10 Scenic Walks in Paris for All Interests

July 21, 2024 by Mona

Whether you’re looking for ideas for walks, tourist spots to explore on foot, well-planned walking routes or simply picturesque neighborhoods that don’t feature in the guidebooks, I’ve got something to surprise even the most jaded Parisians!

In a hurry? Here are my favorite walks in a nutshell:

A must for any first visit: Classic walk of the most emblematic monuments
For a romantic, bohemian atmosphere: A romantic walk in Montmartre
Discover contemporary art and architecture: Stroll through the covered passageways

1. A Classic Tour of Iconic Landmarks

Eiffel Tower — The Eiffel Tower is the first point of departure for this top list!

Route: Eiffel Tower → Trocadéro → Champs-Élysées → Arc de Triomphe → Place de la Concorde → Jardin des Tuileries → Louvre Museum → Notre-Dame Cathedral
Areas covered: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Île de la Cité
Map:

Distance: 7 km
Walking time/tour: 3-4 hours
Theme: Main Landmarks
Highlights:
- Admire the most famous monuments in Paris
- Enjoy the gardens and historic squares
- Impressive views from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe
- Shopping and cafés along the Champs-Élysées
- The cultural and artistic wealth of the Louvre

Arc de Triomphe — The Arc de Triomphe, stage for this stroll along the Champs Elysées

2. Romantic Walk

Sacré-Coeur — Sacré-Coeur Basilica in the heart of Montmartre

Route: Montmartre (Place Saint Pierre) → Basilique du Sacré-Cœur → Place du Tertre → Rue de l’Abreuvoir → Rue des Abbesses → Mur des Je t’aime → Moulin Rouge
Neighborhoods: Montmartre
Map:

Distance: 3 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Romantic Paris
Highlights:
- Discover the bohemian charm of Montmartre
- Panoramic views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur
- Street artists and painters on Place du Tertre
- The romantic atmosphere of the Rue des Abbesses
- The history and spectacle of the Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge — If you finish your stroll in the evening, you’ll have the chance to admire the Moulin Rouge in all its splendor.

3. Cultural and Historical Walk

Panthéon — Paris’ majestic Pantheon, eternal resting place for many illustrious figures.

Route: Notre Dame de Paris → Île de la Cité → Sainte-Chapelle → Bouquinistes de la Seine Quartier Latin (rue de la Huchette) → Sorbonne → Panthéon → Jardin du Luxembourg → Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Neighborhoods: Latin Quarter, Île de la Cité, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Map:

Distance: 4 km
Walking time/tour: 3-4 hours
Theme: Historical Paris
Highlights:
- Visit places that are iconic of Paris’s intellectual history
- Explore the gardens and academic institutions
- The magnificent stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle
- The university atmosphere of the Latin Quarter
- Antiquarian booksellers along the Seine

Bouquinistes Seine — Stop for a moment at the bookshops on the banks of the Seine

4. A Walk Along the Seine

Pont Alexandre 3 — The sumptuous Pont Alexandre III links Les Invalides to the Champs-Élysées, offering a breathtaking view of the Seine and Paris’s iconic monuments.

Route: Pont Alexandre III → Grand Palais → Petit Palais → Place de la Concorde → Pont Neuf → Île de la Cité → Île Saint-Louis
Neighborhoods: Champs-Élysées, Louvre, Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis
Map:

Distance: 5 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Seine River
Highlights:
- Walk along the banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cross historic bridges and admiring the views over the city
- The sumptuous architecture of the Grand Palais and Petit Palais
- The charming atmosphere of the Seine islands
- Boat cruises available on the way

Grand Palais — The Grand Palais is a jewel of Beaux-Arts architecture, with its spectacular glass roof. Photo credits: Ștefan Jurcă via CC BY 2.0

5. A Stroll Through Medieval and Mysterious Paris

Place des Vosges — The elegant and historic Place des Vosges is the heart of the Marais and one of the most beautiful squares in Paris.

Route: Marais → Place des Vosges → Musée Carnavalet → Rue des Rosiers → Hôtel de Ville → Tour Saint-Jacques → Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
Neighbourhoods: Le Marais
Map:

Distance: 3 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Medieval Paris
Highlights:
- Explore the Marais, one of the oldest districts in Paris
- Discover the narrow streets and private mansions
- History of the Musée Carnavalet
- The Jewish Quarter and its culinary delights in the Rue des Rosiers
- Views from the Tour Saint-Jacques

Tour Saint Jacques — The majestic Gothic Tour Saint-Jacques rises in the heart of Paris as a vestige of the former Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie church.

