paris walking tour guide

Walking in Paris — 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

The quaint cobblestone streets, winding alleys and Haussman buildings — the ones with the stone facades and wrought iron railings — that you picture when you think of a Paris postcard are all very much real. Walking through Paris is definitely the best way to explore those scenes.

While Paris is incredibly walkable,  it’s also quite big. To help narrow the scope, we’ve put put together a few walking routes that will guide you through some of the best parts of Paris. In this guide, we’ll explore Paris on foot with the help of five detailed maps.

These walking routes are designed with first-time visitors it mind. They offer a self-guided walking tour through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods, most popular tourist attractions and most charming streets in Paris.

Wander … but within reason

The French have a term — Flâner — which means to wander aimlessly through a city. There’s no similar word in English, and I would argue that’s because we’re bad at it. And by “we,” I guess I mean Americans.

I recently moved to New York and there is no wandering here. Even in Central Park, everyone has somewhere to be. And they’re not just trying to get there , they’re usually working out the next five places they need to be, too.

Neither is inherently better. Simply a difference in speed and lifestyles from two sides of the pond.

But what happens when a New Yorker goes to Paris and all the tips say to wander aimlessly but their Type A brain simply cannot do that? What about the people who want to wander, but within reason?

Enter this post. We’re here for the people who need a little direction more than “Just explore!”

On these maps, we’ve plotted the city’s top attractions, noted some of the most beautiful streets and flagged our favorite stops along the way. But from there, you can amble through nearby alleys, pop into hidden cafes and discover your own favorite spots to really make the journey your own.

We’ve drawn the box but you can color inside and outside the lines however you choose.

Paris walking routes explored in this post

• Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts — A must-do for first time visitors
• Latin Quarter & the isles — A balance of city energy and quiet streets
• Le Marais — A trendy neighborhood in a historic setting
• Montmartre — A beloved and beautiful art district on a hill with great views
• Eiffel Tower & the Seine — A charming walk through a Paris postcard

Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts Walking Guide

This is my favorite way to start a trip to Paris. Whether this is your first time in Paris or you’re a repeat visitor, this walk is a great way see many of Paris’ iconic sights in one long stretch. It features the city’s most famous boulevard, a beautiful park, iconic views and shopping galore.

This walking route in full is about 3 miles. If you were walking straight through, it would take about an hour. We don’t recommend that, though. There are so many things you can see and do along this walk that you could easily fill an entire day if you wanted.

Arc de Triomphe

Champs-élysées.

• Tuileries Gardens
• Pont de Arts

A few quick tips for using this map.

• To view the map in Google Maps, click the expand icon on the top right corner.
• Click the star icon to save the map to your Google account for later.
• To access the map next time, open Google Maps > click the Saved tab > click Maps.

Tips for this walk

• Don’t start too early. Most of the stores at the start of this walk don’t open until 10 or 11 AM. Take some time to enjoy breakfast and coffee before you head out for the day.
• Book tickets in advance. If you want to visit the top of the Arc de Triomphe or go inside the Louvre , it’s best to book a timed ticket in advance. Popular dates and times can book up days in advance.
• The Louvre deserves an entire day . That said, if you’d like to go inside the Louvre we’d recommend doing it on a different day and arrive when they open if possible. It’s a huge museum and it gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon. On this walk, we recommend just stopping by the pyramid and maybe the shops below.
• Eat along the way. There are plenty of cafes and street food vendors along this route. I don’t specifically call out many throughout this post because there are options everywhere. I’d personally recommend picking up small bites everytime you pass something yummy, like a crepe from a street vendor in Champs-Élysées Gardens, an appetizer at a bar off Saint-Honoré and ice cream in Tuileries Garden.

The view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Self-guided walk from Arc de Triomphe to Pont de Arts

This walk begins at Arc de Triomphe. The best way to get there will usually be by train, but it may vary based on your exact hotel location. The nearest Metro strops are Kléber station which serves the 6 train and  George V or Argentine which serves the 1 train.

Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of a busy traffic circle. Do not attempt to walk to the monument from street level. There is a pedestrian tunnel with access points (marked in yellow below) on Champs-Élysées and Grande Armée streets that will lead you to the base of the Arc de Triomphe. This is where the entrance to the monument is located, but you can also visit the base at street level for free.

You can go inside and to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Timed entry tickets are required and cost €13 for adults. Everyone under 18 is free. The views from the top are incredible and it’s a great alternative to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower .

Even if you aren’t going inside the moment, it’s still worth seeing it from the street. The best views are on Champs-Élysées, which is convenient because that’s where we’re heading next.

One of the most famous, most filmed and most beautiful streets in Paris is Champs-Élysées. It’s akin to Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Oxford Street in London and Fifth Avenue in New York.

The street is lined with trees, which are stunning all the time but even more so in autumn and Christmastime. There’s tons of shops and stores, ranging from Zara to Louis Vuitton. Whether you’re shopping or window shopping, you are likely to be dazzled along the way.

Some of my favorite shops along Champs-Élysées are:

• Disney Store: They have always have a line up of Paris-specific Disney merchandise and lots of toys that kids will love to look at (and ask for).
• Galeries Lafayette: This is a great indoor mall to warm up in the winter or cool off in the summer.
• Nike House of Innovation: This store is a fusion of Nike Store and science museum. It’s a fun stop for the athlete and/or toddlers in your family.
• Ladurée : This pastry shop is famous for their macarons. They have many locations all over Paris (and the world). This location has a full sit-down restaurant (reservations recommended), but they also have a separate line to get treats to go.

Champs-Élysées Gardens

At the south-east end of Champs-Élysées, the shops give way to a garden. It’s lovely to walk thought, but it’s not the best for siting and staying awhile. (We’ve got an even more beautiful garden coming up in a bit.)

There are several theaters throughout the gardens. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (museums) and Élysée Palace (official residence of the French president).

At the end of the garden you’ll run into Place de la Concorde. The plaza is basically a really busy traffic intersection with an Egyptian obelisk in the center. My recommendation? Skip it. Instead, turn left on Rue Royale and walk a block to Rue Saint-Honoré.

Rue Saint-Honoré

This street is your high-end fashion street. Designer brands like Hermès, Versace, Fendi and Christian Louboutin all have storefronts on Rue Saint-Honoré between Avenue de Marigny and where the street ends near the Louvre.

Even if $1,500 shoes are out of your budget, the window shopping alone is worth even a short stroll down this street. Plus, like I said, a detour down this street is better than crossing the traffic puzzle at Place de la Concorde.

If you’re looking to wander, this is a good area to do it. There are lots of side streets in this area that lead to unique shops, fancy hotels and swanky cafes and bars.

One of the most famous stops around here is Angelina, which is famous for their decadent hot chocolate. It’s a high-end, sit-down restaurant though, so dress accordingly. Because it’s so famous, reservations are recommend because they get very crowded. (Be sure to book early, too. They book up well over a month in advance.)

There’s also several places for fancy cocktails in cozy, immaculately decorated bars. Some of the most popular picks in the area are Bar Hemingway (inside the Ritz Paris), Bar 8 (inside the Mandarin Oriental) and Harry’s New York.

I buy designer things so infrequently that I take photos marking it as a life event

Tuileries Garden

After some shopping and maybe some light day-drinking, cut back to Tuileries Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris. If you were looking for a green space to relax, maybe have a picnic or let the kids play for a bit, this is the spot. (By the way, if you’re visiting Paris with kids be sure to check out this post for all our best tips.)

You don’t have to walk down every pathway in the park, but try a few different ones! You’ll find outdoor cafes, several ponds and fountains, and interesting sculptures. The grounds are immaculately landscaped with beautiful trees, flowers and bushes which really shine in the spring and fall. There’s also a great playground, which the kids will love.

At the southeastern end of the garden, you’ll run into what looks like the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t worry. You didn’t find a wormhole and travel back two miles to where you started your day. This is a second and slightly smaller monument called Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, and it was designed at the same time as the Arc de Triomphe.

Louvre Museum

Just beyond Tuileries Gardens is the world famous Louvre art museum. The iconic glass pyramid is in an open plaza above the entrance to the museum. The plaza is a popular place for photos, souvenir shopping from street vendors, and just general relaxing with a view.

Below the plaza is Carrousel du Louvre, which is an indoor shopping mall with a food court. To get down there, look for one of the stairways around the edge of the plaza. A lot of people don’t know is that there’s also an inverted glass pyramid below ground, and this is where you’ll find it. Pretty cool!

Now, if you’re planning to visit the museum, you could certainly do that in the afternoon after making this walk. Alternatively, you could flip this walk and start at the Louvre and do the rest in reverse order. However, we don’t think it’s worth trying to smoosh the Louvre into an otherwise busy day.

The Louvre is gigantic and it’s hard to see everything even with a full day. If you want to go inside, we recommend getting the earliest entry time you can and spending a relaxing, long day there.

Pont des Arts

Exit the Louvre and head towards the Seine. Look for the Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge. It’s between Pont du Carrousel (a car traffic bridge) and Île de la Cité (an island in the middle of the river).

The bridge offers excellent views all around. You can see the Eiffel Tower in one direction and Pont Neuf on the either. There are benches along the way to relax after a long day.

If you’re heading home after Pont des Arts, the nearest Metro stop is Pont Neuf, which serves the 7 train.

View of Pont Neuf from Pont des Arts

Continue your Journey

• Peruse used books and art prints at the bouquinistes, the iconic green box stalls along the Seine
• Enjoy a meal or a coffee at a classic cafe in Saint Germain, maybe Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
• Start your next walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

Latin Quarter & the isles Walking Tour

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, dating back more than 2,000 years. It has winding streets and tiny alleys that are filled with lively cafes, very old buildings and bookshops galore. It’s a mesh of tourist traps and authentic history, dotted with museums and gardens for good measure. The district is home to Sorbonne University, and the student population keeps the area young.

The isles refer to Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis, which are literal islands in the middle of the Siene. They comprise quaint shopping streets, famous churches and maybe the best ice cream in Paris. It’s a bit quieter than the banks on either side, but they’re delightful neighborhoods for a stroll.

This walk isn’t short and clocks in at just under 4 miles. But with breaks for meals and coffee along the way, it actually fills a day quite nicely.

• Shakespeare & Company

Île Saint-Louis

Rue Mouffetard

Luxembourg Gardens

As a reminder, here are some quick tips for using this map.

• Plan this walk on a Saturday . In order to feel the energy of this area, you want to visit when it’s got some life to it and that’s typically the weekend. The Rue Mouffetard market closes on Sunday afternoon, which is why we suggest Saturday specifically. Do note that many places are closed on Mondays.
• Bring cash (Euros) . Most restaurants and cafes in this area will take credit cards, but most street vendors don’t. Cash will be helpful for other odds and end purchases too, like renting a tiny sail boat to float around the pond in Luxembourg Gardens.
• The gardens are best in the summer. During the summer months, the gardens in Paris are alive . Not only are they the most beautiful during that time, but they’re also a social hub for tourists and locals alike. In the later fall and winter months, they can feel quite desolate.
• If you have little ones, split this walk over two days. This is a long walk and will wipe out most adults. I originally planned this walk with our toddler, but they totally crashed half way through. If you’re co-travellers have little legs, make this one a two-day journey.
• Skip Jardin des Plantes if you have to. If this walk is too long or you’re short on time and have to cut something, cut Jardin des Plantes. It’s out of the way and not a must see, so it’s a good way to shorten this day up a bit. That might mean skipping Rue Mouffetard, too.

Self-guided walk through Latin Quarter & the isles

This walk begins at at Pont Neuf, which is a famous bridge that passes through Île de la Cité. Ideally you would take the 7 train and get off at Pont Neuf. However, depending on where you’re staying, you could also take the 4 or 10 trains to Odéon. From there you could walk back to Pont Neuf or just skip the bridge and head straight to Fontaine Saint-Michel.

If you walked across Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge as part of the previous walking route, you’ll have already gotten a great view of Pont Neuf.

This stone bridge was first opened for use in 1604 and is the oldest bridge over the Seine that’s still in use today. There are 381 stone masks, or mascarons, carved into the bridge which represent mythical divinities. There’s also a large statue of Henry IV where the bridge crosses Île de la Cité.

After crossing the bridge to the Left Bank, walk along the south side of the Seine. Peek at the many bouquinistes, which are the little shop stalls in the green boxes. They sell art prints, books, little souvenirs and other odds and ends. It’s hard to believe something so cute and notoriously French actually exists in real life.

Fontaine Saint-Michel

In a couple blocks you’ll come to a second bridge, Pont Saint-Michel. Turn right (away from the Seine) and you’ll run into Fontaine Saint-Michele.

This is a stone fountain in a square, which was constructed in 1860. The square around it is often bustling with tourists passing through. There’s not much seating, so people will sit along the base of the fountain itself. You can usually see a street musician or dance troupe performing in front of it.

You don’t need to stay long here, but it’s a great entry point to the Latin Quarter.

Rue de la Huchette

Just across Boulevard Saint-Michele from the fountain is Rue de la Huchette. This two block street is one of the oldest in Paris. It’s famous for having the highest concentration of restaurants in the city — none of them particularly good.

The tiny pedestrian street is cramped with souvenir shops, pubs and creperies. Lining the street are many old buildings with their own stories to tell. One dates back to the 1600s. Another is said to have been a residence of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The street is very touristy, but that’s okay! Most people reading this are tourists and you shouldn’t feel bad about doing popular things. Get a Nutella crepe and let yourself go.

While you’re in this area, it’s a good time explore some of the side streets. I’d recommend popping south a few blocks to the The Abbey Bookshop.

