One of the best ways to explore Paris and experience its uniqueness is to walk its streets. In this article, I will show you the 15 most famous streets of Paris that I prefer because they offer a unique insight into the history and culture of the city.
First, here is a map to locate these famous streets:
15 Famous Streets in Paris
Avenue des Champs-Elysées
The Champs-Elysées is without a doubt one of the most famous streets in Paris.
Lined with stores (some luxury), cafes, and restaurants, this iconic avenue stretches for just under 2 km from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.
The Ladurée store is a must, decorated in a Marie-Antoinette style, its emblematic macaroons will delight you.
You will also be close to the Grand Palais and its exhibitions, the Palais de la Découverte and its fascinating scientific conferences, and of course the Elysée Palace, the residence of the French president.
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Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
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Known as the fashion street of Paris, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is home to some of the world’s most luxurious fashion houses, including Chanel, Hermès, and Dior.
Parallel to the Champs-Elysées and more than 2 km long, it extends the rue Saint-Honoré.
Starting from the superb Madeleine church, you can admire the private mansions of the 18th or 19th centuries, the Elysée Palace, or the Beauvau Hotel, the residence of the Minister of the Interior.
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Avenue Montaigne
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Avenue Montaigne, linking the Champs-Elysées to the Pont de l’Alma, is renowned for being one of the chicest and luxurious streets in the capital.
The great brands of haute-couture have taken up residence here, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chloé, Céline, Thierry Mugler, Saint Laurent Paris, Prada, Gucci, and more.
The view of the Eiffel Tower from the Place de l’Alma is spectacular.
🗺️ See the Google Maps itinerary
Rue de Rivoli
The Rue de Rivoli is a long street of 3.07km that crosses the heart of Paris, from the Place de la Concorde to the Place de la Bastille.
It is lined with elegant arcades, fashionable stores, and historical buildings.
The Rue de Rivoli is an escapade in itself, taking you from the vibrant streets of the Marais to the bustling Châtelet district and the Hotel de Ville, with its superb town hall.
Further on, you can walk along the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens, passing under the arcades of the luxurious buildings.
I recommend a stop for a hot drink (especially their hot chocolate, it’s a trademark) and a pastry at Angelina’s, in front of the Tuileries, for a moment of elegance and French gastronomy.
You will finally arrive at the Place de la Concorde and at the foot of the Champs-Elysées.
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Boulevard Saint-Germain
A lively and trendy street, 3.15km long, the Boulevard Saint-Germain is known for its numerous cafés, restaurants, and bookstores.
It is also home to the emblematic Café de Flore, La Brasserie Lipp, and Les Deux Magots, three of the oldest and most famous cafés in Paris.
The closest you can get to the Seine is the French National Assembly, but I particularly recommend strolling through the Odeon district, with its many cafés and stores, and its bookstores filled with old (and sometimes precious) books.
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Rue Lepic
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Rue Lepic is one of the most famous (and dynamic) streets in Montmartre.
The discovery begins on Place Blanche, where the mythical Moulin Rouge cabaret is located, and ends on Place du Tertre in the heart of Montmartre.
Along the way, the walker will discover many shops, cafés, or the famous Moulin de la Galette, the only working windmill in the neighborhood.
Day and night, the activity is ongoing. You can also visit the House of Dalida.
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Rue Saint-Antoine
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A historic street of the Marais district, the rue Saint-Antoine is lined with elegant, private mansions and charming boutiques.
It connects the Place de la Bastille to the Rue de Rivoli and also leads to the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris.
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Rue de la Paix
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Famous square of Monopoly, and connecting to Place Vendôme, the Rue de la Paix is known for its luxury jewelry stores and high-end fashion boutiques.
Very short (210m), it nevertheless gathers a number of high end jewelry houses such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Fred, or Mellerio. It also houses many luxury stores,big hotels, and grand palaces such as the Westminster Hotel and the Park Hyatt.
It’s a real pleasure to go window shopping.
Rue de la Huchette
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A popular tourist destination, Rue de la Huchette is a charming pedestrian street in the Latin District known for its many cafés, restaurants, and souvenir stores.
Small but vibrant, it is full of cafés, pubs, bars, and restaurants.
Rue de la Huchette is home to the Théâtre de la Huchette, where Eugène Ionesco’s plays La Cantatrice chauve and La Leçon have been performed continuously since 1957!
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Rue des Francs-Bourgeois
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One of the most picturesque streets in the Marais district, rue des Francs-Bourgeois is home to elegant mansions, trendy boutiques, and charming cafés.
