Private Tour
Where Paris was Born: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Île de la Cité
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Ile de la Cite
The tour takes place in Paris' Île de la Cité.
Pont des Arts
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.
What‘s Included
Lifetime access to Île de la Cité: Where Paris Was Born tour
VoiceMap Application
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Smartphone
Transportation
Food/Drink
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Options
Where Paris was Born: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Île de la Cité
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Île de la Cité Tour
amyrN4670MM,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I each had an earbud in one ear while we took this tour, and it worked out very well that way. We could still hear what was going on around us and talk and both hear where to go on the tour. Annie, the guide, does a wonderful job explaining where to go and what we're looking at and why it is important to stop at each spot. Will definitely buy her other tours.
Perfect Way to Explore Ile de la Cite!
Stewette,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous tour! This was the first tour we took when we arrived in Paris. It was such a great way to explore Ile de la Cite and the heart of Paris. It gave us a great overview of the central part of the city, my husband and I shared a pair of earbuds and listened through my iPhone. Annie has the ideal voice to lead you through the area. We found the tour very easy to follow, and lots of "hidden gems". I highly recommend this tour!!
Informative, Entertaining Audio Tour
cbr79,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Annie’s audio tour is perfect—one can meander at your own pace, listening and learning about the sites right before your very eyes. I highly recommend her tours, especially this one, “Where Paris Was Born.”
Really seeing them!
maxines181,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My favorite so far of Annie’s VoiceMap Tours - I have them all and have done 3 others. Although I had been to Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame several times before, with this tour I felt that I really saw them. I loved finding the actual objects with the help of Annie’s photos and instructions.
Fun way to see Paris
ElizabethBH01,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Voicemap tours are such a great way to learn more about what you are seeing without breaking the bank for a personal tour. You have flexibility in stopping and starting and I listened to them before going to have a little preview. This one has a lot about history and I would have missed so much without this tour. I love the Join Us in France podcast, facebook group and Annie is a wealth of knowledge. I just bought one of her new ones for my next trip. **note this tour does include some torture descriptions!
Wonderful self walking guide of Ile de la Cite
amies773,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The host, Annie Sargent, provides Warm, engaging narration with strong historical storytelling • GPS-triggered audio makes navigation effortless. You can pause anytime • Focuses on dramatic stories (Templars, medieval Paris, Henri IV, Notre-Dame) • Great for travelers who want a self-paced but rich experience
Great way to see historic Paris!
Queencitytravel,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour from Annie Sargent. Easy to navigate and so informative and interesting. You can stop anytime and continue whenever. I downloaded before our trip to become familiar with the area and to daydream. Such fun!
Absolutely worth the money.
Marilyn L,Oct 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a really well done tour. I loved that you could speed it up. I listened at 1.5x speed. So many great stories that was told. I felt like I was actually with a realTour guide.
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