If you’re looking for an amazing way to experience France, then consider taking a self-guided walking tour. These tours allow you to explore the country on your own schedule, and they provide a wonderful way to see everything that France has to offer. In this article, we will discuss some of the best self-guided walking tours in France, and we’ll give you tips on how to make the most of your trip.
Why Take A Self-Guided Walking Tour?
There are many reasons to take a self-guided walking tour of France. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that you can travel at your own pace, stopping whenever you want and going wherever you please.
If you fancy a lunch or coffee break, that’s entirely up to you. Or perhaps you’d like to see the city during the day and at night – that’s possible too! Once you’ve purchased a self-guided audio tour, you can take it whenever you like, so if your travel plans change there’s no problem at all.
With a self-guided France tour, you’ll have all the information you need right at your fingertips, so you won’t miss any of the sights or attractions that interest you. You also won’t have to worry about getting stuck in a large group with a guide who might not be able to accommodate your interests.
Another big advantage of a self-guided walking tour is that it’s so cost effective, compared to a traditional guided tour. Self-guided tours of France are also a handy way to get exercise while sightseeing. They’re also a safe way to see a city, respecting social distancing and all current health rules.
Finally, self-guided walking tours are a great way to really get to know a city or town. You’ll be able to explore all the little alleyways and side streets that you wouldn’t normally see on a bus tour. Created by expert local tour guides, these tours will help you to learn a lot about French culture and history.
Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris
Paris is a must-see for any traveler, and the city is best explored on foot.
A self-guided walking tour of Paris will allow you to see all the famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll also be able to wander through the charming streets and alleyways, and you’ll get a chance to experience the unique culture of Paris.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive Paris walking tour, then we recommend one of the “Paris Walks” from Rewind Stories. Specializing in audio guided tours in France, they offer many different tours in the cities of Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Cleverly, the tour information is triggered automatically when you arrive at each landmark, so you’re not having to fumble around with your phone to find the appropriate tour commentary.
These tours cover all the highlights of the city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the City of Light or know it well, you’ll see Paris in a whole new way.
Here are some of the different Paris walking tours that are well worth doing. You can combine them with a relaxing River Seine cruise by day or night for a truly unique experience.
- Secret Montmartre – for the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, cabarets and the cafe featuring in the Amélie movie.
- The Eiffel Tower District – starting at Place du Trocadéro and taking in the Seine River.
- Le Marais, known for the elegant Place des Vosges and Victor Hugo’s house.
- The Louvre and Notre-Dame – which takes in sights such as Pont Neuf, the Conciergerie and the Tuileries.
- The Royal Palace and covered passages with their fascinating art galleries and bookstores.
- Montparnasse, an area which boasts many artists studios and literary cafes.
- The 13th district, which has some of the best examples of street art in Europe.
Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lyon
Lyon is another city that lends itself well to self-guided walking tours. As well as le Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) on the banks of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, the city has many vibrant new areas.
Among the best things to see on a Lyon walking tour are:
- Old Lyon, Saint-Jean Cathedral and the traboules, hidden covered passageways used by resistance fighters to escape the Nazis in World War II.
- The Basilica of Fourvière and Teatro Galo-Romano, over 2000 years old.
- The Bouchons of Lyon – traditional bistros serving delicacies such as quenelle dumplings.
- The Croix-Rousse area and the history of silk making in Lyon.
- The Painted Walls district where you can see some fine examples of street art.
Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marseille
Last but not least, Marseille is a city that’s full of surprises. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Marseille is known for its beautiful beaches and colorful architecture.
One of the best ways to see all the highlights is by taking a self-guided walking tour. This will allow you to experience the best that the oldest city in France has to offer. We recommend the “Marseille Walk” from Rewind Stories, which includes visits to all the major landmarks in Marseille.
You shouldn’t miss is The Panier District on your tour. This historic area has many narrow streets and colorful houses. A fun option is to combine this with a panoramic bus tour. The hop-on, hop-off tour will drop you close to local landmarks such as Notre-Dame de la Garde, the Harbor Master’s office and Fort Saint Nicolas.
How Much Does a Self-Guided Walking Tour in France Cost?
The price of a self-guided walking tour in France usually varies depending on the length and complexity. The price of a walking tour with the Rewind Stories company, for example, is from $9.99 for one tour or from $19.50 with a Seine cruise and tour combination.
In Conclusion: Self-Guided Walking Tours in France
There’s no better way to experience France than by taking a self-guided walking tour. These tours allow you to explore the country at your own pace, and see all the sights that interest you. Plus, they’re a great way to get some exercise while you’re sightseeing!
No matter which city you choose, a self-guided walking tour is the best way to experience everything France has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Grab your map and start exploring!
Read next: The Best Paris Hidden Gems
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This looks like a really interesting way to explore a city/destination! How much do they cost generally?
Yes it is a great way to see a city! The price is very reasonable too, from $9.99 for one tour or from $19.50 with a Seine cruise and tour combination.