It connects the Rue des Archives to the famous Place des Vosges.
The stroller can admire the facades of the sumptuous private mansions (Soubise, Rohan-Strasbourg, etc.), and visit the National Archives and their gardens, the Carnavalet Museum, or the Picasso Museum.
Punctuated with stores, bars, and restaurants, it is a lively street where you can also discover many signs dedicated to beauty.
I invite you to go to Voltigeur, at number 45 of the street. The quirky decor and the jazz background accompany the very warm service of Le Voltigeur.
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Rue Mouffetard
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A lively and bustling street in the Latin Quarter, Rue Mouffetard, one of the oldest in the capital, is known for its colorful market stalls, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.
Bohemian and cultural, you will soon arrive at the Place de la Contrescarpe where stopping for a coffee on the terrace in front of the fountain is a real ritual for every Parisian student.
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Avenue de l’Opéra
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From the Comédie-Française theater to the Opéra Garnier, the Avenue de l’Opéra is a large boulevard lined with elegant buildings and luxury stores.
Unique among the great avenues of Paris, this artery has no trees in order to provide the best possible perspective on the main façade of the Opera.
An ideal place for photos, I particularly appreciate the Japanese district adjoining the Avenue de l’Opéra, which is located on rue Sainte Anne. I also recommendhe Passage Choiseul, with its restaurants, mini boutiques, and concept stores.
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Rue du Cherche-Midi
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A chic street in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, Rue du Cherche-Midi is home to high-end boutiques, delicatessens, and trendy cafés.
It is also located in the footsteps of a former prison that housed two figures of the French Revolution; the Poilâne baker Abbé Grégoire, and the Count de Rochambeau..
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Rue des Rosiers
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A historic street in the Jewish district of Paris, Rue des Rosiers is known for its charcuteries, bakeries, and traditional kosher stores.
Many luxury and fashion boutiques have also set up shop here, making it an eclectic and pleasant walk.
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Rue du Bac
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1.15 kilometers long, the rue du Bac stretches from the Quai Voltaire, on the banks of the Seine, to the rue de Sèvres, crossing the boulevard Saint-Germain.
It takes its name from the old ferry built in 1550 to transport the stones used to build the Tuileries Palace.
As you walk along it, you will discover many food shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the department stores Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche and the Grande Epicerie de Paris.
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5 Secret and Enchanting Streets
Rue de l’Abreuvoir
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Located in the picturesque district of Montmartre, Rue de l’Abreuvoir is a cobblestone street lined with colorful houses, blooming flowers, and ivy-covered walls.
It takes its name from the watering troughs that were once used to water horses and cattle.
The street is so picturesque that it has been immortalized by many artists, including Vincent Van Gogh, who painted a series of works depicting the view from the hilltop.
At the end of the street is the iconic Moulin de la Galette, a windmill that has become a symbol of Montmartre’s bohemian charm.
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Rue Crémieux
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Nestled in the 12th arrondissement, near the Gare de Lyon, Rue Crémieux is a candy-colored street that looks like it came out of a storybook.
The houses are painted in pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green, and are decorated with flowers and potted plants.
The street is closed to traffic, making it a peaceful oasis in the heart of the busy city.
It’s a favorite spot for Instagrammers, but be respectful of the residents who live there and don’t make too much noise.
Passage du Grand Cerf
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If you’re a fan of vintage shopping, head to Passage du Grand Cerf, a covered arcade in the 2nd arrondissement.
The passage dates back to 1825 and is a stunning example of the glass and iron architecture that was popular in the 19th century.
It houses a variety of stores selling vintage clothing, jewelry, and antiques, as well as art galleries and craft workshops.
The vaulted ceiling and intricate ironwork make it a magical place to explore, especially on a rainy day.
Rue Saint Rustique
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In the Marais district, Rue Saint-Rustique is a narrow street full of surprises.
It is home to many specialty stores, including a store that sells only umbrellas, a store tht specializes in handmade paper, and a store that sells only tea.
The street is also lined with beautiful old buildings, some dating back to the 16th century.
At the end of the street is the hidden gem of the St. Paul-St. Louis Church, a fine example of Baroque architecture.
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Rue des Thermopyles
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Located in the 14th arrondissement, Rue des Thermopyles is a quiet street that looks like a village in the city.
The houses are low and have ivy-covered facades, and the paved sidewalk is lined with trees and gardens. It is an exclusively pedestrian street, which adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
At the end of the street is the charming Villa Santos-Dumont, a small cul-de-sac named after the Brazilian aviator who lived there.
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I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
