France · Europe

Discover Paris with Rafeek

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world's most romantic and visited cities, built around the gentle curve of the River Seine.

Seeing Paris without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Paris with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Paris, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Paris

65 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

Arc de Triomphe

Standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, this famous monument honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. An observation deck at the top offers stunning views of the city's avenues.

Arènes de Lutèce

One of the most important remaining vestiges of the Roman era in Paris (then known as Lutetia). This partially restored amphitheater could once seat 15,000 people and was used for theatrical performances and gladiatorial combats.

Bois de Boulogne

A large public park located along the western edge of the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It contains gardens, lakes, an amusement park, and is a popular destination for walking, boating, and relaxation.

Bois de Vincennes

The largest public park in the city, located on the eastern edge of Paris. It is home to the Paris Zoological Park, the Château de Vincennes, an arboretum, and several lakes.

Canal Saint-Martin

A 4.6 km long canal connecting the Canal de l'Ourcq to the river Seine. The picturesque canal is a popular area for locals, with iron footbridges, locks, and tree-lined quays perfect for strolling or a boat tour.

Catacombs of Paris

Underground ossuaries which hold the remains of more than six million people in a small part of a tunnel network built to consolidate Paris' ancient stone mines. These tunnels and crypts offer a unique, macabre journey into the city's history.

Centre Pompidou

A complex building in the Beaubourg area, known for its high-tech, inside-out architecture. It houses the Musée National d'Art Moderne, a vast public library, and a center for music and acoustic research.

Champ de Mars

A large public greenspace that extends from the Eiffel Tower to the École Militaire. Originally used as a drilling and marching ground for the French army, it is now a popular spot for picnics and events.

Château de Vincennes

A massive 14th and 17th-century French royal fortress on the eastern edge of the city, in the town of Vincennes. It features a well-preserved medieval keep, a Gothic chapel, and extensive fortified walls.

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

The biggest science museum in Europe, located in the Parc de la Villette. It features numerous interactive exhibits on science and technology, a planetarium, and an IMAX theatre (La Géode).

Conciergerie

A former royal palace and prison on the Île de la Cité, part of the larger complex known as the Palais de Justice. It is famous for being the last prison of Queen Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution.

Crypte archéologique de l'île de la Cité

An archaeological museum located beneath the parvis of Notre-Dame Cathedral. It was created to protect the historic ruins, from the Roman era to the 19th century, discovered during excavations.

Eiffel Tower

An iconic wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars, it has become a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. Visitors can ascend to its three levels for panoramic views of Paris.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

An art museum and cultural center sponsored by the LVMH group, located in the Bois de Boulogne. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the building itself is a work of art, resembling a ship with billowing glass sails.

Grand Palais

A large historic site, exhibition hall, and museum complex located at the Champs-Élysées. It is recognizable by its magnificent glass-vaulted roof and was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900.

Grande Arche de la Défense

A monumental cube-shaped arch in the business district of La Défense, built as a 20th-century version of the Arc de Triomphe. Its rooftop offers panoramic views of Paris and the historical axis.

Great Mosque of Paris (Grande Mosquée de Paris)

Located in the 5th arrondissement, this is the largest mosque in France and the third largest in Europe. Its Hispano-Moorish style architecture, beautiful courtyard garden, and minaret make it a peaceful and stunning place to visit.

Hôtel de Ville

The building housing the city's local administration, serving as the office of the Mayor of Paris since 1357. Its Neo-renaissance facade is richly decorated with statues of famous Parisians.

Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute)

A cultural center designed to promote understanding of the Arab world and its cultural and spiritual values. The building, designed by Jean Nouvel, is famous for its south facade made of light-sensitive diaphragms that mimic a traditional mashrabiya.

Jardin des Tuileries

A public garden located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, created by Catherine de' Medici in 1564. It is a perfect example of the formal French garden style, with perfectly manicured lawns, statues, and fountains.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Created in 1612, these gardens are split into French and English styles, surrounding the Luxembourg Palace. The park is a beloved spot for relaxation, featuring lawns, tree-lined promenades, and the famous Medici Fountain.

La Défense Business District

A major European business district located west of the city limits of Paris. It is characterized by its numerous high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, and is home to the Grande Arche.