Shakespeare and Company

Just past the end of Rue de la Huchette is Shakespeare and Company. The bookstore opened in 1951 and quickly became a literary beacon for English writers in Paris. Today, there’s often a line out the door to get into the cramped bookshop.

Fun story. The owner, inspired by his own experience with the kindness of strangers, always allowed creatives to sleep for free in the book shop. The invitation was open to writers, artists and other intellectuals, and there were three rules. Each guest had to read a book a day, help the shopkeep for a couple hours, and write a one-page autobiography. Today, thousands of biographies have been collected and archived in the shop.

You should actually read the history of the founder and the bookshop, which is told much more eloquently here .

Attached to the bookstore is a cafe by the same name. I can’t come to Paris and not stop here for a cappuccino and this Paris institution.

Right across the river from Shakespeare & Company is Notre Dame cathedral.

I have been to almost 50 countries and have visited houses of worship in all of them. Nothing hit me quite like walking into Notre Dame on my first visit in 2017. I know that’s probably the most cliche favorite church to have, but it’s mine.

Unfortunately, the inside of Notre Dame is still closed after a fire in 2019 burned much of the cathedral. You can still access the courtyard in front of it and see the church and the famous gargoyles from the outside.

Pass around the back of Notre Dame and cross over Pont Saint-Louis onto Île Saint-Louis. Step onto the island and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time and maybe teleported to a small French village. It’s quaint and quiet, but don’t read that as boring. There are darling boutiques, amazing restaurants and somehow less crowds than the rest of Paris.

Focus your attention on Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, the main street that runs through the heart of the island. In a few blocks you’ll hit Berthillon ice cream shop. People argue it’s the best ice cream in all of Paris. The shop’s been around and run by the same family since the 1950s. I must confess, we haven’t actually tried it! The timing just didn’t work out for us, but it’s on our bucket list for sure.

When you’re done exploring the island, cross back to the Left Bank via Pont de la Tournelle or Pont de Sully.

Tino Rossi Garden & Jardin des Plantes

Now it’s time to relax with a bit of nature. The next part of this walk starts at Tino Rossi Garden. It’s a wonderful transition from the bustle of the city to the serenity of Jardin des Plantes.

Jardin des Plantes is a huge botanical garden. About half the garden space is a ticked zoo, which costs €10-13 per person. For the sake of time during this busy day though, we’d suggest skipping the zoo. Instead, follow the paths that cuts straight through the southern portion of the gardens.

Now we’re back to shopping and eating. After Jardin des Plantes, head toward Square Saint-Médard. There are a few ways to get there and any will work. This square has an open air market which is open most days except Sunday afternoon and Monday.

After the market, head north on Rue Mouffetard. The street is so charming and beautiful, from the shops to the buildings themselves. It’s another one of the oldest streets in Paris and its said to have been the main inspiration for Victor Hugo when he wrote Les Miserables.

When Rue Mouffetard hits Rue Clovis, turn left and head to Luxembourg Gardens. Be sure to take note of the Pantheon as you pass by. This is also a popular attraction to visit, but this long walk doesn’t leave time to go inside.

Luxembourg Gardens is my favorite park in all of Paris. In the summer, the flowers are stunning, while in the fall the changing leaves steal the show. Take some time wandering through the gardens, but be sure to take some time to sit near the pond in front of Luxembourg Palace.

In the summer, there’s a small stand near the pond where you can rent wooden boats to sail on the pond in the summer. Theres a great story about the boats, which you can read here .

• Visit the observation deck at Montparnasse Tower and enjoy a cocktail on the roof with views of the entire city at sunset
• Continuing your shopping spree on Boulevard Saint-Germain
• Get a glass of wine at a charming local bar like Chez Georges or Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
• Start your next walk through Le Marais

Le Marais Walking Guide

The Marais has so much personality. It’s historic but trendy. Religious but LGBT friendly. Urban but quaint.

My desire to explore Le Marais is what inspired me to write this entire post. Everything I read about the neighborhood said “just go and walk around” or “it’s a great place to get lost.” I do not do well with these types of directions. I always end up on the wrong streets and wasting time in places that honestly aren’t that great.

So if you also want to explore Le Marais, but want to know just where to explore, I’ve got you covered. This route passes through some of the main shopping streets, landmarks and squares in the heart of Le Marais. With some basic landmarks flagged, you’ll feel empowered to take a few extra turns along the way as you Flâner .

Saint-Jacques Tower

Rue de rivoli, place des vosges, jewish quarter, marché des enfants rouges, square du temple.

• Get coffee first. Not far from start of this walk is Motors Coffee. It’s a great coffee shop with killer banana Nutella bread. Start here.
• Start in the afternoon . This neighborhood is slow to wake up. Come in the afternoon for the best energy. It’s also a good place to be in the evening, as there’s a wide array of bars and restaurants.
• Consider a guided tour . There’s a lot of really deep and interesting history in Le Marais. If you’re into that sort of thing, there are several free walking tours through the area, like this one .
• Wander within reason . I’ve noted the high streets and notable sights on this map, but I’ve also noted a larger general area that represents the heart of Le Marais. If you have time and interest, wandering down any of these streets will serve you well.

Self-guided walk through Le Marais

This walking tour begins at Saint-Jacques Tower. To get there by train, take the 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 trains to Châtelet station.

The tower you see today is all that remains of a 16th century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution. For €12, you can climb 300 steps to the top of the tower. It’s usually not too crowded. The tower is only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM – 6 PM.

Even if you don’t go inside, the tower is beautiful to look at and surrounded by a lovely and quaint garden. There’s a small playground on one side for children, too.

Continue east down Rue de Rivoli. This is a one of the mail thoroughfares that cut through Le Marais and it’s lined with lots of big-box and thrift stores and also restaurants. There are lots of cool buildings along the way, including one you literally can’t miss, Hôtel de Ville. This massive building primarily serves as a government building, but they do occasionally have public exhibitions and guided tours.

Consider a detour off this main street to see Saint-Gervais church, Rue des Barres or Mémorial de la Shoah holocaust memorial. There are cute boutiques and some really interesting, really old buildings in this area.

Try to make it back to Rue de Rivoli by Saint Paul Station. If you have little ones, there’s a small carousel ride that might quickly become their favorite thing about their Paris trip.

Next up is the main square in Les Marais, Place des Vosges. It’s a perfectly square park that even has square trees! It’s a popular square that’s great people watching and relaxing.

Many reviews I read said that Place des Vosges was too crowded and to seek out less popular squares like Place Sainte-Catherine. I disagree. I think the energy at Place des Vosges is why you should go there.

Exit the park onto Rue des Francs Bourgeois, which another main shopping street. This one is features more high end designers and boutiques like Maje and Ted Baker.

Turn left onto Rue Pavée and then right on Rue des Rosiers and you’ll have found the soul of the Jewish Quarter. This short street is filled with jewish restaurants, bookshops and synagogues. There is so much history in this area if you know where to look. I’d highly recommend this article which talks about the history in much more depth.

If you’re hungry, this is a good place to pick up some falafel. L’As du Fallafel is the most popular pick.

Rue Vieille du Temple

Rue des Rosiers and the Jewish quarter ends at Rue Vieille du Temple. This is another photogenic shopping street with high-end boutiques and charming cafes.

Some of the cutest portions of this street are actually to the left between the Jewish Quarter and Rue de Rivoli. If you have time, walk a few blocks out of your way through that section. Alternatively, you can just turn right and head north right off the bat for an abridged version of this street.

When you run into a large 6-way interchange, turn left onto Rue de Bretagne. This street will lead you to Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest food market in Paris.

This market has vendors selling fresh produce and meats, but also full restaurants with bar and table service. It’s a popular place to get a meal in a unique setting.

Personally, this market didn’t do it for me. It was smaller than I expected (much smaller than Borough Market , which is what I was picturing) and nothing really stood out to me to try (granted, I’m a vegetarian). Instead of waiting for a table at the cramped restaurants, we walked a bit up the road and got pizza at a cafe. (Also uninspired, I know, but at least we were comfortable.)

Round out your time in Le Marais with a visit to Square du Temple. It’s a beautiful garden with a memorial to Elie Wlesel, playground and pond.

We actually had to cut our day a little short and didn’t make it all the way here, but I’d prioritize it next time.

• Visit a museum such as the National Archives Museum, Picasso Museum or the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism.
• Get cocktails! This area is known for it’s nightlife, but even an early drink in the area is fun. Try Candelaria (speakeasy) or read this list for best bars in the area.
• Head over La Coulée Verte Paris, an elevated garden on an old train line (similar in concept to the High Line in New York City)
• Start your next walk through Montmartre

Montmartre Walking Guide

Montmartre is often people’s favorite place in Paris and with good reason. It has winding cobble stone streets, artists painting portraits, views over most of Paris, and it’s literally topped off with a breathtaking basilica.

This is another area that can get a bad rap for being “too touristy,” but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. This walking route will guide you through the main areas of the neighborhood, which yes, includes the tourist attractions along the way.

Montmartre isn’t just about the attractions, though. The best way to enjoy the area is simply to spend time there. By that I mean sit on the steps for awhile. Plan to get a meal at a street-side cafe. Go into the shops and stores. If you’re just checking off sights, the neighborhood will just pass you by.

For that reason, this walk is much shorter in distance than the first three. It’s just over a mile. The neighborhood isn’t that big, so even if you wander off the path, which is encouraged, you still won’t be covering too much distance. This walk can be covered in about half a day.

Montmartre Funicular

Sacré-cœur, place du tertre, rue de l’abreuvoir, le bateau-lavoir, moulin rouge.

• Dine at a charming cafe. Montmartre is dripping with Instagrammable cafes. Le Consulat, La Maison Rose, La Taverne de Montmartre and Le Potager are all highly rated and beautiful restaurants in the area.
• Take a mini Picasso tour . The renowned painter Pueblo Picasso lived and painted in Montmartre for many years. You can see his house, studio and favorite spots in the neighborhood. Here’s a great guide that details the history and exact locations of all things Picasso in Montmartre.
• Come during different times on different trips . During your first trip to Paris, I’d suggest visiting in the early afternoon when it’s the most busy, but then try different times during subsequent visits. Come in the evening and watch the sunset from the steps of Square Louise Michel. If you want to get a portrait, come around 11 when they set up for the best pick of artists.
• Plan your route wisely. If you look at Google maps, it’s easy to feel like you can move around the district pretty quickly. Be warned! The neighborhood of Montmartre has a huge hill in the middle, which is what Sacré-Cœur sits atop. I’d suggest taking the funicular up, seeing everything at the top at once, then working your way down as you explore the rest of the neighborhood.

Self-guided walk through Montmartre

This route begins in the center of the Montmartre neighborhood at the Abbesses subway station, which serves the 12 train. Alternatively, you could take the 2 train to Pigalle station and walk up Rue des Martyrs to Rue Yvonne le Tac.

Walk along Rue Yvonne le Tac and then Rue Tardieu till you reach the base of Square Louise Michel. Just about everyone will be making the same walk between Abbesses and the square, so the street is always lively.

A funicular is a type of cable-based train that is usually used on very steep hills, and Montmartre has one. There are several different stair cases that lead up the hill, including the notable steps up Square Louise Michel, but the funicular is the easiest way to get to the top.

The base of the Montmartre funicular is located here in the southwest corner of Square Louise Michel. You can use a Paris Metro travel card or single ride ticket to ride the funicular. There is a ticket kiosk near the entrance to the funicular where you can purchase a ticket if you don’t already have one. You cannot tap to pay with a credit card on Paris Metro transportation, including the funicular.

It’s a short trip to the top and a car departs every few minutes. The funicular just makes one stop, which is at the top of the hill here . When you exit, turn right and you’re just steps away from Sacré-Cœur.

Sacré-Cœur is the basilica at the top of Montmartre. The church was consecrated in 1919. It was initially proposed as a way for France to seek religious redemption for kidnapping the pope under Napoleon. (You can read about that wild story here .)

Sacré-Cœur is free to enter and is open daily from 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Inside there are several statues, stained glass windows, and an immaculate pipe organ built by the same person who built the organ for Notre Dame. The organ is played on Sundays during mass and evening prayer at 4PM. For a small fee — for which they accept credit cards or cash — you can light a prayer candle inside the church.

You can also go to the top of the dome at Sacré-Cœur. The dome is open everyday from 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM and costs €7 for adults. There is no elevator to the top, so you’ll need to be able to climb 300 steps. I’ve never actually been to the top of the dome because the views from the ground are so good.

Square Louise Michel

The basilica sits at the top of Square Louise Michel. Before you continue with this walk, take a short break on the steps here and enjoy the view.

The square is lined with steps which are always filled with people enjoying the sweeping views of Paris. There’s often street performers and hawkers selling beers right from the cardboard case. The cops will always come and shut them down, but they always come right back. It’s a fun dance.

This is one of my favorite views in Paris. It’s also a great place to see the sun set if you’re here in the evening.

Pass the church and make your way to Place du Tertre. The small streets along the way have lots of souvenir shops, food vendors like creperies and ice cream shops, and a couple small art galleries. I’d suggest walking, but there’s also a cute little train that you can take.

Place du Tertre has capitalized on the artsy past of this neighborhood. Today it’s filled with artist painting portraits and selling their work. The outside of the square is all open-air cafes filled with people sipping wine and people watching.

If you’re looking to get a portrait drawn, come around 11 when they’re setting up. The best artists can get lines quickly. If you’re just coming to observe, come in the afternoon when it’s the most crowded.

Leave (some of) the crowds behind and make your way down to Rue de l’Abreuvoir. This means taking a steep walk down the hill on Rue des Saules until you see the unmissable pink and green La Maison Rose restaurant.

