If you’re planning a trip to Paris, these apps will literally change your life. They’ll help you save time, avoid hassles and enjoy a much smoother local experience. After accompanying hundreds of visitors to the capital, here’s our list of must-have apps for tourists in Paris – tried and tested!
🚇 1. Citymapper – for stress-free mobility
The best app for navigating Paris, hands down. Citymapper displays routes by metro, bus, RER, streetcar or even on foot, in real time. It shows delays, connections and exact waiting times.
💡 Guide tip: even Parisians use it every day! The app is available offline if you download the city map in advance. Handy for avoiding getting out the paper map in the rain!
🚆 2. RATP / SNCF – for official transport information
If you’re planning to visit Versailles, Disneyland Paris or other destinations around the capital, the RATP Bonjour and SNCF Connect apps are your allies. They let you :
- Check timetables and connections;
- Find out about line closures or work in progress;
- Buy tickets directly from your phone (including metro and RER tickets via NFC).
💳 B onus tip: with “Bonjour RATP”, you can validate your ticket simply by bringing your smartphone up to the gantry!
🎨 3. Official apps for the Louvre and Orsay museums
Avoid long queues and save time with the official Louvre and Musée d’Orsay apps. You can :
- Buy electronic tickets;
- Consult opening times and temporary exhibitions;
- Access interactive maps to help you find your way around the galleries.
💡 My advice: download the audioguides before your visit. This avoids the need to rent a device on site and allows for a more personal experience – a real must for art lovers!
🗺 4. Google My Maps – create your own personalized itinerary
Rather than using a simple map, Google My Maps lets you build your own route: restaurants, monuments, museums, cafés… You can save everything and share it with your fellow travelers.
I use it systematically with my customers: it allows them to group together all the stages of their stay and optimize their journeys. Once saved, your map remains available offline!
🍽 5. La Fourchette (TheFork) – to book the best restaurants
La Fourchette (or TheFork in English) is a must-have for foodies. This app lets you book a table at thousands of Parisian restaurants, with real reviews and often discounts ranging from 20% to 50%.
💡 Local tip: test out the bistros in the 11ᵉ arrondissement or Saint-Germain. If you book via the app, you’ll often get a free dessert or drink!
✨ Bonus: Bonjour RATP for contactless ticketing
Bonjour RATP ‘s new function now lets you buy and validate your transport tickets directly on your phone via NFC. No more lost tickets! This innovation makes travel even smoother – especially if you don’t speak French or are traveling with your family.
🧭 My experience as a guide in Paris
I use these apps on a daily basis with my groups: they turn a stressful visit into a pleasant moment. Thanks to Citymapper, I always know where I am; thanks to La Fourchette, I discover new restaurants every week!
Paris is a city where everything moves fast – transport, museums, timetables, weather. These tools allow you to stay one step ahead and experience the city like a true Parisian ❤️
❓ FAQ about useful apps in Paris
📲 What are the best free apps for Paris?
Citymapper, Bonjour RATP and Google My Maps are free and sufficient to manage most of your trips and visits.
🎫 Is it possible to buy metro tickets via an app?
Yes! The Bonjour RATP app lets you buy and validate your tickets directly from your phone (Android with NFC).
🎟 How can I avoid museum queues?
Use the official Louvre and Musée d’Orsay apps to buy your e-tickets and enter directly through the fast queues.
🍴 Which app to use to book a good restaurant in Paris?
La Fourchette (TheFork) is the most popular: it displays menus, ratings and often offers exclusive discounts.