Walks in Paris: the 10 best walks in the capital

1️⃣ Classic Walk: The Banks of the Seine & Île de la Cité

Why this walk?
The banks of the Seine are a must-see to discover Paris at its most beautiful. Strolling along the river allows you to admire some of the most iconic monuments of the capital while enjoying a soothing atmosphere.

Must-see:

• Notre-Dame de Paris, majestic and steeped in history.
• The Pont des Arts, famous for its unique panorama and bohemian atmosphere.
• The Square du Vert-Galant, a perfect green oasis for a break by the water.

Guaranteed romantic experience
At the end of the day, let yourself be tempted by a walk along the Seine, ideal for a timeless moment with a magical view of the illuminated capital.

Good tip 💡
The banks of the Seine are completely pedestrianized in several sections, making the walk pleasant and safe, away from urban turmoil.

Bonus
For a different perspective, consider a cruise on the Seine: a unique way to admire Paris differently while letting yourself be carried by the current.

2️⃣ Romantic stroll: Montmartre and its secret alleys

Perched on its hill, Montmartre is a true postcard setting. This neighborhood, with its timeless charm, cobblestone streets, street artists, and panoramic views, invites you to escape. Here, every street corner tells a story, and the walk transforms into a journey through time.

Why this stroll?

Montmartre captivates with its bohemian atmosphere and authenticity. It’s the perfect place for a romantic walk or a contemplative exploration.

Must-see:

• Place du Tertre, where painters immortalize the spirit of the neighborhood.
• Sacré-Cœur, with its exceptional view over Paris.
• Wall of I Love You, a universal symbol of love hidden in Jehan Rictus Square.

A charming itinerary

Discover a route specially designed for lovers, through Montmartre, blending unforgettable viewpoints and little secret addresses.

The good plan 💡

Extend the walk to the vineyards of Montmartre and finish with a coffee in a typical bistro like Le Consulat or La Maison Rose.

3️⃣ Artistic stroll: Le Marais and its galleries

A trendy neighborhood rich in history, Le Marais is a clever blend of tradition and modernity. It is a place of contrasts where private mansions, trendy shops, and contemporary art galleries coexist. Strolling through Le Marais means discovering a vibrant and inspiring Paris.

Why this stroll?

With its elegant architecture and picturesque alleys, Le Marais is a true open-air museum. The atmosphere is unique, combining the Parisian art of living with cultural effervescence.

Must-see:

• Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, lined with arcades and private mansions.
• Contemporary art galleries, between Rue de Turenne and Rue Vieille du Temple.
• Carnavalet Museum, dedicated to the history of Paris.

A cultural immersion

For a more in-depth stroll, let yourself be tempted by an itinerary around Rue Montorgueil, another neighborhood where history and modernity meet.

The good plan 💡

Don't miss the secret passages of Le Marais, such as Cour Renaudot or the mysterious Impasse des Arbalétriers, which add a touch of the unusual to your walk.

4️⃣ Nature walk: The Luxembourg Garden and its surroundings

Want greenery and serenity in the heart of Paris? The Luxembourg Garden is the perfect place for a bucolic getaway. This iconic location combines classic elegance with a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a stroll alone, with family, or with a loved one.

Why this walk?

This historic garden, commissioned by Marie de Medici in the 17th century, is a true gem of the Left Bank. Its tree-lined paths, fountains, and statues make it a must-visit for nature and architecture lovers.

Must-see:

• The Medici Fountain, one of the most romantic spots in the garden.
• The Luxembourg Palace, home of the Senate, surrounded by flowerbeds.
• The iconic chairs, perfect for a reading break or contemplation.

A green bubble in the heart of Paris

For a broader exploration, combine this walk with a discovery of Parisian green spaces, like those suggested in this Paris Green route.

The good plan 💡

The garden regularly hosts outdoor exhibitions and cultural events. Be sure to check the schedule before your visit to enrich your experience.

5️⃣ Unusual walk: The Coulée Verte René-Dumont

Less known than other large Parisian spaces, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont is an old railway line transformed into a suspended walkway. It offers a unique perspective on the capital, between nature and urban architecture.

Why this walk?

Ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, this several-kilometer promenade crosses hanging gardens, green tunnels, and historic viaducts.

Must-see:

• The Viaduc des Arts, where artisan workshops are nestled.
• The green tunnels, which create a timeless atmosphere.
• The panoramas over the rooftops of Paris, accessible at several points along the walk.

A green and surprising route

For an even more immersive walk, explore the route of the Coulée Verte, a true breath of fresh air in the capital.

The good plan 💡

The Coulée Verte is perfect for a bike ride or a morning run, offering a calming setting away from cars.

