9 Paris Apps You Need to Download Before Traveling

Are you looking for the best Paris Apps to help you to navigate the French capital? That’s smart because using apps for Paris is your secret weapon to counter the language barrier, unfamiliar streets, and the maze of Metro lines.

And these are only a few examples on how downloading the best Paris Apps can lift your Paris experience to the next level.

But what are the best travel apps for Paris? Look no further because in this article, I have you covered. I am presenting you with a list of the 9 most useful and popular apps for Paris.

And these Paris apps are not only great according to me!

#2 Uber

Good Read: 5 ways to get from the Airport to Paris

One of the most popular apps for Paris regarding transportation is Uber. If you are not familiar with it, it’s the easiest way to get a taxi, just that it’s not a taxi, it’s an Uber.

You type in your destination and your location, and the app calculates the price of the trip and connects you with a driver.

It’s safe and uncomplicated, and also easy in terms of payment. The price that is calculated before ordering your ride is the price you pay. No surprises. And: You can simply pay through the app.

If you use Uber already in your hometown, no need to download it in Paris. It’s international.

Alternatively, you can use Bolt or G7.

Bolt is the big competitor of Uber in Paris, and it can be worth it to compare prices. Depending on the demand, the difference can be huge. They often give you a few discount codes upon signup.

G7 is the transport app in Paris for the official Taxis Parisien. The difference is, that the price is only calculated throughout the journey, not before.

#3 TheFork

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is a wonderful app in Paris to find and reserve a table in a restaurant. The app is in English, reservations are online, and you can choose among hundreds of eateries.

Regularly they have promotions if you book through the app, like 20% off the bill, or the 2nd dish free.

It’s certainly worth it. For an extra €10 off your bill, use my code.

#4 Bonjour RATP

Download for Android | Download for iOs

RATP is the company that runs the public transportation in Paris: Metro, Bus, RER and Tram. And while I think for navigation purposes this app is rather useless because Google Maps has you 100% covered, you still should get this app.

Also interesting: How to use the Metro in Paris – The complet guide

Because: You can use the Bonjour RATP App to buy Tickets on your phone or top up your Navigo Travel Card.

No need to stress out over vending machines anymore. Simply pick the ticket option you like, select your payment method (credit card or other) and top up your card or phone.

You can also use the Bonjour RATP app to read your Navigo Travel Pass to see how many tickets you have left.

Tip: Sometimes the RATP app just doesn’t work for me. When that happens, I switch to the Île-de-France Mobilités app. No idea why there are two separate apps—they’re both official, and both work for tickets.

#5 Vélib

➲ Read my guide here on how to rent a Vélib in Paris

If you intend to explore Paris by bike, then the Vélib app is absolutely necessary. It holds all your account information and access codes, but most importantly, it shows you how many bikes are available at the closest station. And: in which state they are.

Because through the Vélib app, you will be prompted to rate the bike you got, and it’s a very valuable indicator for the next person.

Download for Android | Download for iOs

#6 Google Translate

If you don’t speak French, a translator app is of course a no-brainer. And Google Translate is doing the job just fine. Maybe you won’t win a literacy price with it, but it will provide you with a translation that gets the job done.

Google Translate Tip: use the Camera

Google Translate has a camera function. Instead of typing in the word you want to have translated, open the camera and let Google Translate let do the work for you.

Flash Invaders is one of my favorite Paris Apps. Ok, it has very little to do with travel planning, but it is a fun app that I suggest you look into. Especially if you are traveling to Paris with kids or teenagers.

Like in a real time video game, you can hunt down space invaders all over Paris, get points, create a collection and compete with your friends.

But… what are Space Invaders?

Invader art in Paris refers to the work of an anonymous artist known as Invader, who places mosaic pieces inspired by the 1978 arcade game Space Invaders around the city.

These pieces are recognizable by their pixelated and fun designs, mimicking video game characters. Invader’s mosaics can be found on all sorts of buildings, bridges, and any kind of surface, really, across Paris.

Turning the city into an open-air gallery with almost 1500 installations scattered all over Paris.

The app is simple: When you see a Space Invader in Paris, open the app and flash the mosaic, hence, take a picture of it using the app.

Depending on the size of the mosaic, you get points and the app shows you when the piece was installed. Some date back to the early 90s.

It’s a fun app, and it encourages you to look around and discover more than you normally would.

Download for Android | Download for iOs

#9 ICI Toilettes

Worried about where to find a public restroom in Paris? Then you need to get this app.

It shows you on an interactive map where to find the nearest toilette and even the best (and fastest!) way to get there. It covers public toilets that you find all over Paris, but also restrooms in parks or along the Seine.

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Voilà, these were the 9 most useful apps for Paris that you should download before heading to Paris. If you know more, please share them with us in the comment section.

For the ease of mind and to avoid hidden fees, I recommend getting this eSim card from Airalgo for your mobile phone – it’s a simple solution to stay connected throughout your trip.

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