La Madeleine Church (L'église de la Madeleine)

A Roman Catholic church designed in the form of a classical Roman temple, with 52 massive Corinthian columns. It was originally intended by Napoleon to be a temple to the glory of his army.

Les Invalides (Hôtel national des Invalides)

A complex of buildings containing the Musée de l'Armée, the military museum of the Army of France, as well as the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its prominent golden dome is a recognizable feature of the Parisian skyline.

Louvre Museum

The world's largest art museum and a historic monument, housed in the Louvre Palace. It is best known for being the home of the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, among thousands of other priceless works.

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

Often called the Clignancourt Flea Market, this is one of the largest antique and flea markets in the world. It's a sprawling collection of warehouses, stands, and alleyways where you can find everything from antique furniture to vintage clothing.

Marché des Enfants Rouges

The oldest covered market in Paris, established in 1628 and located in the Marais. It offers a mix of traditional market stalls and a wide variety of international food stands where visitors can enjoy lunch.

Moulin Rouge

A world-famous cabaret in the Pigalle district, co-founded in 1889. It is best known as the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance and is marked by the iconic red windmill on its roof.

Musée Carnavalet

The museum dedicated to the history of the city of Paris, from its origins to the present day. Located in two neighboring mansions in the Marais, its collections include paintings, sculptures, furniture, and historical artifacts.

Musée d'Orsay

Housed in the former Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station, this museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914. Its collection includes masterpieces by Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

Musée de Cluny (Musée national du Moyen Âge)

The National Museum of the Middle Ages, located in the Latin Quarter. It is housed in two historic buildings: the Gallo-Roman Thermes de Cluny and the 15th-century Hôtel de Cluny, and is famous for 'The Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries.

Musée de l'Orangerie

An art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings located in the west corner of the Tuileries Garden. It is most famous for being the permanent home for eight large 'Water Lilies' murals by Claude Monet.

Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac

Located near the Eiffel Tower, this museum features the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum complex has a unique design, including a large 'living wall' of vegetation.

Musée Jacquemart-André

A private museum housed in the former residence of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. It showcases their impressive collection of Italian Renaissance and 18th-century French art in beautifully preserved period rooms.

Musée Marmottan Monet

This museum houses one of the city's largest collections of Impressionist art, including the world's most extensive collection of works by Claude Monet. It is home to his famous painting 'Impression, soleil levant', which gave the movement its name.

Musée Picasso

Housed in the Hôtel Salé in the Marais district, this museum is dedicated to the work of the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The collection includes over 5,000 works and tens of thousands of archived pieces from Picasso’s personal repository.

Musée Rodin

This museum is dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Housed in the Hôtel Biron and its surrounding gardens, visitors can admire famous sculptures like 'The Thinker' and 'The Kiss'.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

A medieval Catholic cathedral on the Île de la Cité, widely considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Currently undergoing restoration after a major fire, it remains a symbol of the city.

Palace of Versailles

Located just outside Paris, this opulent former royal residence was the center of French political power in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can explore the lavish Hall of Mirrors, the King's Grand Apartments, and the vast Gardens of Versailles.

Palais de Tokyo

A building dedicated to modern and contemporary art, located near the Trocadéro. It is known for its raw, industrial space and cutting-edge exhibitions, making it a key venue for the Parisian art scene.

Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier)

A 1,979-seat opera house, which was built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opéra. Its opulent Second Empire architecture, grand staircase, and Chagall-painted ceiling make it a masterpiece of theatre art.

Palais-Royal

A former royal palace located just north of the Louvre, now housing government offices and the Comédie-Française theatre. Its inner courtyard is famous for the contemporary art installation by Daniel Buren, known as Les Deux Plateaux or Buren's Columns.

Panthéon

Originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, this neoclassical building in the Latin Quarter now functions as a secular mausoleum. It contains the remains of distinguished French citizens like Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.

Parc de la Villette

The third-largest park in Paris, located at the northeastern edge of the city. It is a hub of cultural venues, including the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the Philharmonie de Paris, and numerous themed gardens.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

A public park in northeastern Paris, notable for its dramatic and romantic design. It features steep cliffs, an artificial lake, a grotto with a waterfall, and the Temple de la Sibylle perched atop a rocky peak.

