40 free things to do and see in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is often perceived as an expensive destination. However, the French capital is brimming with completely free activities and attractions that allow you to discover its exceptional heritage, enchanting green spaces and cultural riches without spending a single euro. Whether you are a Parisian looking for new discoveries or a tourist wishing to visit Paris on a limited budget, this guide reveals 40 unmissable free activities to help you enjoy the capital to the full. From museums with permanent collections accessible free of charge to iconic monuments, bucolic walks and cultural events, Paris is generous to those who know where to look.

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1. The Museum of Modern Art in Paris

Located in the east wing of the Palais de Tokyo (11 avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 6,200 reviews), the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris offers free access to its permanent collections. Here you will discover 20th-century masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, Dufy and Modigliani. Raoul Dufy’s fresco room, ‘La Fée Électricité’ (The Electricity Fairy), is a spectacular sight in itself. The building’s Art Deco architecture is also worth a visit, with its panoramic view of the Seine.

2. The Petit Palais, Museum of Fine Arts

The Petit Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 23,000 reviews) is an architectural gem built for the 1900 World’s Fair. Its permanent collections are free and cover the period from Antiquity to the early 20th century. Don’t miss its interior garden, a true haven of peace in the heart of the capital. The sculptures, paintings and objets d’art transport you through the ages in a sumptuous setting. The café-restaurant with a terrace overlooking the garden is a pleasant way to extend your visit.

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Also read in the Paris guide:

• Visiting Paris in 3 days: complete weekend guide 2025
• The 15 must-see historical monuments in Paris
• The 12 most beautiful walks in Paris to discover
• 20 must-see museums to visit in Paris
• The most beautiful parks and gardens to discover in Paris
• The 10 iconic bridges of Paris to cross on foot
• 10 things to do in the Marais district of Paris

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3. Victor Hugo’s House

Located on Place des Vosges (6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 3,800 reviews), this free house museum immerses you in the world of the writer who lived there from 1832 to 1848. The reconstructed apartment features period furniture, manuscripts, drawings by Hugo himself and personal memorabilia. The visit gives you a better understanding of the life and work of this great author, while allowing you to admire one of the most beautiful squares in Paris from the apartment’s windows.

4. The Carnavalet Museum – History of Paris

The Carnavalet Museum (23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 8,500 reviews) traces the history of Paris from prehistory to the present day in two private mansions in the Marais district. Recently renovated, this free museum presents exceptional collections including paintings, sculptures, furniture and everyday objects. You will discover reconstructions of period Parisian interiors and gain an understanding of how the capital has evolved over the centuries. The interior gardens offer a welcome bucolic break.

5. The Shoah Memorial

This unmissable memorial (17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 75004 Paris, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 4,200 reviews) offers a free and deeply moving visit. The permanent exhibition documents the history of the Shoah with a respectful educational approach. The Wall of Names pays tribute to the 76,000 Jews deported from France. The crypt, a place of contemplation, houses the flame of remembrance. Temporary exhibitions and conferences regularly enrich the programme. An essential place for the duty of remembrance.

6. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre

Perched on the Butte Montmartre (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 145,000 reviews), this Roman-Byzantine basilica offers one of the most beautiful free panoramic views of Paris. Entrance to the religious building is free and allows visitors to admire the magnificent interior mosaics, including Christ in Glory covering the choir. The exterior, with its immaculate white architecture and domes, is a remarkable architectural spectacle. The steps of the forecourt are a popular gathering place to admire the sunset over the capital.

Download the audio-guided tour to discover Paris on foot and at your own pace

To make the most of your discovery of the capital, let yourself be guided by the Navaway Paris audio-guided itinerary. This app offers 18 points of interest with commentary, allowing you to explore the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides at your own pace. Thanks to interactive navigation and historical anecdotes, you’ll discover Paris like a true Parisian, at your own pace and according to your desires.