If you go straight past it, you’ll actually see Clos Montmartre. It’s the oldest operating vineyard in Paris; not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a city. It is not typically open to the public (minus a few special tours throughout the year), but you can see the vines from the street.

Back at our pink restaurant, though, turn onto Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

This street is beautiful. There are stone walls dripping with ivy, charming Parisian buildings and cobblestone sidewalks. It’s a delightful stroll and photographer’s dream. It’s a short street and it ends at the statue of the boobs (aka Buste de Dalida).

Just around the corner you’ll hit Square Suzanne Buisson. If you need a break and/or if the kids want to play, make a pit stop here. It’s a small square, but it’s a good respite.

Next, make your way toward Place Émile Goudeau. The route in my map above will take you down a tiny alley, which may feel like the wrong way but isn’t. Just keep going and you’ll soon hit the cobblestone square.

The square looks out onto Le Bateau-Lavoir, which was the studio rented by Picasso when he moved to Paris. The original studio was destroyed, and the building today is the the renovated version. To this day, the building serves as an artists’ residence. It is not open for tours.

Even if you are not interested in art history, it’s still a cool place to say you’ve been. And at the very least, it’s a good signpost on your journey through the neighborhood.

Rue des Abbesses

As your Montmartre walking tour comes to an end, make your way back to the main street of Rue des Abbesses. You should arrive on the street not far from where you started at the train station. This time you’re going to go the other way. This section of the street has — you guessed it — shops and restaurants.

This stretch feels a bit less touristy than the other direction and is more practical stores versus souvenir shops. It’s a good place to get an ice cream or a glass of wine. Otherwise, this walk can probably be done briskly as you’re out of the more classical Montmartre area at this point.

While you’re in the area, it’s worth it to finish your day at Moulin Rouge. Yes, that Moulin Rouge.

The venue has been hosting shows and performances since 1889, and today operates as a dinner theater. For about €200 a person, you can enjoy a full meal and performance at this iconic theater.

Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it to see the marquee and legendary red windmill. There is a median in the middle of street where you can safely stand and take photos.

• Continue exploring Clichy Street, which is famous for its countless sex shops
• Walk over the suspension bridge at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. To get there, take the 2 train from Blanche station across from Moulin Rouge to Colonel Fabien and then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
• Get cocktails at Lulu White, voted one of the best cocktail bars on Paris .
• Start your next walk around the Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower & the Seine Walking Guide

We’ve made it to the Eiffel Tower, and this walk is truly all about the Iron Lady. This section focuses on getting to the Eiffel Tower and enjoying all the best views of it. It’s a good idea to pair this walk with your visit to the Eiffel Tower, otherwise you may find portions of this walk redundant.

Technically, this walk in full is about 4 miles. That said, you can certainly make it much shorter by cutting down the portions on Rue Saint-Dominique and/or along the Seine.

Rue Saint-Dominique

Champ de mars, eiffel tower, trocadéro gardens, pont alexandre iii.

• Have a plan for getting Eiffel Tower tickets . If you’d like to go up into the Eiffel Tower in the afternoon or evening, be sure to book your ticket in advance. Tickets go on sale 60 days in advance and book up quick, especially for the summit. Otherwise, plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the tower opens in the morning to beat the crowns.
• Start at Bleu Olive . This coffee shop is conveniently located near the start of Rue Cler. It’s a good option for breakfast to begin your day or for a coffee to take with you. Note: they’re closed on Sundays and don’t open till 10 AM on Saturday.
• Avoid Mondays. Many stores are closed on Mondays, which will make parts of this walk less fun.
• Take this walk in reverse . The walk along the Right Bank (north side) of the Seine offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. If you flip this route, you’ll be approaching the Eiffel tower and can enjoy the view the whole time.
• Bring a blanket. If you have a small packable picnic blanket , bring it on this walk. It’ll be nice to have if you spend time sitting on the grass at Trocadéro Gardens.
• Enjoy this walk in the evening . If you start around 2 or 3 PM (Tuesday – Saturday), you’ll enjoy a bustling market on Rue Cler and a lovely early evening at the Eiffel Tower. Watch the sun set from Trocadéro Gardens and then enjoy the City of Light by night as you walk along the Seine. Perfection.

Self-guided walk around the Eiffel Tower

The best place to start this walk is the La Tour-Maubourg station which serves the 8 train. If that’s not convenient, you can also take the 13 train to Varenne station. Head west on Rue de Grenelle until you reach Rue Cler.

Rue Cler is often said to be the most beautiful street in Paris. The market street is only one block long, but it’s jam packed with shops selling the freshest produce, local meat, French cheese, wine, pastries and more. It’s like it was made to build the perfect picnic basket to take to Champ de Mars.

Tuesday through Saturday the shops are open from 8 or 9 AM till about 7 PM. The market is only open until 2 PM on Sundays and nearly all the shops are closed on Mondays.

At the end of Rue Cler you’ll hit Rue Saint-Dominique. This street is lined with traditional Hausmann buildings, which is probably what you picture when you think of Paris. It’s a popular shopping street with Eiffel Tower views.

Most of the shopping is to your right, but the Eiffel tower is to your left. If you really are not interested in shopping or are pressed for time, you can turn left after Rue Cler and enjoy a smaller segment of this beautiful street. But if you have extra time, I’d recommend turning right so you get a bit more out of it. Continue walking until you hit Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. Then turn around and head back down Rue Saint-Dominique until you hit Champ de Mars.

Champ de Mars is iconic, but to be honest, it’s never what I want it to be. I always pictured it to be an open, flat park when you can have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. However, there’s actually lots of trees and I feel like there’s always construction. I’d suggest walking through it, but if you’re looking for a place to sit I’d argue Trocadéro Gardens is better.

What Champ de Mars does offer, though, is a great approach to the Eiffel Tower. She looms large from this angle and you will be itching to visit the summit.

Ah yes. We’ve made it 7,000 words into this post before finally making it to the Eiffel Tower.

If you’re planning to go inside, be sure to check out my complete visitor guide to the Eiffel Tower . It has tips for where to enter, how to avoid lines, best floor order to visit the tower and more.

If you’re not planning to go to the top of the tower, you can still technically walk underneath it. To get there, you will need to pass through the security. Follow the signs for visitors who do not yet have tickets. After security, you’ll have access to the plaza at the base of the tower and can see it right up close. If you’re not going up, just skip the lines for the ticket office and proceed to an exit.

If you aren’t interested in passing underneath the Eiffel tower, you can simply walk around the outer perimeter and carry on to Pont d’Iéna. There’s also a carousel right by bridge, which is a highlight for children and Instagrammers alike.

If you ask me, the best views of the Eiffel Tower are from Trocadéro Gardens. This is the garden I picture when I think of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower. From this hill, you’re treated to the best views of the tower, plus the Seine and its bridges. It has a great view of the tower any time, but one of my favorite times to come here is in the early evening when the sun sets and the tower starts to light up.

There’s lots of grass space to sit, so it’s nice to have a blanket. There’s also  food vendors at the base of the gardens, so pick up a crepes or drink before you head up the hill. You’ll also usually find hawkers unofficially selling Champagne and beer, which can actually be quite nice. It’s technically illegal to drink in Paris parks, but police are generally very lenient with beer and wine.

NOTE: In the provided map, Google does not think you can cross Avenue de New York at near the Eiffel Tower, but you can. There is a pedestrian walk sign at the street light here. So you can ignore that detour. 

Walk along the Seine

After you’ve enjoyed a good long sit at Trocadéro Gardens, continue your walk along the Seine for even more beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. I like to the follow the north side of the river, which eventually becomes Jardin d’Erivan. This riverside garden is lined with trees which become truly stunning in the fall.

At each bridge you pass, turn around to get another epic view of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll pass three, counting Debilly Footbridge, before you get to Pont Alexandre III.

This decorative bridge was built in the late 1800s. It’s a lovely bridge, but mostly I note it here as one final amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. You can still see it from the next bridge too, but it really starts to hide at that point.

If you cross this bridge, you’ll head into Esplanade des Invalides which leads right back to where this walk began. Alternatively, if you turn left and head away from the river, you’ll pass between the Petit and Grand Palais and on to Champs-Élysées. And just like that, our walks have come full circle.

• Continue walking along the Seine, passing Tuileries Garden and onward toward the isles
• Take a boat cruise along the Seine and see Paris from a new perspective
• For a family dinner, get pizza at the hip and delicious Mokus l’Écureuil near Trocadéro Gardens

More From This Trip

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• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

Monday 28th of August 2023

thank you for actually being objective as to what you can skip! me & my feet appreciate it!

Thursday 7th of September 2023

Oh good! I'm happy to hear that! I hope you have a great trip!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

This is a stunning post. Top marks for the maps of the routes! And a great read. Thank you.

Paris Walking Tours from the Best Local Guides (Updated 2024)

Paris walking tours with local guides.

We have given more than 100,000 Paris walking tours since our founding in 2010. Join us for:

• The best designed tour routes – Montmartre, Marais, Left Bank, Right Bank, and many more.
• The best trained local guides – real Parisians with both knowledge and passion for the city of Paris
• Most convenient times and durations – 90 minute walking tours designed to maximize your time

There can be so many options when it comes to walking tours in Paris! So many guest reviews.   And so many attractions – the Louvre museum, the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe, the river Seine, etc. Just how can you pick the right guided Paris tour?

Our advice when visiting Paris is first to always hire a local guide, because you will see more of the city. And second, to look for: authenticity, guide quality, value for money, and overall guest enjoyment.

Discover Walks offers Paris walking tours that explore the art, the food, the landmarks, and the local gems of France’s City of Light.

Find the best Paris walking tours by category now

Browse our selection of guided paris tours below, your best day in paris private tour.

Customize a perfect day with Discover Walks Paris

Free tours for today & tomorrow

RAIN OR SHINE. INSTANT BOOKING

Montmartre free walking tour

From Moulin Rouge to Sacré Coeur - the last village

Le Marais free walking tour

Trendy Marais tour, mansions and fashions

Le Louvre’s Great Highlights

The museum you do not want to miss

Left Bank, Notre Dame and Latin Quarter tour

From Notre Dame to Panthéon

Paris in two days premium tour

let us customize a perfect stay

Montmartre Private Walking Tour

MOULIN ROUGE TO SACRÉ COEUR

Paris with kids

PRIVATE TOUR – LET’S KEEP EVERY FAMILY MEMBER HAPPY!

Foods of Paris: The Grand Tour

Private tour – our high-end food selection

Paris Flea Market Guided Tour – small group

A fun adventure at the world's largest antiques market

Paris’ #1 Montmartre Food Tour

French foods with a French foodie

Hidden Gems and Secret Paris free tour

JUMP OFF THE TOURIST MAPS

Montmartre Night Tour with Champagne

Paris landmarks free walking tour.

Right bank tour with Discover Walks Paris

Seine River Hop-On Hop-Off Cruise in Paris

Cruise along Paris’ Seine River

Design your tour

Jewish paris tour.

explore Jewish Marais of the past and present

Paris At Night Private Tour With River Cruise With Champagne

Louvre, Palais Royal & Seine River

Customize your Half Day in Paris

The best of Paris in a custom private tour

Paris Cooking Class: Lunch, Wine & Market Visit

Indulge in a true gourmet French experience

Paris: 2-Hour French Pastry Cooking Class

Discover how to make French pastries from a trained chef

Paris: 2-Hour Behind the Scenes Bakery Tour

Learn how to make French pastries from a top French baker

Paris Street art tour

The best walls of Paris

Paris Cooking Class: Learn How to Make Macarons

Discover how to make macarons from an expert instructor

Paris: Latin Quarter Wine and Food Tasting Tour

Explore Latin Quarter and Indulge in Delicious treats

Paris: Wine and Cheese Lunch

Taste different French wine varieties paired with delicious cheeses

Paris: Versailles Food & Palace Bike Tour

Explore Versailles on a bike tour & sample French delicacies

Paris: Le Marais Food & Wine Tasting Tour

Wine and Dine in the Parisian neighborhood of Le Marais

Paris: Montmartre Best Art, Culture and Food Tour

Discover the rich Parisian history of art, music and food

Explore Paris with Local City Tour Guides

How to choose the right free walking tour in Paris for you

When picking a tour, you want to take three factors into consideration – your time, your money and you yourself (or your group).

1 – Your Time Planning what you do in Paris is greatly affected by the number of days you have in the city. The average tourist spends only three nights in Paris. Most overseas visitors spend 4 to 5 nights. Fitting all of Paris’ world-known attractions into 3 to 5 days is not easy! Hiring a guide can help you optimize your time.

2 – Your Money Paris can be expensive to be sure, but many of the city’s highlights are free (Notre Dame, the view from Montmartre, and the special feeling on Pont des Artes to name three). The five-star restaurant can set you back a week’s pay and more – but a sandwich from the local bakery can be a memorable experience. Discover Walks runs the gambit from the very economical free walking tours of Paris , to our flagship “Best Day Ever” customized premium tour of Paris . Our free tours have all of our love of Paris – we don’t hold anything back. If you choose a private tour instead, with us at Discover Walks money will buy you time, personalized service and door-to-door attention.

3- And You!

You and your travel companions are the most important ingredient. We have guests who spend three days in the Louvre and Orsay and one day with Discover Walks and feel they got the best of Paris. Other guests never go inside a museum, they take all seven of our neighborhood tours and feel they really know Paris (and are ready to move here).

If this is your first trip to Paris, we have many ways for you to get the most out of your visit. If you have been to Paris several times, we have created tours that take you off the tourist path, to see more of the real Paris.