Parc Monceau

An elegant public park in the 8th arrondissement, known for its informal, 'English' style. It features a collection of architectural follies, including a classical colonnade, an Egyptian pyramid, and ancient statues.

Paris-Plages

A free summer event that transforms parts of the banks of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette into temporary artificial beaches. It features sand, deckchairs, palm trees, and a variety of activities for all ages.

Paris, Banks of the Seine (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

This UNESCO site encompasses the evolution of Paris and its history, from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and from the Place de la Concorde to the Grand and Petit Palais. The site includes many of the city's most famous monuments, bridges, and architectural masterpieces.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

The largest cemetery in Paris and one of the most famous in the world. It is the burial site of numerous celebrated artists, writers, and musicians, including Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Édith Piaf.

Petit Palais

An art museum in an ornate building constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, facing the Grand Palais. It houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris).

Philharmonie de Paris

A complex of concert halls in the Parc de la Villette, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. It is a major center for classical music and its innovative, modern architecture has made it a new city landmark.

Place de la Concorde

The largest public square in Paris, located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées. It is famous for the Luxor Obelisk, two monumental fountains, and its significant role during the French Revolution.

Place des Vosges

The oldest planned square in Paris, located in the Marais district. It is a true square, lined with distinctive red brick houses, and was a fashionable and expensive place to live during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Place Vendôme

A prestigious square in the 1st arrondissement, known for its high-end jewelers, luxury hotels like the Ritz Paris, and the Vendôme Column. Its octagonal shape and elegant architecture make it one of the most beautiful squares in the city.

Pont Alexandre III

The most ornate and extravagant bridge in the city, connecting the Champs-Élysées quarter with those of the Invalides and Eiffel Tower. It is classified as a French monument historique and is known for its Art Nouveau lamps, cherubs, and winged horses.

Pont Neuf

Despite its name ('New Bridge'), it is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine in Paris. It was the first stone bridge in Paris not to support houses on it and was equipped with sidewalks.

Promenade Plantée (Coulée Verte René-Dumont)

An elevated linear park built on an obsolete railway line in the 12th arrondissement. This 4.7 km green walkway offers a unique, raised perspective of the city and inspired New York's High Line.

Rue Montorgueil

A vibrant, pedestrian-only market street in the heart of Paris, lined with famous restaurants, pastry shops, bakeries, and specialty food stores. It provides a classic Parisian atmosphere and is a food lover's paradise.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

A Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, located at the summit of Montmartre, the highest point in the city. Its Romano-Byzantine architecture and pristine white appearance make it a prominent landmark.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey

A former Benedictine abbey, now a church, located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter. It is one of the oldest churches in Paris, with its origins dating back to the 6th century.

Saint-Sulpice Church

The second largest church in Paris, located in the 6th arrondissement. It is known for its grand scale, the Great Organ, Delacroix's murals, and the gnomon, an ancient astronomical instrument.

Sainte-Chapelle

A royal chapel in the Gothic style, located within the medieval Palais de la Cité. It is renowned for its extensive collection of 13th-century stained glass windows, which fill the space with light and color.

Shakespeare and Company

A famous English-language bookstore on the Left Bank, which has served as a purveyor of new and second-hand books and a meeting place for writers and readers for decades. It is a beloved cultural institution in the city.

Tour Montparnasse

A 210-meter office skyscraper located in the Montparnasse area of Paris. Its 56th-floor observation deck and open-air rooftop terrace provide one of the best 360° views of the city.

Tour Saint-Jacques

A monumental Flamboyant Gothic tower in the 4th arrondissement that is all that remains of the 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. The tower offers panoramic views to those who climb its narrow spiral staircase.

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About Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world's most romantic and visited cities, built around the gentle curve of the River Seine. It is crowned by the Eiffel Tower and filled with landmarks such as the Louvre—home to the Mona Lisa—the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral and the grand Arc de Triomphe. Elegant boulevards, historic districts like Montmartre and the Latin Quarter, and countless sidewalk cafés invite slow, unhurried exploration. Long celebrated as a capital of art, fashion and fine dining, Paris pairs its museums and monuments with an everyday charm that keeps travellers coming back.