7. Notre-Dame Cathedral

Although still undergoing restoration following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame (6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris) remains an iconic monument whose exterior can be admired free of charge. The esplanade offers an impressive view of the Gothic façade with its rose windows, gargoyles and towers. The forecourt and surrounding quays allow you to appreciate the masterful architecture of this 12th-century cathedral. The planned reopening of the interior will be a major event for all heritage lovers. In the meantime, take the time to visit Paris and its historic Île de la Cité all around.

8. Père-Lachaise Cemetery

The largest cemetery in Paris (16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 58,000 reviews) is a veritable necropolis-museum covering 44 hectares. A veritable open-air museum, it is home to the graves of famous figures such as Jim Morrison, Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Molière, Chopin and Balzac. The tree-lined paths and funerary sculptures create a unique atmosphere, combining contemplation and artistic discovery. An interactive map available on the official website makes it easy to find famous graves. The Navaway itinerary also offers a tour dedicated to Père-Lachaise with 22 audio guides.

9. The pedestrianised banks of the Seine

The landscaped banks of the Seine offer several kilometres of free walking along the water. On the right bank, between the Pont Marie and the Pont de Sully, and on the left bank, from the Pont Royal to the Pont de l’Alma, you can stroll along the pedestrianised quays with relaxation areas, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities and cultural activities. Barge bars and restaurants dot the route. In summer, Parisians gather here to picnic, play pétanque or simply enjoy the sun in front of the capital’s most beautiful monuments.

10. The Canal Saint-Martin

This iconic canal in the 10th arrondissement is a free walking area that is very popular with Parisians. Its locks, romantic footbridges and shaded quays create a unique bohemian atmosphere. The banks are designed for relaxation and picnics. You can watch the boats passing through the locks, which is always a fascinating sight. The surrounding neighbourhood is full of vintage shops, trendy cafés and street art. A stroll along the canal to the Bassin de la Villette allows you to discover an authentic and popular side of Paris.

11. The Luxembourg Gardens

This historic 25-hectare park (Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 95,000 reviews) is one of the most beautiful free gardens in Paris. Created at the request of Marie de Médicis in the 17th century, it offers magnificent views with its French-style flowerbeds, large octagonal pond and numerous statues. The iconic green chairs allow you to sit wherever you like to read or simply enjoy the sun. Children love to sail small boats in the pond, an activity that will be offered to them. The garden also has an orchard, an educational apiary and greenhouses. To make the most of your discovery of Paris’ green spaces, consult the Navaway guide, which offers several itineraries including the most beautiful gardens.

12. Buttes-Chaumont Park

This romantic park in the 19th arrondissement (1 Rue Botzaris, 75019 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 42,000 reviews) is the most original and picturesque in Paris. Built on former quarries under Napoleon III, it has a unique rugged landscape with 30-metre cliffs, an artificial cave, a waterfall and a lake. The belvedere at the top of Belvedere Island offers a splendid view of Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur. The rolling hills, suspension bridges and lush vegetation create a complete change of scenery in the heart of the capital. Perfect for a picnic or a romantic stroll.

13. The Tuileries Garden

Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde (Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 48,000 reviews), this 25-hectare French garden is a free green haven in the heart of Paris. Designed by André Le Nôtre in the 17th century, it offers magnificent views, ornamental ponds and numerous contemporary and classical sculptures. Metal chairs allow you to relax in the sun. In summer, a traditional funfair is set up here with a Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views. The garden is perfect for a break between visiting the Louvre and strolling along the Champs-Élysées.

14. Parc Monceau

This English-style garden in the 8th arrondissement (35 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google with 18,000 reviews) surprises visitors with its ‘fabriques’ – decorative architectural features – such as a Corinthian colonnade, a pyramid, a Dutch windmill and a Roman naumachia. Created in the 18th century, it was Marcel Proust’s playground as a child. The accessible lawns, century-old trees and chic bourgeois atmosphere make it a privileged place for a bucolic break. The park is particularly beautiful in spring when the magnolias and cherry trees are in bloom.