Guided Walking Tours Offer the Best Views of Paris

The less time you have in Paris, the more you will want your guide to take you to the best views. Panoramic views help you understand the city better. And they leave you with a lasting impression to take home with you.

One-Day Visit.

We advise you to read below even if you are spending more than one day in Paris, as we give suggestions that you may want to put to use.

High Budget: We have many guests who come from London just for the day. They arrive at Gare Nord train station at 9:30 in the morning and they leave after dinner. Most often, they book our Best Day Ever Tour .

Our guide meets them at the train station and is with them all day as we sweep through Paris in grand style – if they want, we get them reservations for dinner someplace special (the most popular right now is Restaurant Jules Verne at the top of the Eiffel Tower – great dinner and a view that no one forgets.)

Mid/Low Budget: Many other guests with only one day want to get a feel of the city. We recommend first doing a neighborhood tour like our Right Bank Landmarks Tour . In 90 minutes the Discover Walks guide has them feeling like a Parisian, helps them find a good local bistro for lunch.

These guests often stroll past a couple of iconic sites. No need to go inside, from the outside you get a great sense for Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, or the Louvre museum. For the Orsay, Rodin, and Picasso museums. You might end the day having dinner in trendy Marais or one the many places in Montorgueil or in St. Germain des prés.

If you ‘need’ the top of the Eiffel Tower, Orsay, or the Louvre, then we recommend you buy ‘skip-the-line’ tickets at least 30 days in advance. We have many of these special tickets as part of our tours and as a service with our private tour guests.

Two or More Day Visit With two or more full days in Paris, you can start to add things that you have a personality affinity for, alongside the must-sees. First time to Paris? Look at the major landmarks. Been here before? Explore Paris more in-depth, and explore some off-the-beaten-track experiences. Where to start?

To enjoy Paris from the start, to get a feel for the city and to become comfortable, we recommend doing a Discover Walks tour on your first day. Your Discover Walks guide will treat you like an invited guest, like a friend who is visiting our city.

During your time with us, we will not only tell you what you are seeing, we can also explain why things are the way they are in Paris. Our most popular tours are our Food Tour , Best Day Ever, and our neighborhood Private Tours.

Our most popular free walking tour is Montmartre. But all our tours get rave reviews. Perhaps because our guides are all true locals, with a passion for our home city.

We suggest you pick a tour that covers something that interests you – Right Bank (for major landmarks and good orientation), Trendy Marais (to see old Paris Mansions, quaint streets and trendy new Paris), Notre Dame and Left Bank (blend of students, art and bohemian life), St. Germain (the river, old money, art and Hemmingway) and Hidden Gems (the surprising gems in the neighborhood next to the Louvre).

Why Discover Walks as Your Guide?

More than two-thirds of the people who take one tour with Discover Walks decide to take a second tour – and very often a third and a fourth as well. We are thrilled by this, as visitors choose Discover Walks for spending their precious time in Paris. We love Paris. Showing our city to you is a real treat for us. We will treat you the best that we know.

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The 9 best walking tours in Paris

Get to know the glorious French capital on foot via one of these themed walking tours in Paris

Landed in the City of Light for the first time? Don’t be intimidated. This place is big. Really big. And there’s so much going on it can be hard to know where to start. But luckily for you globe-trotters, we’re here to help out. If you’re an out-of-towner with next-to-no knowledge of Paris, we think booking a walking tour might be your best bet. Thanks to a guide who knows what they’re talking about – and, more importantly, where they’re going – you’ll have sussed out this city in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your comfiest shoes and set out on a tour of one of the finest cities in the world. Here’s our pick of the best walking tours in Paris right now, from tip-top  chocolatier trips to erotica-themed excursions (yes, really). 

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Paris

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here .

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Best walking tours in Paris

1.  Hit all the main sights in one go

One for the newbies: this two-hour tour will take you to all the big Parisian landmarks. Think Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, all in a smaller group setting. It’s even led by a clued-up guide who’ll keep you informed as you go. Or you can just Google stuff along the way instead. 

Time Out tip:  Be sure to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees, as certain pit stops are places of worship and can deny entry if you're too exposed. 

2.  Ramble around hilly Montmartre

Immerse yourself in la vie bohème – Bohemian Montmartre is one of Paris’s most charming (and historic) areas. This tour will take you around the hilly northern district, stopping at cool shops and some of the finest food spots in the area. Of course, you can expect the odd historical anecdote... or three.

Time Out tip: Make sure your camera's fully charged, as atop the highest hill in the city lies some of the best panoramic views Paris has to offer. 

3.  Stroll through streets rich with criminal history

True-crime fans will love this historical crime Paris walking tour. Embrace the Parisian streets from a different, slightly eerie, perspective. Join the darker side of Paris on a walking tour learning all about the dangerous past of the criminals who roamed the streets before you. Visit sites of executions, stroll the routes known for dodgy dealings, and discover the maze of side streets – the helping hand for criminals to outrun the law. Hold onto your purses.

Time Out tip:  Listen out for the surprising facts and shocking anecdotes your clued-up guide has up their sleeve. 

4.  Delve into the depths of the Catacombs

You know, like that film? One of the French capital’s eeriest attractions, these underground  ossuaries hold the remains of more than six million Parisians. Your guide will fill you in on the long and storied  past of this spooky subterranean cemetery. Definitely one for fans of spine-chilling adventures.  

Time Out tip: You can opt for a hosted tour, which comes with a 30-minute briefing outside the catacombs, or dive straight in with a self-guided audio tour. 

5.  Explore Paris by night

This late-night tuk tuk tour will introduce you to the city just as it starts to get dark – you’ll journey along the Seine, around the courtyard of the Louvre, and then pay a visit to some lesser-known (and largely tourist-free) attractions.

Time Out tip:  This is the perfect tour to do with your significant other if you happen to be on a couples holiday. 

6.  Walk in the footsteps of Coco Chanel

Fashionistas can see Paris through the eyes of one of the 20th century’s greatest designers. The tour will begin at Coco’s favourite café, Angelina – renowned for its hot chocolate. Then you’ll venture on to Rue Saint-Honoré, where Chanel lived, and see the site of her first shop (which remains today). Lastly, you can rummage through a vintage shop in the hope of scoring some old-school designer goods. 

Time Out tip:  The audio guide set-up of this tour means you can begin at any time and go completely at your own pace. All you need to do is download the VoiceMap app. 

7.  Spy some stunning street art

For something beautiful and slightly less touristy, take a moment to admire the in-your-face artwork lining walls all over the city. Learn about some of the capital’s most well-known street artists, and discover the techniques they use to scale those mighty Haussmannian façades. Make sure to bring a camera, you'll have heaps of good photo ops. 

Time Out tip: Make the most of your local, knowledgeable guide by asking as many questions as you like. 

8.  Satisfy your sweet tooth

Treat that sweet tooth with a delectable tour of the city’s most impressive chocolatiers. Learn all about the history of confectionery in Paris by visiting some swanky sweet shops along the Right Bank and, best of all, get your sticky mitts on some freebies. Our pro tip: wear elasticated trousers and thank us later. Bon Appétit.

Time Out: Be sure to get your fair share of hot drinks, with tea, coffee and even hot chocolate available. 

9.  Whizz round the coolest kid-friendly sights

It can be hard keeping the tots entertained when you’re in a new city. But we've got you covered. This fun tour caters to families with young children, with light commentary, frequent breaks, stops for food and a playground included in the route. 

Time Out tip:  You'll be able to secure some amazing family pictures on this tour worth hanging up at home. 

Not done exploring the city yet?

More Paris tours

Take a look through our complete list of the best tours in Paris. 

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Best things to see and do in Paris

Paris is the capital of France and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire world. It is one of the places highest on the list of cities you should visit at least once in your life because of everything it has to offer culturally, in terms of its monuments, architecture, and cuisine. In addition to the main attractions of the city like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Montmartre and Le Marais neighborhoods, take a free walking tour to get to discover some of the lesser-known parts of the city where the River Seine flows. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Paris , you will be able to find a large selection of unmissable places to visit with your local guide who will show you the hidden charms and the way of life of this amazing city. You can’t leave Paris without having gone to visit the Saint Chapelle Church, the Louvre Museum, the gardens of Champs Elysées, Sacré Coeur Basilica, Pont Neuf (the New Bridge) over the Seine, Luxembourg Gardens, the Parisian Catacombs,  Vendome Square, Les Halles Market, the Pompidou Center, Orsay Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Latin Neighborhood, Tuileries Gardens, the Galleries Lafayette, Garnier Opera, or the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. 

Many travelers leave their reviews and opinions after having done their free walking tour in Paris (in the morning or afternoon) and they evaluate the route and their experience with the local guide. After, there may be other cities you want to visit and do a guided tour with a local guru like Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, or Nice. 

What is included in the Essential Free Tour of Paris?

What will i discover on the free tours through montmartre, paris, what is the atmosphere like on the free tours through paris at night, what will we explore on the free tours through the latin quarter of paris, are there free tours at the eiffel tower in paris, what awaits me on the free tours through monumental paris, what are the free tours of parks and gardens in paris like, what do the free tours of street art and graffiti in paris involve, free walking tour near paris, others cities to visit after paris, find other guruwalks in paris, where are you traveling to.

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19 Best Paris Walking Tours

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

From ancient Roman times to the medieval period to the French Revolution to the 20th century World Wars, history has stacked on top of itself in key locations all over Paris. Find out exactly where to retrace the steps of the famous—and infamous—throughout the City of Lights, from royal gardens to market streets and grand boulevards. On these walks, which range from short and scenic to long and layered, you'll do it all: go canal-side, where the guillotine fell, find out where famous painters lived and died, and much more. Our list of Paris' best historic walks has something for ever level of history-lover.

Jardin des Tuileries Arrow

This sprawling, spectacular park is the beating heart of Paris' public spaces. Standing proudly between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and along much of the Seine's Right Bank in the 1st Arrondissement, Tuileries Garden ("Jardin des Tuileries") has a history as long and distinguished as it is impressive, from its inception as an aristocratic playground in the 16th century, to becoming a public space in the 17th century, to serving as the site of numerous French Revolution skirmishes in the 18th century. With more than 55 acres, the park offers plenty of room to stroll and lots of photo ops. Keep an eye out for Auguste Rodin's iconic "Le Baiser" ("The Kiss") on the West Terrace. If you have anywhere to go in this part of Paris, skip the taxi or the metro and walk there on foot through the Tuileries. You'll see something different every time.

Place de la Concorde Arrow

Place de la Concorde is the largest public square in Paris, originally created in honor of Louis IV but probably best known for being the spot of the French Revolution's guillotine executions, including his successor Louis XVI. This majestic spot connects the end of the Tuileries Gardens and the beginning of the Champs-Élysées. The Luxor Obelisk, an ancient Egyptian obelisk mounted in the place in the 1830s, anchors the open space. It's a busy intersection of multiple streets, so expect traffic on your way to cross to see the obelisk and the gorgeous lateral views.

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The Place de Bastille is an open square where the infamous Bastille prison once stood—and fell, igniting the French Revolution. The Colonne de Juillet in the center commemorates the revolution of 1830, as well. This is a spot that is heavily trafficked by Parisians, whether heading out for dinner, shopping, or home. You'll see a broad cross-section of the city there, which is a nice counter-balance to the weighty historical events that have unfolded there.

Caitlin Morton

Stacey Lastoe

Meaghan Kenny

Île Saint-Louis Arrow

Île Saint-Louis is known for the elegance and grandeur of its hôtel particuliers, developed by builder Christophe Marie and designed by Louis Vau (the architect of Versailles). Built over a 30 year period in the 17th century, the houses on the island diverged from the typical wealthy homes of the time by focusing on the views outward over the Seine, rather than into an interior courtyard. The island, which was originally two natural islands that were combined in a feat of engineering, remain pristine examples of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Architecture and design buffs will love the island for its historical importance, but also for the quality of the buildings like the famed Hotel Lambert. And of course, the views are unparalleled.

Jardin des Plantes Arrow

The Jardins des Plantes, or Botanical Gardens, is a popular park for families (members of all ages!) to visit. Not only are the trees and plants gorgeous to explore, but the garden is part of the National Museum of Natural History (Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle) so there are multiple exhibition spaces throughout, as well as a zoo. Built in 1898 for the World's Fair, the structure housing the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie is also worth seeing for the historic architecture, and the kids will enjoy seeing the dinosaur skeletons inside!

Pont Alexandre III Arrow

This ornate and elaborate bridge was inaugurated in 1900 to time with the Exposition Universelle in 1900, echoing the Beaux-Arts style of the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais it leads to. The name of the bridge commemorates the signing of the Franco-Russian Alliance of 1892, signed by Tsar Alexander III. During the day, the bridge is a major crossing between the Left and Right banks. On the Rive Droite, you alight at the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, leading to the Champs-Élysees. On the Rive Gauche, you arrive at the grassy expanse of the Invalides. That means you'll pass a mix of tourists and locals day and night, many of whom stop and take photos.

Canal Saint-Martin Arrow

Canal Saint-Martin runs through one of the hippest neighborhoods in Paris. While the canal itself was commissioned in 1802 by Napoleon I to bring fresh water into the city, the vibe is distinctly contemporary with some of Paris's hottest restaurants, cafés and bars scattered alongside it. The contrast of the urban (think graffiti) with the placid (think canal tour boats) is one of the distinct charms of the walk.