6. Art and Architecture Walk

Centre Georges Pompidou — The Centre Pompidou, with its bold architecture and colorful structures, is home to one of the world’s leading museums of modern and contemporary art.

Route: Centre Pompidou → Place Igor Stravinsky → Rue Quincampoix → Les Halles → Palais Royal → Opéra Garnier
Neighborhoods: Beaubourg, Les Halles, Palais Royal, Opéra
Map:

Distance: 3.5 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Artsy Paris
Highlights:
- Visit the Centre Pompidou, an example of modern architecture
- Admire the historic buildings and works of art in the open air
- The Stravinsky Fountain and its colorful sculptures
- Shopping and life around Les Halles
- Guided tour of the Opéra Garnier recommended

Opéra Garnier — The Opéra Garnier, an architectural masterpiece in the neo-baroque style, fascinates with its majestic elegance and sumptuous ornamentation in the heart of Paris.

7. A Walk Through the Covered Passages

Passage des Panoramas — The Passage des Panoramas is one of the oldest covered passageways in Paris.

Route: Passage Choiseul → Galerie Vivienne → Passage des Panoramas → Passage Jouffroy → Passage Verdeau
Neighborhoods: Grands Boulevards, Palais Royal, Opéra
Map:

Distance: 2 km
Walking time/tour: 1.5-2 hours
Theme: Paris’s secret passages
Highlights:
- Explore the 19th-century covered passageways
- Enjoy the charming boutiques, cafés and bookshops
- The historic and intimate atmosphere of the passages
- Fashion and antique shops in the Galerie Vivienne
- Picturesque cafés and patisseries

Galerie Vivienne — The Galerie Vivienne, elegant and refined with its glass roof

8. A Walk Through the Bohemian and Artistic Districts

Canal Saint-Martin — Le Canal Saint-Martin, pittoresque et romantique, serpente à travers Paris avec ses écluses et passerelles, offrant une atmosphère paisible et bohème.

Route: Canal Saint-Martin → Rue Sainte-Marthe → Rue Denoyez → Belleville → Parc de Belleville
Neighborhoods: Canal Saint-Martin, Belleville
Map:

Distance: 3 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Bohemian and artistic Paris
Highlights:
- Explore the alternative and creative districts
- Street art and art galleries along the Canal Saint-Martin
- The bohemian and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Belleville
- Panoramic views of Paris from the Parc de Belleville

Rue Dénoyez — Rue Dénoyez, colorful and lively, is a veritable open-air museum with its artistic murals in the heart of the 20ᵉ arrondissement. Photo credits:

9. A Contemporary and Innovative Walk

Géode Parc de la Villette — You can admire the Géode at Parc de la Villette, with its futuristic architecture and reflective dome.

Route: Parc de la Villette → Cité des Sciences → Zénith Paris → Canal de l’Ourcq → Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Neighborhoods: La Villette, Buttes-Chaumont
Map:

Distance: 4 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Modern and innovative Paris
Highlights:
- Discover modern cultural spaces and innovative parks
- Enjoy contemporary activities and exhibitions
- Science and technology at the Cité des Sciences
- Concerts and events at the Zénith de Paris
- Breathtaking views and tranquility at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

Parc des Buttes Chaumond — The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its verdant landscapes and breathtaking views over Paris, inspires artists and painters in search of beauty and serenity.

10. A Walk Through the Chinatown District

Parc de Choisy — Parc de Choisy, a charming place to cool off. Photo credits: patrick janicek via CC BY 2.0

Route: Place d’Italie → Parc de Choisy → Avenue de Choisy → Avenue d’Ivry → Epicerie Tang Frères
Neighborhoods: Chinatown, 13th arrondissement
Map:

Distance: 2 km
Walking time/tour: 2-3 hours
Theme: Multicultural Paris
Highlights:
- Taste Asian specialities
- The lively, colorful atmosphere of the streets
- Buddhist temples and traditional decorations
- Shop at Tang Frères, the best Asian supermarket in France

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!