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Since the closure of Parisian tourist offices, a new generation of welcome points has taken over: newsagents. These symbols of the urban landscape have become official information points for tourists.
From the Carrousel du Louvre (central Paris) to the Gare Saint-Lazare (8th arrondissement), via the forecourt of the Grand Rex (central Paris), kiosks no longer just sell newspapers and magazines. They now offer personalized advice, free maps, practical information (transport, restaurants, local activities…) and a QR code to download the Paris je t'aime application. In case of need, visitors can even be put in touch with the city's official concierge service.
A total of 37 kiosk operators have signed up for the scheme, recognizable by their little sign and their poster, which allows users to scan a QR code to download the Paris je t'aime application. Each of them received a day's training from Paris je t'aime - Office de tourisme, the organization in charge of promoting tourism in the capital. To guarantee the quality of the welcome, mystery visits are organized throughout the year: they assess knowledge of tourist attractions, the clarity of the information given and the friendliness of the contact. Kiosk operators also receive regular briefings, and have a daily point of contact with Paris je t'aime to keep them informed of new developments.
The 37 kiosks in the tourism scheme can be identified by their signs.
Crédit photo :
Parisjet'aime
A QR code is displayed on all the kiosks to download the Paris je t'aime application.
Crédit photo :
Parisjet'aime
A strong commitment to hospitality
The selection criteria are simple: a strategic location, close to major tourist flows (train stations, museums, theaters, etc.), and above all, a strong commitment to hospitality. This is the strength of the scheme: behind each kiosk is a passionate person, proud to represent the spirit of Paris.
"It's a job I love, above and beyond the money. I really do it for the communication and the contact with people," confides the smiling kiosk attendant, who works near the Accor Arena (12th). Present in the neighborhood since 2018, he speaks French, English, Arabic and Spanish, an invaluable asset when it comes to catering to the diversity of visitors.
"Tourists often ask me how to get to the Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement), the Louvre (Paris Centre) or Notre-Dame (Paris Centre). Others want to know how to buy their ticket now that paper tickets have disappeared," he says. Patient, he regularly helps travelers install the Navigo application to buy their tickets directly on their smartphone. On concert evenings, his kiosk stays open until 10 p.m. to provide information to passing spectators.
By 2026, the system could be further extended, confirming the role of kiosks as true ambassadors for the capital.
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