Place de Furstenberg Arrow

Built in the 6th century, Place de Furstenberg (technically a road, not a plaza) was originally attached to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey. It owes its current name and form to Cardinal Guillaume-Egon de Furstenberg, who initiated a renovation and extension to the Abbatial Palace in 1586. The main reason most tourists will find themselves in the Place de Furstenberg is if they are visiting the Musée National Eugène Delacroix. The famous French painter lived on the Rue de Furstenberg and his former home has been converted into a popular museum dedicated to his work.

Place des Vosges Arrow

Nestled in the side streets of the charming and hip Marais, the Place de Vosges is the oldest square in Paris (it was originally part of Henri II and Catherine de Medici's palace before being opened up to the public by Henri IV). Ringed on all sides by arched walkways and red brick buildings, the square has a symmetrical layout of trees leading into a central garden. You'll often find students picnicking or studying while small children run through the dusty paths. It's a perfect landmark to orient yourself around in the popular neighborhood.

Place de la République Arrow

The Place de la République is now the largest public plaza in Paris, following a renovation that was finished in 2013. Originally known as the Place du Château d’Eau, the plaza took on its current rectangular shape under Haussmann. At 918 feet by 394 feet, the plaza is a large gathering place for Parisians thanks to family-friendly activities and a café with outdoor seating. While you walk to see the famous statue of Marianne (the female embodiment of the French Republic) in the center of the plaza, you'll see a mix of Parisians and tourists utilizing the space.

Quai Voltaire Arrow

Walking along the Seine is always magical, but the Quai Voltaire on the Left Bank offers the extra-charming addition of les bouquinistes, the beloved booksellers that have wooden stands along the elevated sidewalk. Catch long views over the Seine towards the Louvre to the west and Notre Dame on the east, or turn away from the river to gaze at the buildings on the south side of the street, which include the art shop Sennelier, frequented by artists from Cézanne to Picasso.

Marché Président Wilson Arrow

The Marché Président Wilson (a.k.a. Marché d'Alma) is the largest of the open air food markets in Paris, popping up in the 16th Arrondissement every Wednesday and Saturday. You'll find a mostly local crowd strolling through the stalls packed with every cheese, meat, fruit and vegetable to choose from, with many vendors having been at the market for years. Running alongside the market are several top museums if you want to combine art and food—spot cutting-edge art at the Palais de Tokyo and fashion at the Palais Galliera.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont Arrow

Unlike most of the rest of the major parks in Paris, this is a natural space without any rigid formality. The 62-acre park, opened in 1867 as part of the Paris Universal Exposition, is built on a former quarry; there are rocky elevations to traipse up with amazing views of the city, including Sacre Couer in nearby Montmartre. And seeing as it's in the 19th arrondissement, you can expect an authentic Parisian experience, off the beaten tourist path—you'll likely need to take a quick metro or taxi ride to get there.

Place du Trocadéro Arrow

This is Paris on a grand scale. The Place du Trocadéro sits in the midst of the curving wings of the Palais de Chaillot, before giving way to the sloping Jardins du Trocadéro below. With perhaps the best view of the Eiffel Tower in the city (you are elevated directly across the Seine from it), you are constantly experiencing multiple historical eras at once. Stroll easily across the open place or take a meandering walk through the garden (more exercise if you reverse the order and work your way up.)

Rue Saint-Jacques Arrow

One of the oldest (if not the very oldest) street in Paris dates back to when it was a major artery of the Roman city Lutetia, well-traveled in medieval time by those making the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, which housed the remains of the apostle Saint James. Nowadays, Rue Saint-Jacques cuts through the Sorbonne, offering up plenty of student foot traffic throughout the day. You'll be excused for your own intellectual curiosity in looking at the buildings where many of France's first printing presses were located, a claim to fame for the street.

Galerie Vivienne Arrow

Galerie Vivienne is a covered shopping arcade, originally built in 1823 and designed by architect François-Jean Delannoy. It remains open to the public for shopping in a mix of high-end boutiques (Jean-Paul Gaultier opened his first flagship in the arcade in 1986, for example). The glass and steel roof lets in sunlight down to the mosaic floors, making this a uniquely beautiful way to shop and stroll on your way to the nearby Palais-Royal .

Rue des Rosiers Arrow

Rue des Rosiers was the main street of the Jewish portion of Paris (known in Yiddish as "Pletzl"). While the Marais is no longer a Jewish neighborhood, traces of the original inhabitants remain on this pedestrian street, now filled with chic boutiques sitting alongside traditional bakeries. Young Parisians flock to the stores for shopping outings, while tourists often come for strudel and bagels at longtime establishments like Sacha Finkelsztajn.

Square René-Viviani Arrow

Square René-Viviani is a charming and intimate garden (named for a former Prime Minister of France), offering spectacular views of the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. The star of the square is the oldest living tree in Paris, a black locust, said to have been planted in 1601 by Jean Robin, who was the herbalist and gardener to Henri III, Henri IV, and Louis XII. There is also a fountain, created by artist Georges Jeanclos, that tells the story of St. Julien but also stands to commemorate the Jewish children killed during the Vichy regime.

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Paris walking tours

Journey through Olympic history in the heart of Paris

A walk from the Place de la Concorde to the Eiffel Tower, with commentary by guide Tristan Bayle, to plunge into the heart of Paris Olympic history.

Les secrets de Paris à mobylette

Parcourez les rues parisiennes au guidon d'une ancienne mobylette, restaurée et convertie à l'électrique et (re)découvrez l'histoire de Paris et ses quartiers-villages sous cet angle insolite ! 

Walking Tour of the Jewish Marais

Join le Marais historic district guided walking tour to discover Paris Jewish culture past and present.

Sing'In Montmartre

The guide and singer Anne-Sophie Guerrier brings you on a musical journey through Montmartre. This visit will retrace the life of famous singers who lived in the neightborhood : Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Jacques Brel, Dalida...

Midnight in Paris movie tour

Join Juliette Dubois on her movie-themed Ciné-Balade tour of the Latin Quarter and discover the locations that inspired Woody Allen for his film ‘Midnight in Paris’. Travel back to the Paris of the Roaring Twenties!

Pantin, renewal and gentrification: the new Brooklyn?

Let's guide you through the streets of Pantin, the new Parisian Brooklyn, where the resident types mutations go along with the building brands transformations. 

The Parisian Chinatown

Discover the Chinatown district of the south of Paris with this guided tour. You will learn many things about Asian community of Paris : temples, food, usages.

Historical Guided Tour within hôtels particuliers of the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis in Paris

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating aventure of Paris's historic treasures during an exclusive guided tour of the Ile de la Cité and the Ile Saint-Louis, with a passionate guide from L’Echappée Belle, who will reveal the secrets and fascinating history behind each iconic monument and hôtel particulier (private mansion).

The Paris Marais: the birthplace of parisian private mansions

Explore the elegant essence of Paris's Marais district on a captivating guided tour, by L'Echappée Belle, of its sumptuous hôtels particuliers. 

Parisian Père Lachaise cemetery: in the kingdom of celebrities

L'Echappée Belle will take you through the graves of renowned figures of this famous cemetery, a parisian relaxing place in the shade of the big trees.

Secret Montmartre

Guillaume Le Roux reveals the secrets of Montmartre, during this Paris guided walk off the beaten track.

The real name of South Pigalle is La Nouvelle Athènes

Discover Nouvelle Athènes, a neo classical quarter of Paris. A lot of people know Montmartre and its hill, Pigalle and its neon lights, but rare are those who took the time to explore this part of the 9th arrondissement of Paris extending from place Pigalle to the Notre Dame de Lorette Church.

Arabic street food & historical tour

Gourmet Barbès! Paris is not only a classic representation of luxury and pure French tradition. The capital has always been a melting pot of different cultures from all over the world which makes Paris a unique city.

Belleville : Télégraphe, Place des Fêtes, Mouzaïa, Buttes Chaumont

From Télégraphe to the Buttes Chaumont, the 19th arrondissement is probably one of the most popular neighborhoods of Paris. Come take a look at its history and its transformations during this walking tour with Le Vrai Paris!

Street Art tour in Paris Belleville

Discover the history and culture of graffiti in the 20th arrondissement of Paris in Belleville and Ménilmontant, two popular neighborhoods made for urban and artistic expression.

Street art tour: the murals of Paris’s 13th arrondissement

Take a street art tour in the south of Paris and discover murals and graffiti painted by renowned international artists including Obey, Inti, C215, and Seth.

The French Revolution in the Paris Marais

With your guide from Interkultur, dive into the tumult of the French Revolution in Paris, where every stone in the Marais harbours the secrets of an era seething with ideals and revolt.

Occupation and Liberation of Paris, from1940 to 1944

Relive the period that marked French history 80 years ago, and immerse yourself in the historical and political context of the Occupation of Paris in the 20th century, on this unforgettable guided tour.

Bucolic Paris: the charming Saint-Martin Canal

Get off the beaten track in the historic centre of Paris and follow our guide for a bucolic stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin.

Ciné-balade, guided walking tour in Montmartre in the footsteps of your favorite movies

During this ciné-balade (a movie-themed guided walk) in Montmartre, Juliette Dubois will tell you anecdotes and facts about the film industry in this famous Parisian district, the most filmed of the capital. 

Birdwatching in Paris - Buttes Chaumont Park

Come and see the unique urban bird life living in the dramatically landscaped Parc des Buttes Chaumont, in north-eastern Paris.

Eiffel Tower Movie tour

Let’s dive for two hours into the history of the cinema around the Eiffel Tower, the star among the stars, and the district of Passy.

Food & History in Chinatown

Visit the Chinatown district in the south of Paris and learn about Paris’s East Asian community: temples, food and customs. Guided tour includes tastings of Asian food and ends in a restaurant.

Paris through the lens of François Truffaut

During this movie-walk on the tracks of François Truffaut's films, Juliette Dubois will take you to the director's favorite neighborhood, in the 9th arrondissement and on the borders of the 18th arrondissement of Paris.

Jean-Luc Godard movie tour

During this film walk in the footsteps of Jean-Luc Godard's films, Juliette Dubois will take you through the director's favorite neighborhoods, from the Luxembourg Gardens to Saint-Michel and the Sorbonne.

Agnès Varda movie tour

Come enjoy a movie tour in Paris Montparnasse in the footsteps of Agnès Varda, a famous Frenco-Belgian actor-director, filmmaker and screenwriter, with this cine-balade by Juliette Dubois.

Père-Lachaise movie tour

This original Paris guided tour by Juliette Dubois of Cine-Balade will show you the Père-Lachaise cemetery in a new light: you will discover the tombstones and the stories of many of the most famous French filmmakers and actors.

Ciné-Balade Musicals and romantic movies

Discover the romantic side of Paris through the eyes of filmmakers on this tour led by Juliette Dubois of Cine-Balade.

Montreuil and Méliès movie tour

Follow Juliette Dubois of Cine-Balade through the streets of Montreuil, located close to downtown Paris, to discover the stages where Georges Méliès and other filmmakers shot films, from the pioneering to the contemporary.

Paris Flea market movie tour

Between the stalls, the sellers and the antique hunters, come and discover the Saint-Ouen flea market from a cinematographic perspective during this Cinébalade by Juliette Dubois!

Gourmet and history tour in Sceaux

Visit this little city of the south suburb of Paris. Enjoy his fresh food market and delicatessen shops of the pedestrian city center, discover the 17th century park designed by André Le Nôtre and his historical legacy with Corinne Jager!

Historical guided tour of Montmartre

Thanks to a guided tour that follows the Montmartre hill towards the rue de Clignancourt before starting its ascent and descent, discover the stories of the popular and working-class Montmartre with local guide Anouk Colombani.

Latin quarter: the soul of Paris

Discover the latin quarter as you've never seen it before! Between tradition and modernity, follow your guide: he has a lot to teach you. 

The charming village of "la Butte aux Cailles" and its strong social heritage

During this 2 hours-walking tour, Le Vrai Paris takes you to stroll through this picturesque Parisian neighbourhood, which feels like a charming village. La Butte-aux-Caille has a lot to teach you about Paris's history!

Art Nouveau, Art Deco, on the traces of the old Auteuil village

During this walking tour by Le Vrai Paris, discover the village of Auteuil in the 16th arrondissement, hidden away from the public's eye, steeped in history and highlighted by the Art Deco movement. 

Art Nouveau, Art Déco : on the trace of the Passy old village

Take a journey through the old village of Passy, where art nouveau and art deco architecture really come into their own: this walking tour with Guillaume Le Roux will make you more aware of the art in Paris!

Going on a (free) walking tour in Paris and its most cosmopolitan districts is a fun and original way to visit Paris. You can discover neighborhoods though the prism of street-art , movies , architecture, history, art , traditions and myth and heroes. 

Go on a walking tour in Paris and discover its Indian, Chinese, North African and Subsaharan African communities among others. Discover new traditions, customs, cultures and cuisines  with a passionate guide.

During your Parisian stroll you'll discover the Grand Paris with its new districts springing up every day, and its old neighborhoods being rehabilitated to accommodate eco-neighborhoods, new tramways, metro and train stations and of course the future Olympic sites. You can also choose walks in the sightpleaseing, not to be missed districts of Paris like Montmartre, Pigalle, Opéra and the Grands Boulevards.

You will have access to the backstage of the major cities of the Parisian region with technical visits of the locks and the Parisian canals. You'll also have access to big business hubs such as La Défense, trade markets (Saint-Denis, Rungis) and administrative sites such as the Nouveau tribunal de Paris

Our Paris urban walks in small groups allow visitors to enjoy a human-scale visit where they can ask questions while discovering the story behind working class neighborhoods in Paris and its region such as Montreuil, Ivry-sur-seine, Belleville-Ménilmontant, Barbès, la Goutte-d'or or even Pigalle among others. 