15. The Jardin des Plantes

The Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 25,000 reviews) is a 24-hectare botanical garden that is completely free to visit. Founded in 1626 as a royal garden for medicinal plants, it now houses remarkable botanical collections organised by theme: rose garden, alpine garden, botanical school, ecological garden. There is an admission charge for the large tropical greenhouses, but the outdoor gardens already offer an incredible diversity of plants. The site also houses the National Museum of Natural History and the Menagerie (admission charge). An ideal place for an educational and exotic stroll.

16. The Champ-de-Mars

This vast 24-hectare park (2 Allée Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 52,000 reviews) stretches between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire, offering the most beautiful free view of the Iron Lady. The vast lawns welcome Parisians and tourists alike for picnics, sports sessions or simply to admire the iconic monument. The garden was laid out in the 18th century as a military training ground, hence its name in reference to the god Mars. It is the ideal place to photograph the Eiffel Tower from all angles and watch it sparkle every hour after dark.

17. Square des Vosges

Place des Vosges (Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 24,000 reviews), inaugurated in 1612, is the oldest royal square in Paris. Its central garden, which is free to access, offers a green setting surrounded by elegant arcades and red brick and stone mansions. The fountains, century-old lime trees and lawns (open to the public at certain times) create a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the Marais. It is the perfect place for a chic picnic or a reading break on the shaded benches. The perfect symmetry of the architecture makes it one of the most photographed places in Paris.

18. The Montmartre district

Strolling through Montmartre is a must-do free activity. This bohemian district perched on a hill has retained its village soul with its cobbled streets, stairways, picturesque squares and vineyards. The Place du Tertre welcomes painters and portrait artists in a unique atmosphere. Don’t miss the Je t’aime wall, the Bateau-Lavoir where Picasso and Modigliani lived, or the Clos Montmartre vineyard. Even though the neighbourhood is very touristy, you only need to stray from the main streets to rediscover the authentic charm that inspired so many artists. The Navaway ‘La Bohème’ itinerary guides you through this legendary neighbourhood with 18 audio guides.

19. The Marais neighbourhood

Strolling through the Marais is a real pleasure that costs nothing. This historic neighbourhood has preserved its 17th-century mansions, secret cobbled courtyards and medieval alleyways. Renaissance architecture rubs shoulders with vintage shops, contemporary art galleries and concept stores. Rue des Rosiers retains the atmosphere of the historic Jewish quarter with its falafel restaurants. Rue des Francs-Bourgeois is lined with majestic façades. The village of Saint-Paul and its antique courtyards are worth a detour. This lively and trendy neighbourhood is best explored on foot, taking the time to observe the architectural details and push open the carriage gates.

20. The Latin Quarter and the Sorbonne

The Latin Quarter (5th and 6th arrondissements) has been the intellectual and student heart of Paris since the Middle Ages. Strolling through its streets for free, you can discover the Sorbonne (exterior), the Panthéon (exterior), the medieval streets around the Saint-Séverin church, the bookstalls on the quays and the hustle and bustle of Rue Mouffetard. The young and dynamic atmosphere, historic bookshops, arthouse cinemas and legendary cafés create a unique atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Luxembourg Gardens for a green break. The Navaway Sorbonne-Panthéon tour explores this fascinating district in detail.

21. The Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

Although there is a charge to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, admiring ‘the most beautiful avenue in the world’ and its monumental arch from the pavements is completely free. The Champs-Élysées offers a magnificent 2-kilometre view between the Concorde and the Étoile. The windows of luxury boutiques, Haussmannian architecture and constant activity make this promenade a must-see. The Arc de Triomphe, in the centre of Place de l’Étoile, impresses with its size and sculptures. The best free view is from the central reservation, accessed via the underground passageway. The Navaway audio guide takes you on a tour of this iconic district with its fascinating history.

22. The Trocadéro and its view of the Eiffel Tower

The Trocadéro esplanade (Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris) offers the most spectacular free view of the Eiffel Tower. The Trocadéro gardens below, with their fountains and water jets, add to the majesty of the place. The Palais de Chaillot, which dominates the esplanade, features impressive monumental architecture. It is the most popular photo spot in Paris, especially at sunrise and sunset. The place comes alive even more when the Eiffel Tower sparkles at night, visible every hour after dark. Street artists and street vendors contribute to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the place.