6️⃣ Historical Walk: From the Louvre to the Concorde

If you love history and architecture, this walk is for you. Starting from the Louvre, you will traverse centuries of history while walking along royal gardens and iconic squares, until you reach the impressive Place de la Concorde.

Why this walk?

This route immerses you in the heart of royal and imperial Paris. Each monument, each statue tells a fragment of the capital's prestigious past.

Must-see:

• The Louvre Pyramid, a modern masterpiece contrasting with the classical architecture of the palace.
• The Tuileries Garden, a true haven of peace lined with sculptures and ponds.
• The Obelisk of the Concorde, a witness to the tumultuous history of the square where Louis XVI was guillotined.

An itinerary between art and history

If you want to enrich this walk with other historical and cultural sites, take a look at this cultural walk, which offers immersive routes in Paris.

The good plan 💡

Enjoy this walk in the late afternoon to see the sunset over the Seine from the Concorde Bridge, a spectacular view of Paris.

7️⃣ Off the Beaten Path: La Butte-aux-Cailles

Want an authentic Paris, away from the tourist hustle? La Butte-aux-Cailles, a small hilltop neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement, is a true gem. With its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and village atmosphere, it offers a picturesque and little-known stroll.

Why this walk?

Unlike the grand Haussmannian boulevards, La Butte-aux-Cailles has managed to retain an intimate and bohemian atmosphere. A true journey out of time in the heart of Paris.

Must-see:

• The street art murals, which change regularly with the urban artists.
• La Petite Alsace, a set of half-timbered houses worthy of an Alsatian decor.
• Place Paul-Verlaine, where there is a natural drinking water spring.

A world tour without leaving Paris

This atypical walk will lead you to discover unknown corners of the capital. To extend this exploration, dive into the Tour Du Monde route that takes you traveling without a passport.

The good plan 💡

La Butte-aux-Cailles is also known for its cozy little bars and typical creperies, perfect for ending the walk on a sweet note.

8️⃣ Stroll Along the Water: The Canal Saint-Martin

Away from the typical tourist paths, the Canal Saint-Martin offers a peaceful and bohemian stroll, perfect for immersing yourself in a more local Paris. With its locks, footbridges, and shaded quays, it is one of the favorite spots for Parisians to walk and relax.

Why this stroll?

This neighborhood with its unique atmosphere blends the industrial spirit of the 19th century with a trendy vibe. Between lively terraces and moored houseboats, this walk is ideal for a day out with friends or family.

Must-see:

• The canal locks, which punctuate the walk with their fascinating water games.
• The metal footbridges, perfect for a photo break with an unobstructed view of the canal.
• The trendy shops and cafés, which make the neighborhood a must-visit spot.

An itinerary full of surprises

For another unusual stroll in Paris, explore the covered passages stroll, these hidden galleries that hold many surprises.

The good plan 💡

Bring a picnic and settle down along the banks to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the canal, especially in summer.

9️⃣ Modern Walk: Paris Left Bank and the BNF

If you're curious to see a contemporary Paris where architecture blends with green spaces, head to the François Mitterrand Library and its surroundings. This neighborhood, undergoing transformation, offers a unique walking environment between innovative urban planning and nature.

Why this walk?

Unlike the historic neighborhoods of Paris, this walk immerses you in a futuristic setting where bold buildings coexist with hanging gardens and designer walkways.

Must-see:

• The Simone-de-Beauvoir Footbridge, a wooden pedestrian bridge offering a panoramic view of the Seine.
• The BNF Towers, impressive for their structure resembling open books.
• The renovated quays, perfect for a break by the water.

A contrast between nature and modernity

If you enjoy walks where vegetation intertwines with urban architecture, take a look at this unusual walk, which explores lesser-known corners of the capital.

The good plan 💡

The Seine quays in this neighborhood host numerous floating bars and restaurants where you can have a drink after the walk.

🔟 Royal Walk: From the Bastille to Vincennes

This walk, connecting the lively center of Paris to the vast green spaces of the Bois de Vincennes, is a true immersion between historical heritage and nature. By following the old railway line of the Petite Ceinture and the Coulée Verte, you will discover an unknown and soothing Paris.

Why this walk?

It is the perfect compromise between an urban stroll and a nature getaway. It allows you to admire remnants of the past while enjoying a green setting.

Must-see:

• The Opéra Bastille, the starting point of the walk and a witness to revolutionary history.
• The Coulée Verte René-Dumont, a suspended green corridor above the city.
• The Bois de Vincennes, one of the largest green spaces in Paris, ideal for a break in nature.

A journey into Parisian nature

If you are a fan of green walks, don't miss exploring this route dedicated to green spaces.

The good plan 💡

Extend your walk by visiting the Château de Vincennes, one of the few remaining fortified castles still standing in Île-de-France.