🌿 Explore the Greener Side of Paris with FreeWalkingTour.fr: Walk Through a City in Transformation

4 min read

Paris Free Walking Tour
Paris Free Walking Tour

Paris isn’t just a city of history, art, and romance—it’s becoming a symbol of modern urban sustainability. Under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, the French capital is transforming into a green, walkable, and people-first city. And there’s no better way to discover this evolution than on foot, with a passionate local guide from FreeWalkingTour.fr.

From brand-new parks in the heart of Paris to bike-friendly boulevards, car-free zones, and public swimming areas in the Seine, the city is undergoing a quiet revolution.

With FreeWalkingTour.fr, you’ll not only explore world-famous landmarks, but also walk through the eco-forward Paris of today. Whether you join us on our Montmartre Tour, Latin Quarter Free Walking Tour, or the City Center Highlights Tour, you’ll see firsthand how the city is becoming greener, safer, and more livable.

🌱 Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s Vision: A Green Revolution for Paris

Mayor Anne Hidalgo has led a bold movement to combat pollution and climate change while improving daily life for Parisians. Since 2014, she has introduced a wave of eco-initiatives that have reshaped how people move, live, and interact with the city.

Key achievements include:

  • 🌳 The conversion of concrete plazas (like in front of HĂ´tel de Ville) into green parks

  • đźš« Car restrictions in many central areas

  • 🚲 Over 1,000 km of bike lanes throughout Paris

  • 🌊 The cleanup and re-opening of the Seine River for public swimming

  • 🏞️ A major increase in small green spaces and trees in urban neighborhoods

These changes have turned Paris into a city where walking and biking are the best ways to experience it—and that’s exactly what we offer with our tip-based tours.

🏙️ New Parks and Public Spaces in the Heart of the City

One of the best examples of Paris’ transformation is the new green square in front of Hôtel de Ville, replacing what used to be a traffic-heavy and lifeless area. This new park is fully pedestrian, filled with trees, benches, and space to relax or gather.

On our City Center Free Walking Tour, you’ll:

  • Walk by this new eco-friendly park and learn about its design

  • Discover how the surrounding neighborhoods have adapted to become greener

  • See how public spaces are now used for community and cultural events

These changes have made the central districts even more enjoyable to walk through—especially on a guided tour where you learn the backstory behind every transformation.

🚲 Paris by Foot and Pedal: A Greener Way to Travel

Thanks to a city-wide initiative known as the “15-minute city”, Paris has become a model of accessibility. You can now walk or bike to nearly every essential spot—markets, schools, bakeries, cafés, and parks—without needing a car.

Highlights include:

  • 🚴‍♀️ Protected bike paths on famous streets like Rue de Rivoli

  • 🌇 Car-free weekends in popular areas like Le Marais and Montmartre

  • 🛣️ Traffic removed from riverside roads like the Voie Georges Pompidou, creating more room for pedestrians

When you join a free Paris walking tour, you’ll notice how much easier and more pleasant it is to explore. You’ll experience quiet lanes, green corridors, and fresh air—all while discovering historic landmarks and local stories with your guide.

🌊 Swim in the Seine? Yes, It’s Happening!

One of the most exciting developments is the opening of swimming zones in the Seine River. Once unthinkable due to pollution, the river has been cleaned to a point where locals and tourists can now take a dip in designated areas.

During your walking tour, you’ll pass by or learn about:

  • 🏊 The Bassin de la Villette, a local favorite swimming spot

  • 🏖️ Future Olympic swimming areas near central Paris

  • 🌊 How Paris cleaned the Seine and what it means for the environment

Your guide will explain this impressive transformation and how it reflects Paris’ deep commitment to green living.

🎒 What You’ll See on Our Free Paris Walking Tours

We believe walking is the best way to experience Paris—and we offer free, tip-based tours to make it accessible for everyone. Along with iconic sites and hidden gems, you’ll also explore how the city is adapting to modern challenges.

Here’s what to expect on each tour:

đźź© Latin Quarter Free Tour
Wander through charming, student-filled streets. See new car-free alleys, gardens, and local eco-cafés. Learn about how this ancient district is leading the way in sustainable living.

đźź© Free Montmartre Walking Tour
Climb to the heights of Paris through leafy paths, green staircases, and secret viewpoints. Your guide will share how Montmartre is balancing heritage with green innovation.

đźź© City Center Free Tour of Paris
Discover the core of Paris—Notre-Dame, Hôtel de Ville, the Seine, and beyond—while learning how the city center is turning into a green showcase for Europe.

🌍 A Tour with a Purpose: Why Walk With Us?

Paris is changing for the better. And when you book a free walking tour with us, you don’t just see famous monuments—you walk through a city that’s setting an example for the future.

With our experienced local guides, you’ll get:

  • Deep insights into Paris’ cultural and environmental transformation

  • The chance to walk through new parks, car-free zones, and green spaces

  • A fun, informative, and affordable way to experience the city

All our tours are free to join, and you’re welcome to tip your guide based on the experience you receive.

âś… Book Your Spot Today

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, there's no better way to experience the new green Paris than on a free walking tour with a local expert. See the city differently. Walk with us.

👉 Book now at freewalkingtour.fr