23. Place de la Concorde

The largest square in Paris (Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 28,000 reviews) is free to visit and well worth a detour. Its 3,300-year-old Luxor Obelisk, a gift from Egypt, stands proudly in the centre. The monumental fountains of the Rivers and Seas, the rostral columns and the eight statues representing the major cities of France form a harmonious ensemble. Steeped in history, it was here that Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were guillotined during the Revolution. The square offers magnificent views of the Champs-Élysées, the National Assembly and the Tuileries Garden. A must-see to understand Haussmannian urban planning.

24. Pont Alexandre III

Considered the most beautiful bridge in Paris (Pont Alexandre III, 75008 Paris, rated 4.7/5 on Google for 13,000 reviews), this engineering feat, inaugurated in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition, can be crossed free of charge. Its golden Art Nouveau street lamps, nymphs and four monumental bronze statues representing the Renommées create a grandiose setting. The bridge offers splendid views of the Seine, the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais and Les Invalides. Its Belle Époque architecture makes it a very photogenic spot, especially at sunset when the gilding sparkles. Crossing the bridge connects the 7th and 8th arrondissements with panache.

25. The Hôtel de Ville and its forecourt

The Renaissance façade of the Hôtel de Ville (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 12,000 reviews) can be admired free of charge from the vast pedestrian forecourt. This neo-Renaissance building, rebuilt after the Commune fire in 1871, impresses with its architectural richness and 136 statues of famous figures. The forecourt regularly hosts free outdoor photo exhibitions and seasonal events (ice rink in winter, urban beach in summer). Free guided tours of the interior are also available by reservation, allowing visitors to discover the richly decorated state rooms. An iconic location in Parisian life.

26. Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann

Even without buying anything, visiting these Parisian department stores is a memorable free experience. Galeries Lafayette (40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google for 85,000 reviews) dazzle with their 1912 Art Nouveau dome, a masterpiece of stained glass and ironwork. Printemps Haussmann (64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris) rivals it with its golden dome. Both offer free panoramic terraces on their roofs with breathtaking views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The interior architecture, themed window displays and luxurious atmosphere alone are worth the visit. During the festive season, the Christmas decorations are spectacular.

27. National museums on the first Sunday of the month

Many national museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, from November to March. Take advantage of this opportunity to visit the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, the Musée Rodin, the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Musée Picasso and the Musée des Arts et Métiers at no cost. Be aware that this free admission attracts large crowds, so be patient or arrive early. Check the official websites as conditions may vary (some museums also offer free admission to EU residents under the age of 26 all year round).

28. The Centre Pompidou and its forecourt

Although there is an admission charge to the museum (except on the first Sunday of the month), the lively forecourt of the Centre Pompidou (Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google with 94,000 reviews) offers a unique atmosphere with street artists, fire-eaters, musicians and portrait artists. The revolutionary architecture of the building designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers is worth a look with its colourful exterior pipes. The adjacent Stravinsky fountain and its animated sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely create a playful space. The Beaubourg district around the museum is full of contemporary art galleries, many of which are free to visit.

29. The booksellers on the banks of the Seine

The booksellers along the banks of the Seine between the Quai de la Tournelle and the Quai du Louvre are a free Parisian institution listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. These 240 sellers of old books, prints, posters and souvenirs in their characteristic green boxes create an open-air cultural market that is unique in the world. Browsing their stalls in search of a rare edition or an old engraving is a free and timeless pleasure. Even if you don’t buy anything, simply strolling along the quays and browsing the books on display is a typically Parisian activity.

30. Montsouris Park

This English-style park in the 14th arrondissement (2 Rue Gazan, 75014 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 13,000 reviews) is one of the most pleasant free green spaces in southern Paris. Created under Napoleon III, it covers 15 hectares with an artificial lake, a waterfall, rolling lawns and a rich collection of remarkable trees, some of which are centuries old. The bandstand hosts free concerts in the summer. Sports enthusiasts appreciate the jogging paths and fitness trail. The Pavillon Montsouris restaurant located in the park offers a terrace with a view. The RER B train line serves the park directly (Cité Universitaire station).