You can also  visit Paris as a family  or enjoy free visits of Paris and its region .

The 7 Best Paris Walking Tours [2024 Reviews]

Paris is a city filled with art, architecture, food, and more. While you can always schedule your own walk around the city, many tour guides have already created walking tours of Paris.

These tours are designed to take you past the most famous locations in the city. Not only can you see the best of Paris on these walking tours, your tour guides can give you the stories, both fact and legend, of these iconic places.

Be sure to see our reviews of Day Trips to Normandy , Louvre Guided Tours and Paris Catacombs Tours .

Best Walking Tours In Paris

Quick answer: the 7 best rated paris walking tours for 2024.

• Art Nouveau Walking Tour in Paris
• Ghost and Mystery Night Walking Tour of Paris
• Private Paris Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer
• Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Walking Tour in Paris
• Paris Walking Tour: Classic Paris
• Paris Chocolate Walking Tour
• Paris Walking Tour: The French Revolution

We’ve chosen these top rated walking tours in Paris because they offer a wide range of experiences and will fit into everyone’s budget.

Paris Walking Tour Reviews

1. art nouveau walking tour in paris.

• Departure Point : Gare St. Lazare, Central Paris
• Departure Time : 3:00pm
• Duration : 2 hours (approx.)
• Includes : A drink at an art nouveau brasserie, admission to all three stops, professional guide, small group

Art Nouveau and the related artistry and architecture is just one aspect of the city that makes Paris so unique.

This to hour walking tour will bring you by the 8th arrondissement, the 9th arrondissement, and the Palais Garnier. With a maximum of just 8 travelers, you’ll be able to experience the true beauty of Art Nouveau in Paris.

Your expert tour guide will give you the history and legend at each of your stops and you’ll also be able to ask questions.

You’ll start your tour at St. Lazare train station, a beautiful example of Art Nouveau style. The 8 th and 9 th arrondissements are home to some of the most stunning architecture found in Paris, even in all of Europe.

These Paris districts show both the charm and magic of the Art Nouveau movement, making them perfect for a Paris walking tour.

In the 9 th arrondissement, you’ll view the Galeries Lafayette. The façade gives this department store a unique and imposing beauty. The stained-glass dome inside the store towers above you while the gilded balconies overlook the store below.

The opera house, Palais Garnier, is a fine example of Art Nouveau style featuring ornate stonework. As a group, you’ll enjoy a delicious drink at one of the brasseries that Paris is famous for.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. ghost and mystery night walking tour of paris.

• Departure Point : Place Louis Lepine
• Departure Time : Evening (varies based on the time of year)
• Includes : Small group, English or Spanish speaking tour guide, family friendly with parents accompanying children

You may already know a bit of the “dark side” of Paris, but you’ve never experienced it like this.

Standing outside some of the most beautiful but notorious locations, your expert tour guide will tell the tales that have made them popular.

Your first stop is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame. This imposing example of the Middle Ages architecture found all over Europe is one of the most popular locations for many travelers.

Dating back hundreds of years, you’ll enjoy the iconic stories and legends that have even inspired fiction, such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

You’ll be taken to Musee de Louvre, often referred to as simply, The Louvre. Snap pictures of the famous Louvre Pyramid while you learn of the more unpleasant side of one of the largest museums in Europe.

As you travel from stop to stop on this walking tour, you’ll be told of gruesome murders, Paris’ darkest secrets, and gory history. Hidden behind the beautiful lights of Paris, you may even run into a ghost or two.

3. Private Paris Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer

• Departure Point : Near Le Palais Royal, Central Paris
• Departure Time : Choose from 4 different times
• Includes : Personal photographer for the 2-hour photo shoot, 130-150 professional photographs

You will meet your personal photographer near Le Palais Royal. From there, they will take you on a walking tour to some of the most iconic locations in central Paris. Along the way and at each stop, your photographer will snap pictures.

If you’d like to capture the tender moments between you and your romantic partner, the photographer will help you pose to truly capture the love shared in the City of Lights.

This photo shoot walking tour of Paris is not just for lovers, however. Up to 8 people can take part, which means you can include your family in the photos.

There will be between 130 and 150 photos taken, so feel free to express your more comedic side. You can also use this photo shoot to commemorate a special occasion.

Will these be your newborn’s first images? Did you get married in Paris and want the wedding photos taken throughout central Paris? Are you going to capture a destination honeymoon?

Is family getting together for a reunion and these photos will capture that experience? The type of photos is completely up to you as your very own photographer captures both tender moments and funny ones.

4. Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Walking Tour in Paris

• Departure Point : Near Montmartre, Central Paris
• Departure Time : Mid-morning or Afternoon
• Includes : Guided tour through Montmartre, see where Van Gogh lived, tour of Montmartre Cemetery

Montmartre was once an artists’ village and some of the most famous Paris artists at one point called it home. Vincent Van Gogh lived in this district and it’s easy to see the bohemian beauty that inspired his work.

The three windmills located here are famous, often seen on postcards you can find throughout Paris.

Your guide will take you to some of the most iconic locations within Montmartre, enjoying the cobblestone streets that truly take you back in time. The cemetery located in Montmartre is the final resting place of many of the Paris artisans that called this district home, even for just a little while

. The most notable artist laid to rest here is Edgar Degas. However, it’s not just artists that found comfort in this bohemian artists’ village. Many writers called this district home as well.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica offers travelers some of the most beautiful views of Paris and the Paris skyline.

Be sure to snap a few photos of the views, but also of the beauty of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. Your tour guide will leave you here to explore independently.

5. Paris Walking Tour: Classic Paris

• Departure Point : Central Paris
• Departure Time : Morning or Afternoon
• Includes : small group walking tour, see the classic sights and learn more about them

Any visitors to Paris will usually have a list of what they’d like to see or do while there. This Paris walking tour brings you past all the classic stops for travelers.

You’ll see the iconic pyramid in front of The Louvre, Champs-Elysees, the Place de la Concorde, the Arc de Triomphe… and it wouldn’t be a complete tour of the Paris Classics if you didn’t get to experience the Eiffel Tower.

Your expert tour guide will tell you the history of each location. With a small group size, you will have a more personalized experience, including the ability to ask questions.

Also, be sure to ask your tour guide to snap a few pictures with you and your friends and family as you spend a few moments at each place. This tour will take place despite any inclement weather so be sure to dress properly.

If you want to enter a place of worship, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral or Saint Chapelle, you’ll also need to dress appropriately. Shoulders, knees, and midriff cannot be showing. Bring your camera and comfy walking shoes!

6. Paris Chocolate Walking Tour

• Departure Point : Near Place de la Concorde, Central Paris
• Departure Time : 10:30am available April-October, 2:30pm
• Includes : Free chocolate tasting, small group size, learn the history of French chocolate

In a group of no more than 8 travelers, you will be guided through the 1 st arrondissement, or district. This part of Paris is known for sophistication and elegance, making it the ideal place to find only the best chocolate boutiques.

As you head out on your walking tour, your expert guide will tell of the history of chocolate in France and how it has evolved over time.

You’ll stop at 5 different chocolate boutiques in the area and will be offered a sample of chocolate at each one. You will walk past several iconic places in Paris, including the Louvre and Opera Garnier.

While there’s a fair amount of walking, children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Take in the history and charm of Paris by enjoying the delicacy of premier chocolates they are known for.

7. Paris Walking Tour: The French Revolution

• Departure Point : Near Les Invalides, Central Paris
• Departure Time : Not Listed
• Includes : Tour by local expert guide

The French Revolution was a very tumultuous time in France, but the effects were more directly felt in Paris. In fact, there are sites in the city that are famous, or infamous, for the events that happened there.

On this walking tour, your guide will retell the history of the French Revolution. You’ll find out why, who, how, and more.

As you walk from path to path to each of the destinations on the tour, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of those who played important roles in the French Revolution that forever changed not just Paris and France, but all of Europe.

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Les Invalides, where you meet your historian tour guide, played a big part in the French Revolution when protesters stole their weapons and then overtook it.

This is only a small part of the intriguing history, as well as the stories and legends, that you’ll find as you visit each stop.

You’ll also visit Place de la Concorde, which is famous as the location where King Louis XVI and Marie Antionette were beheaded. Experience the Reign of Terror yourself as you step back in time.

FAQs About Paris Walking Tours

What are the best neighborhoods to explore walking in paris.

Some of the most popular and scenic areas to walk in Paris are Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Le Marais, and the Île de la Cité. These neighborhoods have a lot of charm, history, and culture and you can see many iconic sights along the way, such as Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Sacré-Cœur

Are the streets of Paris walking friendly?

Paris has a lot of pedestrian zones where cars are restricted or banned. Some streets are narrow and busy and you might have to deal with traffic and pickpockets. We recommend using GPS to navigate the city since many streets are not well marked and have multiple names.

Is it safe to walk around Paris at night?

Paris is generally a safe city and at night can be a magical with the city beautifully lit up. However, there are areas you should avoid that might dangerous or sketchy like the northern suburbs, the Gare du Nord, and parts of Pigalle and Belleville. Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid dark and isolated streets and don’t wear valuables. If you feel uncomfortable you should take a taxi or the metro to get to your destination.

What are there the hidden gems that can be discovered by walking?

Paris has many surprises that you can discover by walking around the city. For example, you can find the oldest tree in Paris in the Square René Viviani, a hidden vineyard in Montmartre, a replica of the Statue of Liberty on the Île aux Cygnes and a medieval tower in the Latin Quarter. You can also explore the covered passages, the canal Saint-Martin, the Père Lachaise cemetery and the catacombs, which are less touristy and more authentic than the main attractions.

What is the best time of year for walking Paris?

Paris is a beautiful city in any season but naturally some months are more pleasant for walking. Spring and autumn are the best times with the flowers blooming or the colors changing. Summer can be hot and humid plus the city is very crowded with tourists. Winter is normally cold and rainy and many attractions might be closed or limited hours.

Tour Guides

The Art Nouveau Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best paris walking tour.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

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One Day in Paris France – A Free Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris

There’s nothing better than taking the time to stroll around a beautiful city and delight in its ambience. And there’s no better city to indulge in such a pastime than Paris. After all, this is the birthplace of flâneur – the word the French use to describe the act of strolling idly; sauntering, while observing the goings-on around you.

Usually, my time in Paris is limited to rushed stopovers. But recently I got to spend an afternoon getting reacquainted with “la Ville Lumière”. And it was while practising the art of flânerie that I was able to rediscover the highlights of Paris organically, without an agenda.

What unfolded was a beautiful free walking tour of Paris, taking in some of the city’s most pleasurable sights.

Free Paris Walking Tour Map

If you want to maximise your time in Paris, getting the train is a great alternative to flying. Forget check-in times, collecting baggage and having to schlep into central Paris on the metro or bus. The TGV or Eurostar will drop you right near the heart of Paris. Both the Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord train stations are a fantastic place to start a walking tour of Paris.

The self-guided walking tour of Paris mapped out below starts from the Gare de Lyon and could take as little as an afternoon (if you don’t linger too long at any one-stop) or the entire day if you take time to appreciate each site. Walking is a great way to explore the city and get your bearings – and it’s so much more fun than taking the metro!

Total walk = 12km / 2.3 hours 

Get your free printable version of this map here.

One Day Tour of Paris

Stop #1 bastille.

A swift 10-minute walk from Paris’s Gare de Lyon station will have you outside the Place de la Bastille. Once the site of a prison, it was stormed on what is now known as “Bastille Day” and destroyed during the French Revolution.

While you can still see the outline of the prison marked on the ground, now all that stands here is the 52m high  Colonne de Juillet – a tribute to the 504 lives lost during another revolution in 1830. From the Place de la Bastille you can take a short detour along the Bassin de l’Arsenal to see the colourful houseboats moored at its banks.

Stop #2 Le Marais

If you had to choose just one district of Paris to explore, my advice would be to park yourself in Le Marais. With oodles of old-world charm wrapped in a layer of style and luxury, Le Marais offers the quintessential Paris experience.

Browse the boutiques, soak up the sun in a leafy park, or station yourself in a cafe to watch the passersby. Whatever you do in Le Marais, you’ll be sure to have experienced Paris at its finest.

Stop #3 Hotel de Ville and the Circular Pavilion

The Hotel de Ville is a city hall on a grande scale. Its intricate exterior is only surpassed in beauty by the artwork on display inside the impressive building. Located on the banks of the Seine, the square that houses the Hotel de Ville makes the perfect resting spot and regularly holds concerts and seasonal events throughout the year.

Hearing the name “Circular Pavilion” might have you imagining an entirely different building. Deceivingly, the angular construction completely defies its name. Instead, ‘circular’ comes from the idea of recycling and up-cycling. A message reflected by the use of recycled materials used in its construction.  

The sight of the recycled door  façade  against the flamboyant nature of the Hotel de Ville makes a startling contrast!

Stop #4 Notre Dame

The Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of France’s most famous landmarks . Situated on the Île de la Cité – a natural island in the River Seine – it’s just a short walk from the Hotel de Ville over the Pont d’Arcole. Stop here to admire the building’s amazingly detailed sculpture work, gothic style, and grandiose structure that took over 170 years to build.

It’s worth venturing inside (entrance is free) if only to appreciate the stunning effect of the stained glass windows.*

*Sadly, the cathedral is currently closed due to the devastating fires of 2019.

Stop #5 Pont Neuf

At the opposite end of the Île de la Cité you’ll discover Pont Neuf – the oldest bridge in Paris. Although it’s perhaps preferable to admire it from afar – in order to take in the 12 arches that support the structure – walking over the Pont Neuf is an experience also.

