Where Paris was Born: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Île de la Cité

Paris , France

Where Paris was Born: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Île de la Cité

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(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the neighbourhood where Paris was born with this affordable walking tour.

• See how the city transformed from a small settlement along the Seine River into one of the most charming places in the world
• Hear from producer Annie Sargent, a tour guide and producer of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast whose passion for France’s history inspired him to craft this bestselling VoiceMap tour
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Where Paris was Born: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Île de la Cité

What's included

Lifetime access to Île de la Cité: Where Paris Was Born tour

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The tour takes place in Paris' Île de la Cité.

Stop 2 Pass by

This bridge used to be laden with “love-locks”. Couples came to the bridge with special locks that were usually inscribed with their names, locked them on the bridge and then threw the keys in the river. This would presumably ensure that their love would last.

Stop 3 Pass by

The tour takes you over Pont Neuf.

Under the Equestrian Statue of Henri IV, on one side you'll see a bas-relief panel that shows a humble Henri IV bringing loaves of bread to the people of Paris after a siege. What the picture doesn’t explain is that HE was the one who had put Paris under siege!

The park on the tip of Île de la Cité is called the Square du Vert-Galant. We use the word “square” in French to mean a small park but the Square du Vert-Galant is actually triangular!

Stop 6 Pass by

The tour passes by the Saule Pleureur de la Pointe.

Stop 7 Pass by

Place Dauphine plaza was financed by Henri IV and named “The Dauphin” after his son Louis who would become Louis XIII.

Stop 8 Pass by

The tour passes by the Maison Paul restaurant.

Stop 9 Pass by

Palais de Justice means courthouse, but it's no ordinary courthouse. It's the Cour de Cassation, one of the highest jurisdictions in the country.

Stop 10 Pass by

The tour passes by Quai de l’Horloge.

Stop 11 Pass by

The Conciergerie Museum is where you can learn about the French Revolution and Marie-Antoinette. It's a must-see for people who have an interest in the French Revolution.

Stop 12 Pass by

Inside the Sainte Chapelle you'll see the most spectacular Gothic stained-glass windows in the world. On a sunny day it feels like you're walking through a kaleidoscope!

Stop 13 Pass by

The tour passes by Archaeological crypt of the Île de la Cité.

Stop 14 Pass by

As you may know, the Cathedral was severely damaged by a fire in April 2019 and is in the process of being renovated. As a result, access to the Cathedral is now limited and you can only see it from the north and east side.

The Deportation Martyrs Memorial is a somber tribute to all the French Jews that were captured in France and sent to Germany to die during WWII.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/Drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

[REMOVE FOR DRIVING TOURS]This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.[REMOVE FOR DRIVING TOURS]

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.

Top Attractions

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours €17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Museum 3-4 hours €17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)

Montmartre

Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)

Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.

Historical Full day €18-€28 (depending on the pass)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Croissant

A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy

Baguette

A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains gluten

Steak Frites

A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat

Crêpes

Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.

Snack/Dessert Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon rides Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest Kayaking on the Seine Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden Boat tours on the Seine Spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting museums and galleries Attending a cabaret show

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center

By train

Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon

By bus

Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot

Getting around

Public transport

The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, G7

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Le Marais Montmartre Latin Quarter Saint-Germain-des-Prés Champs-Élysées

Day trips

Versailles

17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.

Giverny

75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day

Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.

Château de Fontainebleau

55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day

The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.

Festivals

Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual) Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual) Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely