Discover the most beautiful routes for walking in Paris.
Paris is a city made for strolling. Every alley, every bridge, every park seems to tell a story or reveal an unexpected detail. Whether you are just passing through or a true Parisian at heart, there is always a corner to rediscover, a path to walk, a fresh perspective to bring to the City of Light.
In 2025, green spaces and pedestrian walkways are multiplying, offering another way to experience Paris: slower, more poetic, more inspiring. From hanging gardens to reinvented quays, from historic neighborhoods to unusual routes, here are the 10 most beautiful walks to take in Paris this year.
1. The Promenade Plantée: A Suspended Garden in the Heart of the City
Nestled several meters above the ground, the Promenade Plantée, also known as Coulée verte René-Dumont, is a gem of green urbanism. It stretches for 4.5 km between Bastille and the Bois de Vincennes, offering an elevated green corridor, away from the urban hustle.
What we love about it:
- The tranquility of the path, punctuated by pergolas, climbing roses, and benches conducive to contemplation.
- The diversity of landscapes: old viaducts, flower-filled tunnels, modern walkways…
- The unique views of the Parisian rooftops, quiet streets, and hidden little gardens.
It’s the perfect place for a green walk in Paris, solo, as a couple, or with family. And to extend this nature immersion, check out our complete guide to the parks and gardens of Paris, to alternate between structured walks and wild nature spots in the heart of the city.
Tips Come To Paris: start your walk near the Opéra Bastille and finish it in the Bois de Vincennes — an ideal combo of city and nature.
2. The Marais District: Between History and Modernity
The Marais, located in the heart of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is a true open-air museum. This historic district has managed to preserve its old-world charm while embracing modernity.
What to discover there:
- Place des Vosges: an architectural gem of the 17th century, surrounded by symmetrical red brick pavilions.
- The private mansions: testimonies of Parisian aristocracy, such as the Hôtel de Sully or the Hôtel de Soubise.
- Rue des Rosiers: the heart of the Jewish quarter, renowned for its culinary delights and lively atmosphere.
- The museums: such as the Carnavalet Museum or the Picasso Museum, which enrich the cultural stroll.
Wandering through the Marais is like traveling through the centuries, between cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and trendy shops. For an even more immersive experience, explore our selection of cultural walks around Mouffetard, which offer a different perspective on Parisian heritage.
Tips Come To Paris: Don't miss the secret garden of the National Archives, an unknown haven of peace in the heart of urban turmoil.
3. The Banks of the Seine: A Stroll Along the Water
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the banks of the Seine offer one of the most beautiful urban walks in the world. Between monumental heritage and river tranquility, wandering along the river is a way to rediscover Paris in all its splendor.
Things to see and experience:
- A walk from the Alexandre III Bridge to Notre-Dame, passing by the Louvre and the Conciergerie.
- The booksellers and their green boxes, perfect for finding an old book or a retro print.
- Houseboats transformed into cafes, clubs, bookstores, or theater stages.
Whether on foot, by bike, or on a scooter, the banks are pedestrian-friendly and lively, dotted with relaxation areas, playgrounds, and unforgettable views of the bridges of Paris. And if you feel like turning your stroll into a sensory experience, why not conclude with a wine tasting in Paris? An elegant way to toast to the beauty of the place.
Tips Come To Paris: Take your walk at sunset — the reflections on the Seine are absolutely magical, worthy of an impressionist painting.
Museums & walks in Paris: walk through history, marvel at every step
Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
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The Museum - Cheese Museum
The Museum of Illusion Paris
4. Montmartre: Art and Bohemia
Montmartre is a village in the city, a movie set, a place filled with history, poetry, and inspiration. Perched on its hill, this mythical neighborhood combines steep alleys, urban vineyards, outdoor artists, and breathtaking viewpoints.
What not to miss:
- The Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur, majestic and bright, overlooking Paris.
- The Place du Tertre, lively with caricaturists and picturesque terraces.
- The Montmartre Vineyard, a well-kept secret with a provincial feel.
- The Steps of Rue Foyatier, iconic for a photo (and cardio) break.
Walking in Montmartre is like walking in the footsteps of Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Dalida, or Amélie Poulain. For a complete immersion, follow a romantic tour in Montmartre through the most intimate and charming places in the neighborhood.
Tips Come To Paris: prefer walks early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy the calm and the golden light on the pastel facades.
5. The Tuileries Garden: A Haven of Peace in the Heart of the City
Between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is one of the oldest and most elegant gardens in Paris. Created by Catherine de' Medici in the 16th century and redesigned by Le Nôtre, it is now an essential place for strolling, blending nature, art, and history.
Why People Stroll Here:
- To admire its tree-lined paths, peaceful ponds, and grand perspectives.
- To enjoy a moment of calm in the midst of Parisian hustle and bustle.
- To settle on the famous green iron chairs around the pond and watch life go by.
The garden is also dotted with art galleries, such as the Orangerie Museum, which houses Monet's famous Water Lilies. A walk here is as much a breath of fresh air as it is an immersion in French elegance.
To better prepare for your visit and understand the secrets of this iconic place, discover our guide to the Tuileries Garden in Paris and let yourself be guided among fountains, sculptures, and century-old trees.
Tips Come To Paris: visit the garden at the end of the day, when the golden light caresses the statues — magical atmosphere guaranteed.