As I heard one passerby explain, “the Pont Neuf used to be the Eiffel Tower of Paris”. Meaning, before Paris’s iconic landmark was around, the Pont Neuf was the city’s most famous attraction.

These days it has taken over as the prime spot for placing ‘love locks’ – padlocks adorned with lovers names before being affixed to the bridge. An honour that used to belong to the nearby Pont des Arts until they were removed due to safety concerns.

Stop #6 Louvre Palace & Pyramid

If you’ve only got 1 day in Paris, you probably won’t have the chance to appreciate the works on display inside the world’s largest museum – the Louvre. But you’ll still be able to admire the architecture of the Louvre from the outside!

Napoleon Courtyard, framed by the Louvre Palace, is an amazing place to sit and soak up the atmosphere. Often you’ll be accompanied by the melodic harmony of a busker or two, and always by the sounds of several dialects being spoken around you.

The Louvre Pyramid, which is actually the biggest of five pyramids onsite, serves as the entrance to the museum. Designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, the architect behind the  Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, it was constructed to the same proportions as the Pyramid of Giza. It consists of 673 glass panels in the shape of diamonds and triangles – giving the effect of sparkling jewels as it reflects the light.

Read more about the Louvre Palace here.

Stop #7 Tuileries Garden

A short jaunt across the road from the Louvre Museum will have you crossing the Carousel Gardens and entering the Tuileries Garden. This formal French garden in the centre of Paris is accentuated with ponds, fountains and statues. 

Pull one of the iconic green metal chairs to the water’s edge and settle in for the afternoon with a good book, or to watch Paris’ younger residents sailing model boats. In the hottest months, seek shade in one of the benches tucked under rows of leafy green trees.

Stop #8 Place de la Concorde

The eighth stop on your Paris walking tour, the Place de la Concorde, lies in between the Tuileries Gardens and the Champs-Élysées. Even though it’s called a ‘square’, Place de la Concorde takes on the form of an Octagon. At the eight points surrounding the square is a monument representing a French city; Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Brest, Rouen, Lille and Strasbourg. And it’s in the middle of the square you’ll find the oldest monument in Paris – the Luxor Obelisk.

At over 3,300 years old, this Egyptian obelisk was transferred to Paris in 1833 – taking a ginormous effort in those times. On either side of the obelisk, you can see the Fontaine des Mers and the Fontaine des Fleuves. Despite so much to see in the area, it’s not the most serene area to go for a stroll – with multiple lanes of traffic heaving through the square with every green light.

Stop #9 Champs-Élysées

While the Jardins des Champs-Elysées at the lower end of the avenue are very much worthy of a Sunday stroll, it’s been said that the Champs-Élysées has had its heyday. Now it’s a hub for the fashion stores and cafés which line either side of the almost 2km long avenue.

In any case, tourists still flock here in droves and it does still hold the charm of yesteryear – most noticeably when you look up! In the middle of the road (take care when crossing!) you’ll be met with an outstanding view of the avenue and the Arc de Triomphe in the distance.

Stop #10 Arc de Triomphe

At the upper end of the Champs-Elysées lies the Arc de Triomphe. The Arch, which is the biggest in the world, was commissioned by Napoleon and completed in 1836. It’s difficult to judge from afar just how mammoth a structure it is until you stand underneath it. At just shy of 50m, the Arc de Triomphe towers over the Place Charles de Gaulle, making people and cars look miniature at its foot.

The Arc is a full-scale attraction, with a museum, tours and viewing platform – plan some time to visit if you can. The viewing platform offers the one the best views over Paris (including a great perspective of the Eiffel Tower) and the Champs-Elysées.

Stop #11 Jardins du Trocadéro

From the terrace of the Palais de Chaillot you’ll have a fantastic view over the Jardins du Trocadéro, and of course, the Eiffel Tower which looks almost surreal as it appears in front of you. Try not to get too sidetracked from the gardens though, as they offer an incredible experience in their own right.

The Fountain of Warsaw is the main feature of the gardens – a large mirror-like basin in which multiple fountains shoot water up to 12m in the air. In summer, the garden creates a spectacle as lights illuminate the fountains from below.

If visiting Paris with kids , there is a playground right next door and a carousel to delight the little ones .

Stop #12 Eiffel Tower

The last stop on your self-guided walking tour of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, is the most iconic landmark in the city of lights! You can see it rising up above the slate grey rooftops around the city, but seeing it up close is another experience entirely.

While taking the elevator to the summit offers a breathtaking birds-eye view of the city, the best way to view the tower itself is to make yourself comfortable in the park below. The Champ de Mars park extends out in front of the tower and is the perfect place for a picnic, impromptu game of boules, or simply enjoying the convivial atmosphere.

And there you have it, your one day tour in Paris has come to an end! If you have the time, I’d recommend hanging out at the last stop until sunset so you can experience the magic of the Eiffel Tower at night (it’s one of the loveliest things to do on an evening in Paris !). And then once you’re ready to rest your weary feet, there is a few Metro stops close by.

The Champ de Mars/Tour Eiffel is the closest, followed by Bir-Hakeim and Ecole Militaire.

Essentials for your Free Walking Tour of Paris

For walking tours in Paris, there are a few things you’ll need to take with you to make the most of your one day in Paris:

• A quality, lightweight camera – I recommend the Sony A6000
• A phone to use Google Maps, or you can print out the map (above) ahead of time. Keep a map of the metro lines handy too.
• A reusable water bottle – you can fill it up at drinking fountains en route.
• A few euros. Don’t rely on cards, as some places won’t accept them for small items. Also, you’ll need coins for the public toilets in popular spots.
• Keep cool and look the part with a lightweight linen dress, sandals and sunnies. And don’t forget a travel-safe purse for carrying the items above!

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23 comments.

Brilliant itinerary Nadine! I’ve never followed a walking route through Paris and this is a great way to see the ‘big’ sights in one go. Loved your photos and tips too – it makes me want to jump on Eurostar immediately!

Thanks Nancy! Walking is such a great way to get around – as you normally end up discovering a few surprises on the way too (whether by accident or not!). Keep an eye out for some cheap tickets 😉

This is the walking tour that I usually propose when I have guests (usually starting from Notre Dame) on a Paris Getaway. The thing is that when we arrive at Pont Alexandre III they are so destroyed that they are just happy watching the Eiffel Tower from the right bank :-))

I can’t wait to use your tour, but perhaps you should align your map points (letters) with your text points (numbers)!! Thanks!

Hi Kiim, Good point about the letters/numbers, thanks! I’ll fix that up asap. I’m also working on a cool printable map to go with this post so stay tuned 🙂

We loved your walk Nadine. It gave us and our teenager a great day out, we did some shopping and we saw some great Parisienne landmarks.

Hi Liz, Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed the walk! Thanks for letting me know my plan was useful 🙂

This was an amazing and spot on walking tour. We followed everything that we wanted to see plus we expirience other sites that were along the way like Iglesi Saint Paul – Saint Louis which was an amazing find beautiful church. This made our only day in Paris amazing and we took into consideration on what to bring along for the long journey. Thank you Nadine

Oh, that’s such lovely feedback Saul! I’m so glad the walking tour helped you to enjoy your time in Paris 🙂

Wonderful itinerary. Thanks ❤️❤️❤️

You’re very welcome 🙂

Hi Nadine I just did the same a day in Paris walk tour as mentioned by yourself – thank you for putting this together as it helped me make most of my short time – notes made me feel I was on a guided tour. – le Marais was amazing totally unexpected

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience

Hi Nandu, thanks for the feedback! I’m so glad this walking tour helped you enjoy your time in Paris!

Its going to be my 2nd visit to Paris, and I am already sure that this walk is going to be even more fun than the HoHo bus ride we took last time. The map is part of my travel pouch already. Thanks in advance. You are doing a great job!

Awesome! I’m sure you’ll have a great time 🙂

This was amazing! Must say it is very long so be prepared for that. I combined it with the new Lime Scooter rentals in Paris, and it made it much easier. I would recommend this to anyone because I feel like I’ve seen almost everything in one day! I will say this though a if you plan on stopping and visiting many of the stops, this will take you more than one day. I only went up the Eiffel Tower at the end and it was still a 6 hour mission. Would be great split into two days if you wanted to go into places like the Notre Dame and the Arc de Triumph. Overall it was amazing and I would definetly recommend it!

Yes, it’s a long walk for sure – my feet were quite sore by the end (but I didn’t wear appropriate footwear!). You could absolutely break it down and do it over a few days to allow time for sightseeing on the way. Thanks for your comment!

Hello Nadine, Thank you for the itinerary! This will be a lifesaver. We only have one day in Paris, and this will ensure we get to see the best parts for sure! I see that you have it listed as a 2.5 hour walk, but realistically, (like Hannah posted above), how long would it take if we were to stop at the landmarks? I guess I could do the math, add a half-hour here, and an hour there, but I was just wondering if you had a good idea from feedback you might have received. Thanks!

Hi Patrick, I came up with this itinerary from doing the walk myself and it took a full afternoon with stops for lunch, browsing, to look at landmarks etc. So around 12pm – 7pm. You could most definitely cover it all in a full day if you don’t spend more than an hour at each stop. Hope that helps!

This looks like a great walking route! I’ve been looking for something like this as we’ll be walking with our dog & kids so we’ll take it slow. Do you know specifically if any of the points on your itinerary don’t allow dog access?

Sorry, I don’t know that specifically. But Travelnuity has a great guide on visiting Paris with dogs which may help you. You can find it here .

Thank you very much for your amazing job, Nadine. We visited Paris many years ago, but we didn’t have such a great tool. We’ll be in Paris again, just in four days, and thanks to you now we know what we will do on the first day!

That’s great Michael – hope you love the walk!

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15 Best Walking Tours in Paris Exploring Iconic Landmarks and Secret Corners

The “City of Lights” needs no introduction, however, if you wish to get acquainted with the French capital, then you should definitely consider booking one of these best walking tours in Paris.

With a history that dates back over 2,000 years, Paris leaves an imprint on any avid traveler through its cluster of architectural gems, from romantic bridges to lofty spires and everything in between.

Culinary enthusiasts, history buffs and fashion lovers can all agree that this European city is the place to be. There are plenty of things to do in Paris for every traveler, making this the ideal family destination.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• Paris walking tours

1 – Paris Walking Food tour with Secret Food tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1914 reviews )

“We had a great time. We will recommend it to our friends and family. Our tour guide was amazing.” Joby, Viator

Those who enjoy getting to know a new destination through their tastebuds can join this exquisite culinary experience from Secret Food Tours . You’ll wander some of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, sampling French fare at its finest.

Among the dishes you may try are traditional crêpes straight from the pan, as well as perfectly golden baguettes and creamy cheeses. Alternatively, dine on salty oysters, baked goods and sumptuous desserts, discovering how French staples have been perfected over centuries to create the cuisine that is world-famous today.

As you stroll through the heart of Paris, you’ll learn insider tips and tricks on the city’s gastronomic scene from your local guide.

While it may come as no surprise to culinary enthusiasts, the food featured on this tour is truly sublime. You’ll have the opportunity to bond with like-minded individuals over your love of French cuisine and the secret dish is a definite highlight.

Guides welcome you in like a family, making the entire experience extremely personal.

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Read more: Best food tours in Paris

2 – Montmartre Walking Tour: Paris Best Art, Culture and Food

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1492 reviews )

“Amazing tour. Fun, extremely educational and highly efficient. Highly recommend it.” Daniel, Viator

This walking tour in Paris enables travelers to dip their toes in many aspects of French culture, experiencing the best of the city’s art, architecture and cuisine all at once.

Provided by ExperienceFirst , this excursion begins at the iconic Moulin Rouge, best known for its impressively fast cancan performed by a procession of talented dancers. From there, you’ll visit many of the city’s highlights and walk in the footsteps of the world’s most celebrated artists, including Van Gogh.

You’ll gain a feel for the city off the traditional tourist trail, passing by windmills and vineyards, before finishing up your walking tour in Paris at the Sacré Cœur Basilica, from which you’ll be awed by panoramic views across the city’s skyline.

The accommodating team at ExperienceFirst makes this excursion enjoyable for all travelers, including those who prefer to dawdle than to dash through the city’s web of streets.

Not just a sightseeing experience, we’re impressed by the guide’s dedication to provide their guests with a thorough overview of Paris, from where to eat to the best boutiques to shop at.

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3 – See 30+ Top Paris Sights with a Fun Guide

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1411 reviews )

“Excellent guide provided great information on the sights of Paris.” Steve, Viator

Those who are pressed for time can join this tour and experience more than 30 of the best places to visit in Paris in just a few short hours.

The team at Top Sight Tours will lead you through the city, stopping to appreciate major landmarks, such as the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe, which marks Napolean’s victory in the Battle of Austerlitz.

Other sights visited on this walking tour in Paris include the Louvre, where Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” resides, as well as the city’s crowning jewel — the Eiffel Tower — and the intricate Fontaine Saint-Michel, dedicated to the patron of the military.

Veering away from the landmarks visited on this tour, the guides on this tour help nervous first-time visitors navigate the bustling, and often confusing, Paris metro service.

Worth it for this public transportation knowledge alone in our opinion, the excursion is run by a friendly group of guides whose main motivation is happy travelers, meaning that you’re guaranteed a great time, even if you get caught in the rain!

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4 – Paris: Chocolate & Patisserie Walking Tour with Tastings

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 153 reviews )

“Loved it!” Vicki. get your guide

Sweet-toothed travelers won’t be disappointed by the multitude of desserts, pastries and chocolates on offer all across Paris. On the contrary, the city is the home of legendary treats, such as pastel macarons and glossy croissants.