31. La Promenade Plantée (René-Dumont greenway)

This 4.7 km walk (1 Coulée verte René-Dumont, 75012 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 7,800 reviews) is built on a former disused railway line, perched 10 metres above the streets of the 12th arrondissement. Inaugurated in 1993, it inspired New York’s High Line. This linear suspended garden offers an original and free walk through different landscapes: rose gardens, green tunnels, bamboo groves and passages above boulevards. The route runs from the Opéra Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, alternating between elevated sections and sections at ground level. It’s a unique and peaceful way to cross Paris, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

32. The village of Bercy

The former wine cellars of Bercy have been transformed into a charming pedestrianised district (28 Rue François Truffaut, 75012 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 5,200 reviews) with cobblestone streets, courtyards and restored buildings housing shops and restaurants. The adjacent Bercy Park (128 quai de Bercy, 75012 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 16,000 reviews) offers 14 hectares of free themed gardens: romantic garden, vegetable gardens, maze, meadow. The site still has railway tracks and industrial architecture that bear witness to its wine-growing past. It is a peaceful and authentic place, less touristy than other neighbourhoods, ideal for a change of scenery.

33. The Bois de Vincennes

With its 995 hectares, it is the largest free green space in Paris. This green lung in the east of Paris (Bois de Vincennes, 75012 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 45,000 reviews) offers a multitude of free activities: walks around the four lakes, cycle paths, running trails, picnic areas and forests. The floral park is free from October to March. The Château de Vincennes (free to visit from the outside) dominates the woods with its imposing medieval keep. Families particularly enjoy the Paris farm, where they can discover animals. The Buddhist temple in the Bois de Vincennes can also be visited free of charge. It is an ideal place to escape the city without leaving Paris.

34. The Bois de Boulogne

This 846-hectare green lung west of Paris (Bois de Boulogne, 75016 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 38,000 reviews) offers many free activities. The bridle paths, lakes (Lac Supérieur and Lac Inférieur) and themed gardens are perfect for a stroll. There is an admission charge for the Jardin d’Acclimatation, but the wooded areas are free to enter. The Jardin de Bagatelle is free except during the rose garden’s flowering season (June). Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the areas for jogging, cycling and outdoor fitness. The artificial waterfalls and the Grande Cascade restaurant in a Napoleon III pavilion add to the charm.

35. Free film classes at the Forum des Images

Every Friday evening (except in summer), the Forum des Images (2 Rue du Cinéma, 75001 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google for 2,100 reviews) offers a free film class taught by teachers, historians or critics. These themed sessions analyse a film or director and are open to all, upon reservation. It’s an excellent opportunity to deepen your film culture for free in a professional setting. The programme is available on the official website. This is a unique opportunity to combine a free cultural activity with learning in a venue dedicated to the seventh art, located in the Les Halles district.

36. Free guided tours with the Greeters

The Greeters network offers free walks around Paris with local residents who are passionate about their city. After registering on the official website, a Parisian will show you around their neighbourhood, share their favourite spots and tell you anecdotes during a friendly 2- to 3-hour walk. It’s an authentic and welcoming way to discover the capital off the beaten track, in French or in a foreign language. Greeters don’t offer traditional tourist tours but share their everyday Paris. It’s an enriching human experience that is completely free (no tips or donations required).

37. La Ferme de Paris in the Bois de Vincennes

This educational farm (Route du Pesage, 75012 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google with 1,800 reviews) in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes is free to visit. Covering 5 hectares, discover the traditional crops and livestock of Île-de-France: sheep, goats, cows, pigs, poultry and rabbits. Children love to get up close to the farm animals. The site also presents urban agriculture, eco-grazing and permaculture through educational plots. Free activities are regularly organised. It is an ideal nature spot for an educational and free family outing, allowing city dwellers to reconnect with the rural world.

38. Parisian churches and their architecture

Paris is full of remarkable churches that are free to enter. Beyond the Sacré-Cœur and Notre-Dame, don’t miss Saint-Sulpice (2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 7,500 reviews) with its frescoes by Delacroix and its astronomical gnomon, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont (Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 4,200 reviews) and its unique rood screen, the Madeleine (Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 13,000 reviews) in neoclassical style, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés (3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 7,100 reviews), the oldest church in Paris. The architecture, stained glass windows, organs and works of art in these places of worship are well worth a visit.

39. The François Mitterrand Library

Access to the garden level of the BnF (Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google with 9,800 reviews) is free, allowing visitors to discover Dominique Perrault’s spectacular architecture with its four towers shaped like open books. The interior garden, visible from the reading rooms, creates a suspended haven of greenery. Temporary exhibitions in the hall are often free. The library also offers free lectures and meetings. The public areas offer a view of the Seine. An impressive example of contemporary architecture, even if you are not an avid reader.

40. Free street performances and entertainment

Paris vibrates to the rhythm of numerous free street performances, particularly in tourist areas. The areas around the Centre Pompidou, Montmartre, the Trocadéro and the square in front of the Hôtel de Ville welcome musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters, living statues and street artists. In summer, numerous free festivals enliven the city: Fnac Live, Paris Plages, open-air cinema at La Villette, concerts in the parks. La Nuit Blanche (October) and the Fête de la Musique (21 June) transform Paris into a giant free stage. Check the cultural calendars so you don’t miss any of these free events that make Paris so charming.

In conclusion, Paris is a destination that is accessible to all budgets, offering an invaluable wealth of free activities and visits. From municipal museums with free permanent collections to sumptuous gardens and walks along the banks of the Seine, from historic districts to peaceful green spaces, the French capital generously reveals itself without financial compensation. This free access allows everyone, residents and visitors alike, to immerse themselves in the thousand-year history of Paris, admire its architectural treasures, enjoy its cultural spaces and experience the authentic Parisian spirit. Whether you have a day or a week, these 40 free activities guarantee you a rich and memorable Parisian experience. Don’t hesitate to enhance your discoveries by using the Navaway audio-guided tours, which accompany you on your independent exploration of the capital with fascinating commentary and intuitive navigation.

FAQ: Free activities in Paris

Which museums are free all year round in Paris?

The museums of the City of Paris offer permanent free access to their collections: the Museum of Modern Art, the Petit Palais, the Maison de Victor Hugo, the Carnavalet Museum, the Cognacq-Jay Museum, the Bourdelle Museum and the Museum of Romantic Life. The Shoah Memorial is also always free.

When are the major national museums free?

On the first Sunday of every month, from November to March, many national museums offer free admission: the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Centre Pompidou, the Musée Rodin, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée Picasso, among others. EU residents under the age of 26 enjoy free admission to these museums all year round.

Where can you find the best free views of Paris?

The best free views are from the Trocadéro esplanade (view of the Eiffel Tower), the steps of Sacré-Cœur (panoramic view of Paris), Belleville Park, the square in front of the Basilica, and the terraces of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann.

What are the best free parks for picnics in Paris?

The Luxembourg Gardens, Buttes-Chaumont Park, Champ-de-Mars, Parc Monceau, Parc Montsouris and the Tuileries are perfect for a free picnic. The landscaped banks of the Seine also offer pleasant spaces for outdoor dining with a view of the monuments.

How can I visit Paris for free with a guide?

The Greeters network offers free walks with Parisian volunteers who share their passion for their neighbourhood. Some district town halls also organise free guided tours. The Navaway app offers free audio guides to explore Paris on your own with detailed commentary on the main monuments and neighbourhoods.

What free cultural activities are available in Paris?

Paris offers many free cultural activities: film classes at the Forum des Images every Friday, free concerts in churches and parks in the summer, art gallery exhibitions, the Nuit Blanche in October, the Fête de la Musique on 21 June and numerous street performances in tourist districts.