Walk through history: explore the iconic monuments of Paris
Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris
The Palace of Versailles
Visit the Conciergerie of Paris
Hotel of the Navy
Château de Vincennes
6. The Latin Quarter: In the Footsteps of Scholars
The cradle of Parisian intellect, the Latin Quarter is a must-visit for history, literature, and student life enthusiasts. Located on the left bank of the Seine, this iconic neighborhood blends ancient charm, lively streets, and prestigious institutions.
Not to be missed:
- The Sorbonne, the heart of French thought since the Middle Ages.
- The Panthéon, a majestic mausoleum where the great names of the Republic rest.
- Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest streets in Paris, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and markets.
Strolling through the Latin Quarter is to walk in the footsteps of Rabelais, Sartre, or Simone de Beauvoir. Literary cafés, antique bookstores, and flower-filled squares invite you to slow down, reflect, and savor.
And to extend this intellectual and bohemian stroll, let yourself be guided by a cultural walk around Mouffetard, filled with historical anecdotes and hidden treasures.
Tips Come To Paris: end the walk in the nearby Luxembourg Gardens for a bucolic touch after the urban hustle.
7. The Canal Saint-Martin: Romantic and Trendy Atmosphere
With its iron footbridges, century-old plane trees, and lively locks, the Canal Saint-Martin is one of the most photogenic spots in Paris. This urban stroll, between République and the Parc de la Villette, blends old-world charm with creative energy.
Why it’s a perfect spot to wander:
- To watch houseboats glide slowly under the turning bridges.
- To take a break by the water, coffee in hand, with friends or solo.
- To discover trendy spots: thrift stores, galleries, indie bookstores, and artsy bistros.
The canal is also a significant location in Parisian cinema: immortalized in Amélie Poulain, it retains its bohemian soul while evolving with the times. For an even deeper immersion into this unique atmosphere, dive into the soul of the neighborhood with our Montmartre guide, equally poetic and inspiring.
Tips Come To Paris: in autumn, the golden leaves of the trees reflected in the water give the canal a postcard-like feel — camera required.
8. Buttes-Chaumont Park: Nature and Breathtaking Panoramas
With its cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and the famous Temple of the Sibyl perched on a rocky promontory, Buttes-Chaumont Park is undoubtedly the most spectacular of Parisian parks. Nestled in the 19th arrondissement, it offers a nature escape just steps away from the urban hustle.
Why we love it:
- For its stunning views of Paris, especially from the belvedere.
- For its vast lawns ideal for a picnic or an outdoor nap.
- For its hilly and theatrical atmosphere, quite different from French formal gardens.
Among morning joggers, weekend families, and contemplative walkers, the park attracts a diverse crowd, all united by the need for nature. If you enjoyed this green getaway, extend the experience with a walk along the Coulée Verte in Paris, another green oasis in the heart of the city.
Tips Come To Paris: climb to the temple just before sunset — the light is incredibly soft, and the view… simply magical.
9. The Covered Passages: A Journey Through Time
Want a secret, cozy, timeless Paris? Head to the covered passages, these discreet and elegant galleries from the 19th century, nestled between the grand boulevards and historic neighborhoods. They are architectural treasures, perfect for a stroll sheltered from the elements... and the noise.
What you can discover there:
- The Passage des Panoramas and its Belle Époque storefronts.
- The Galerie Vivienne, refined and bright, lined with bookstores, tea rooms, and designer boutiques.
- The Passage Jouffroy, with its retro atmosphere and the Grévin museum just steps away.
These galleries are a dream for lovers of rare objects, beautiful books, and forgotten architectural details. Every corner seems to whisper a story from another century. To stay in the spirit of elegance and the art of living, why not conclude this walk with a wine tasting in Paris? Because the charm of the capital is also about taste.
Tips Come To Paris: visit the passages on weekdays, late in the morning — fewer people, ideal light, and the pleasure of having Paris (almost) to yourself.
10. The Green Walk: A Green Parenthesis in the Heart of the City
The Coulée Verte René-Dumont, also known as the Promenade Plantée, is a true ribbon of greenery suspended in the air, running through the eastern part of Paris at rooftop level. It starts near the Opéra Bastille and stretches to the Bois de Vincennes, along a rehabilitated former railway line.
What Makes It Charming:
- A tree-lined path of 4.5 km, punctuated by footbridges, flower-filled tunnels, and secret nooks.
- A surprising biodiversity for an urban space: birds, rose bushes, climbing plants, and flowering trees.
- A calm and elevated walk, perfect for escaping without leaving the city.
The Coulée Verte is an ideal playground for walkers, joggers, dreamers… and anyone who wants to gain a little height over Paris. To prepare for your stroll or discover variations, explore our dedicated page on the Coulée Verte in Paris, a true green lung in the heart of eastern Paris.
Tips Come To Paris: in spring, the path becomes an explosion of colors — perfect for a photo walk or a moment of reading perched among the foliage.
Conclusion: Paris on foot, the art of strolling in 2025
Paris is not just visited, it is traversed, it is experienced at the rhythm of footsteps. Whether it's a romantic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, a green escape on the Coulée Verte, or a historical immersion in the streets of the Marais, each walk reveals a new face of the capital.
In 2025, the city continues to reinvent itself to offer even more spaces for relaxation, contemplation, and wonder. These routes are much more than simple journeys: they are sensitive travels in the open air, between nature, culture, and urban poetry.
So put on your most comfortable shoes, load your favorite playlist... and let Paris guide you.