pm to 9.30pm), the garden offers a host of free activities: stroll around the large octagonal pool, explore the flowerbeds and orchards, or observe the sculptures scattered around the park. The iconic green chairs allow you to sit back and read or contemplate this haven of urban peace, a veritable green lung for the 6th arrondissement.
7. Beautiful neighbourhoods
Paris is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so you might as well make the most of it for free! You can stroll through the lively Marais district, with its town houses and courtyards, stroll through Montmartre and its cobbled streets, walk up the Champs-Élysées before taking a break at the Trocadéro in front of the Eiffel Tower.
The Belleville belvedere offers a free panoramic view of the whole city, particularly spectacular at sunset. If you’d like to discover some of Paris’s more unusual districts free of charge in the company of a local and volunteer guide, you can also register on the Greeters Paris website, which offers free, authentic walks with enthusiastic locals.
8. Green spaces
Strolling around the most beautiful parks is one of the best free things to do in Paris. Is the sun coming out? Choose your favourite green space: the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont with its romantic landscapes and its Temple of the Sibyl, the Parc Monceau and its architectural follies, the Tuileries gardens between the Louvre and the Concorde, the Parc André-Citroën and its themed gardens, or the Champ-de-Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
The Jardin des Plantes offers a free botanical walk with its historic greenhouses visible from the outside, the Bois de Vincennes offers nature lovers an escape with its lakes and undergrowth, while the Parc de Bagatelle captivates visitors with its exceptional rose garden. The Palais-Royal gardens and Parc Montsouris complete this remarkable range of free green spaces in the heart of the capital.
9. The Arc de Triomphe (outside)
Located at the top of the Champs-Élysées on the Place de l’Étoile, the Arc de Triomphe (Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for over 85,000 reviews) can be admired free of charge from all angles. Although there is a charge for access to the panoramic terrace, contemplating this Napoleonic monument from the square or the Champs-Élysées is still an amazing free experience.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located under the Arch, is accessible free of charge and the flame of remembrance is rekindled every day at 6.30pm. This solemn ritual is a particularly moving and free moment of meditation. The imposing architecture of the monument and the bas-reliefs sculpted by Rude, notably the famous “Departure of the Volunteers” (La Marseillaise), can be viewed entirely from the outside, offering a free open-air history lesson.
10. A film course
Did you know that you can attend a free film course at the Forum des Images? Every Friday evening (except in the summer), a film teacher, historian or critic gives a talk on a film or a particular theme that is open to everyone. These free lectures are a great way to learn more about film in a professional setting.
To take part in these free activities, advance booking is strongly recommended via the Forum des Images website. These free courses are an excellent introduction to the art of cinema, allowing you to discover little-known works or rediscover classics from a new angle, all without spending a penny.
11. Rollerblading tour
Take part in a roller-skating tour to meet new people and discover the capital while doing some sport! This free activity is organised every Friday evening and is open to all non-beginner skaters. For safety reasons, it is advisable to be comfortable on rollerblades and know how to brake to join the procession through Paris.
Departure is at 9.30pm from Place Raoul Dautry in the 14th arrondissement of Paris. This unique collective experience gives you the chance to see Paris from a different angle, by night, in a festive and friendly atmosphere. Experienced volunteers ensure the safety of this free activity, which allows you to discover the capital in a different way.
12. La Ferme de Paris
Are you travelling with your family and wondering what to do in Paris with children for free? Take a trip to the Ferme de Paris in the Bois de Vincennes! This free 5-hectare farm lets you discover the traditional crops and livestock of the Île-de-France region, eco-pasturing, urban agriculture and permaculture.
The little ones can meet geese, ducks, rabbits, pigs, goats and many other farm animals for free. This free educational activity teaches children about nature and agriculture in the heart of the capital. The free guided tours provide an opportunity to learn more about sustainable farming practices and the rural ecosystem of the Ile-de-France region.
13. Paris markets
The Parisian markets are an authentic free activity for discovering the French art of living. The Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, one of the largest antique markets in the world, is free to visit and offers a journey back in time through its alleys steeped in history. The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, offers a unique atmosphere with its colourful stalls.
The Île de la Cité flower market transforms the area around Notre-Dame into a fragrant garden, while the Belleville market reveals the cultural diversity of Paris. These free walks allow you to observe the daily life of Parisians, to smell the fragrance of fresh produce and to soak up the authentic atmosphere of each district without buying anything.
14. A free cookery class
Reawaken the cordon bleu in you by taking part in one of the free cookery classes offered by the Fédération de Cuisine Amateur! This association was set up in 2007 to promote cooking as a leisure activity to as many people as possible, and offers free cookery classes and tastings at Paris markets.
These free workshops provide an opportunity to learn the basics of traditional French cuisine, discover new recipes and meet other food enthusiasts. You can check the next dates on the federation’s website. These free courses are a great way to discover French culinary culture while developing your cooking skills.
Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own
To enhance your discovery of free activities in Paris, the Navaway application offers you a complete audio-guided tour to visit Paris on your own. This 8.9 km route guides you through 19 emblematic places of interest, from the Champs-Élysées to the Trocadéro, via the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The audio commentary enriches your free visit with historical anecdotes and architectural details that you might miss on a free exploration. Let yourself be guided by this immersive experience that transforms your free walk into a real journey through Parisian history.
15. Free nightlife
It’s possible to attend a concert or dance the night away in Paris on a budget! Whether you prefer a friendly, tropical, offbeat or trendy atmosphere, a number of Parisian clubs and concert bars offer free admission: Chez Moune, À la Folie, 4 éléments, La Favela Chic, California Avenue, L’Alimentation Générale (except for special evenings), L’International and Le Wanderlust.
Many bars also offer free concerts in the early evening, open jam sessions or DJ sets with no admission charge. The quays of the Seine come alive in summer with free events, street performances and a festive atmosphere that goes on late into the night. This free nightlife allows you to discover the hidden side of Paris and meet a cosmopolitan community of artists and night owls.
To complete these free discoveries, don’t hesitate to take one of the Navaway tours for an in-depth, structured visit of Paris, in addition to these free activities.
In conclusion, Paris shows that an exceptional city can be discovered without budget constraints thanks to these 15 remarkable free activities and visits. From emblematic monuments to municipal museums, sumptuous parks, historic districts and cultural events, the French capital offers a heritage accessible to all that reveals the richness of its history and culture. These free experiences, far from being second-best alternatives, are often the most authentic and memorable moments of a Parisian discovery. To take your exploration even further, consider downloading the Navaway audio tour, which will help you structure your visits while retaining the freedom to take full advantage of these free treasures that Paris generously makes available to all its visitors.
Are all Paris museums free?
No, not all Paris museums are free, but many offer free access to their permanent collections. The museums of the City of Paris (Carnavalet, Petit Palais, Maison de Victor Hugo, etc.) are completely free all year round. National museums such as the Louvre and Orsay are free for EU citizens under 26 and on the first Sunday of certain months from October to March.
Can you visit Notre-Dame free of charge?
Yes, admission to Notre-Dame is still free, but you now need to make a free online reservation a few hours before your visit on the official website. Visiting the cathedral from the outside is free and no booking is required. Free outdoor tours are also offered by the CASA association in several languages, depending on the availability of volunteers.
Do Paris parks and gardens have opening times?
Yes, Parisian parks and gardens have opening times that vary according to the season. The Luxembourg Gardens open between 7.30am and 8.15am and close between 4.30pm and 9.30pm. The Tuileries are generally open from 7am to 9pm in summer and from 7.30am to 7.30pm in winter. Access to all these sites is free during opening hours, with extended opening times in summer.
How can I take part in the free activities organised in Paris?
Most free activities in Paris require no prior registration. However, for some, such as film classes at the Forum des Images or guided tours, free booking is recommended. Check the official websites of the organisers or applications such as Navaway for details of programmes and procedures. Greeters Paris require online registration for their free walks with locals.
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