Original Food Tours has put together this food tour in Paris that revolves around these sugary delights, telling tales of each dish’s origins as you hop between chocolateries and viennoiseries, tasting decadent truffles, and deliciously-moreish baked goods.

While this excursion focuses on the culinary scene of Paris, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a little sightseeing as you amble along the banks of the Seine River.

Come to this excursion hungry if you wish to make the most of your experience. While those with saltier leanings may prefer a different type of food tour, sweet lovers will rejoice at the amount of mouth-watering options available.

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5 – Paris Le Marais Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 261 reviews )

“We had a great time learning about the amazing food in Paris but as well as the history of Le Marais area.” Angel, Viator

Another option brought to you by Secret Food Tours is this guided walk through the artsy Le Marais district, which features art galleries, unique boutiques and renowned fashion houses.

Begin this tour in classic French style, with a freshly brewed coffee and croissant in hand, before visiting a multitude of food outlets, including local markets, and boulangeries. Among the traditional dishes you’ll try are the city’s favorite comfort food — croque monsieur — as well as French cheeses, washed down with crisp wines, macarons and a secret dish.

The only words to do this tour proper justice are “taste explosion.” From wines and chocolates that are synonymous with French culture to unexpected delights, such as falafels, you’ll try it all.

We can guarantee you won’t leave this excursion hungry, and, on top of simply sampling regional dishes, you’ll also gain an overview of the area, making it a win-win!

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6 – Private City Kickstart Tour: Paris

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 122 reviews )

“Great way to get “the lay of the land”. We learned so much of the history and what influenced the building of Paris. Our guide was friendly, spoke English well and made great suggestions for dining and shopping.” deborah, viator

Those who are seeking greater personalization than a group excursion can provide may consider choosing a private tour in Paris , operated by Withlocals .

You’ll be paired up with a knowledgeable guide who will provide insightful commentary as you wander the city’s most illustrious neighborhoods. Dedicated to your enjoyment of the experience, your guide will be happy to discuss any burning questions you have about the city.

Learn little-known facts about acclaimed monuments, such as the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, which suffered great damage during a fire in 2019, as well as the perfectly manicured Luxembourg Gardens.

A popular choice for those just arriving in the city, the friendliness of these guides envelopes you in a jetlagged hug, providing you with a warm welcome to Paris.

Erring toward the more informal end of the range of the available walking tours in Paris, this is ideal for those who simply wish to connect with a local and check out the highlights of the Latin Quarter.

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7 – Paris: Iconic Neighborhoods Guided Walking tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 499 reviews )

“Highly recommended! The guide took his time on the tour and explaining the details of the places visited! Highly recommended!” Savina, Get your guide

Choose which of the top tourist attractions in Paris you wish to see with this customizable excursion, provided by Memories France . You’ll select from four of the city’s most acclaimed neighborhoods to explore, including Marais, the Latin Quarter and Montmartre.

Each area showcases a different side of Paris and whichever one you choose, you’ll be sure to learn facts about the city that you never knew. From the homes of acclaimed artists to the artisanal boutiques that litter the streets and make Paris so charming, you’ll see it all on this tour that combines fashion, culture, art, and architecture.

With so many attractions to see in such a short space of time, some walking tours in Paris can become frenzied. But, this is not the case with this leisurely stroll through the city that somehow freezes time to provide you with an unhurried experience.

The guides themselves are truly interested in the city’s vast history and their passion shows through their commentary.

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8 – Eiffel Tower walking tour with reserved entrance to 2nd floor

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 98 reviews )

“perfect organization!! very nice guide!!” Regina, Musement

Many tourists visit the “City of Lights” for no other reason than to see the Eiffel Tower — a beacon of romance for lovers across the globe — in person.

Daring travelers can ascend this colossal monument on a tour designed by City Wonders . You’ll discover the first floor, from which you will gain a bird’s eye view over the landmarks of Paris, including the Seine River, Sacré Cœur Basilica and the Arc de Triomphe.

From there, your guide will lead you to the second floor, which stands at 114 meters and offers an even more breathtaking perspective of the city.

If you’re looking for a seamless Eiffel Tower experience, this is it. While the landmark can become chaotic with so many tourists clamoring to make it to the top, your guide will steer you through the masses and up to the viewing platforms, where they’ll help you find the perfect photo opportunity, all the while keeping you amused with a detailed account of the monument, and its history.

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9 – Emily in Paris walking tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 78 reviews )

“It was a really great tour with lots of information about Emily in Paris. Our guide was super nice and warm.” Ines, Getyourguide

Pop culture enthusiasts will already be familiar with the 2020 Netflix sensation, “Emily in Paris,” which follows an American marketing executive to the French capital.

Fat Tire Tours brings lovers of the show an exclusive tour, which transports you to a number of destinations featured in “Emily in Paris”. Explore the surroundings of Emily’s apartment, the viennoiseries she frequented and sites associated with her string of lovers.

You’ll also discover spots where the series’ most significant events happened, including Love Bridge, as well as her workplace.

The energy on this themed tour is unparalelled, with an “Emily in Paris”-obsessed guide who is brimming with facts about both the show and the real-life landmarks that it features. If you find yourself a little lost on the who/what/where, then don’t panic, as you can check out stills that provide clarity on each filming destination.

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Read more: Emily in Paris Tours – Which One Is The Best?

10 – Paris Highlights: Half Day Private Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 100 reviews )

“Our half day walking tour was fabulous, April is a brilliant guide. Very friendly, professional and highly organized. She knew her stuff and delivered it in a very interesting way. Our whole family enjoyed the tour. Would certainly recommend.” Jo, Viator

Brought to you by April in Paris tours , this experience focuses on showcasing the grandest monuments in Paris to enthusiastic travelers. You’ll discover the most famous artworks inside the Louvre, which include the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo before visiting the Tuileries Garden, home to a plethora of statues by artists such as Aristide Maillol, Rodin and Roy Lichtenstein.

Continuing on, you’ll see the Place de la Concorde, as well as the Alexandre III Bridge. Stop to taste a decadent macaron along the Champs-Élysées before discovering the Eiffel Tower in the flesh.

The guide has thought of everything when planning the itinerary of this tour, meaning that you can simply relax and follow in their footsteps. This is an excellent option for those who have just a day or two to spend in the city as you’ll be able to see all of the city’s most significant landmarks in just a few short hours.

11 – Paris Private Walking Tour with a Personal Photographer

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 257 reviews )

“A fantastic use of 2 hours in Paris! The professional photos of our family, taken by the talented and lovely Ari Bafalouka, are a treasured souvenir from our time in France.” Kristy Viator

Feel like a celebrity for a day with your own personal paparazzi on this private walking tour in Paris. With your professional photographer from A Taste of Paris following you around, you can put your own camera away and simply soak up the experience.

Pose with your pals against legendary backdrops, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, pulling faces to commemorate the fun you’ve had on vacation. Alternatively, book this type of tour as a romantic couples shoot or simply to add a few snaps to your family album.

If you’re seeking a fresh take on the tired photos of poses outside the city’s landmarks you see plastered across the internet, booking a professional photographer is the way to go.

Spending a couple of hours alongside an artist gives them plenty of time to capture your unique personality on film and find new, and exciting ways to bring life to two-dimensional snapshots.

12 – Eiffel Tower Summit, Walking Tour & Seine Champagne Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.2/5 ( 141 reviews )

“Enjoyed all of it.” Eunice, get your guide

Those wishing to create a bucket list moment on their Europe vacation should consider opting for a cruise along the Seine River to experience Paris from a new perspective. Before boarding your vessel, you’ll discover the Eiffel Tower on foot with a City Wonders guide, journeying up to its second viewing platform to learn facts about its construction.

You can then embark on a gentle boat ride along the Seine River at your leisure, discovering the wealth of landmarks on its banks, from the 12th-century Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris to the 18th-century Palais de l’Institut. As you travel along the city’s most significant waterway, you’ll toast your loved one over a chilled glass of champagne.

Pick a sunny day and enjoy Paris in all its glory with a gentle breeze whipping through your hair as you admire the sites. Alternatively, come unprepared and you may find yourself scurrying around in search of an umbrella.

Luckily, the cruise portion of this tour is completely flexible meaning that if you, like us, enjoy throwing caution to the wind on vacation, you’re in the right place to do so.

• walking tours with evening cruise in Paris

Read more: Seine River Cruises in Paris – Which One is Best?

13 – Free Walking Tour of Paris

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 997 reviews )

“Super! We enjoy every minute of the tour.” Erica, civitatis

Budget-conscious travelers can instead select a free walking tour in Paris to help stretch their euros a little further.

You’ll follow your guide around the city, visiting beloved attractions, such as the Louvre, as well as spots often missed on other Paris walking tours, including the Palais Justice and Pont Neuf, being filled in on each landmark’s background as you go.

Once your tour reaches an end, you’ll simply tip your Walkative Tours guide appropriately, depending on how much you enjoyed the experience.

While your group size on this type of tour truly is the luck of the draw, the guides are well-versed in entertaining solo travelers and large parties alike.

Those with children will be pleased to know this type of excursion is suitable for all ages, keeping everyone in the family engrossed, and we appreciate how the guides are intent on ensuring everyone enjoys a personal experience.

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14 – Paris Mysteries & Legends Free Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 3403 reviews )

“It was Amazing! Eva told us some history that I could never had found she was Awesome! I will always remember this tour.” Judy, Civitatis

Look under Paris’ shiny exterior to discover another, darker version of the “City of Lights” on this alternative history tour, also operated by Walkative Tours .

Dive into the history behind Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris, including that of its gargoyles, believed to offer protection to the building by chasing away evil spirits. Other points of interest on this evening excursion include the Paris Catacombs, which house the remains of more than 6 million individuals, as well as the 16th-century Gothic Tour Saint-Jacques.

As well as creepy tales, you’ll also learn about the real-life alchemist, Nicholas Flammel, the life of whom has, in recent years, been brought into the spotlight after being mentioned in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

There’s nothing worse than a boring tour guide, but luckily, you won’t find that here. The professionals who run this excursion have all the most engrossing facts about Paris at their fingertips and, despite the spine-tingling nature of the experience, you’ll find yourself thrilled in the best way.

Even if you’ve done your homework on the city’s colorful history, we can guarantee you’ll be surprised by new information on this tour.

15 – Private Tour: Fashion History in the Heart of Paris

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 113 reviews )

“Tour with Ivo was an excellent experience- very friendly and knowledgeable. Was very informative and entertaining. A great way to learn about the fashion industry in Paris.” Tim, Viator

While Paris is best known for its croissants, art and architecture, the city’s fashion style is also applauded worldwide. Learn the roots of its most classic cuts on this private walking tour in Paris that takes you on a journey through the destination’s fashion history. See how locals embody the chic and effortless style reputation that Paris has gained as you weave your way through the streets of the city’s most fashion-conscious districts.

Along the way, step inside one-of-a-kind boutiques and vintage shops to see how styles evolve over time.

Whether you’re a fashion icon in the making or are a style newbie, you’ll find there’s a lot to learn on this excursion. The guides captivate every traveler with their entertaining commentary and you’ll gain insider nuggets of wisdom about the most celebrated French designers. We’re certain that by the time you’re finished with this experience, you’ll know your Lanvin from your Louis Vuitton.

• shopping tours in Paris

How to book walking tours in Paris?

There are many different companies offering walking tours in Paris that appear on several travel websites. You’ll find that there is a little variance in the prices of each tour as some websites offer discounts to tourists.

You can use the Tourscanner search engine to compare offers and secure yourself the best deal. You can also check out reviews of each Paris walking tour submitted by real travelers, as well as itineraries, enabling you to select the one that suits you best.

• compare walking tours in Paris

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Self Guided Walking Tours of Paris

In this post, you will find a free, self-guided walking tour of the historic heart of Paris, along with a map and a GPS-enabled audio option.

The route includes many locations we cover in our free guided walking tours, so we offer you lots of information based on our knowledge of the history of what you will be seeing in this self-guided tour.

This tour starts on the Left Bank in the Latin Quarter before exploring Île de la Cité and ends at the Louvre Museum.

When you are done with this self-guided tour, why not try our others?

• Right Bank Landmarks
• Latin Quarter
• Père Lachaise Cemetery

Like this one, they come with maps, routes, and in some cases, audio tour versions.

You can use these to discover the city at your own pace or as a preview of what you will see on a live-guided tour, like our free walking tours of Paris .

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SELF-GUIDED TOUR - HEART OF PARIS

The tour starts on the Left Bank in the Latin Quarter, passes through Île de la Cité and ends at the Louvre Museum.

The route is a little less than 3 kilometers (just under 2 miles).

If you'd like to enhance your experience, you might like to use our accompanying GPS-led audio tour , developed and narrated by one of our local tour guides, Andrew.

The audio tour is a more detailed version of the written information below. It costs just 2.99€ per download.

Here is a sample of the tour.

Click on the map to expand or to download it to your phone.

For directions between stops, use the map above or download a PDF version of this tour.

1. Place Saint-Michel

Place Saint-Michel is simple – a triangle between two streets, uniform buildings along both, designed by the same architect, a walk of smooth cobblestone.

The centerpiece is St. Michael defeating a devil; far above them are four statues symbolizing the four cardinal virtues of prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice.

This monument came to be because of the 1848 Revolution and a cholera epidemic in Paris that followed it which killed thousands.

This idea of abstract concepts given human form had been popular during the Revolution, the big one, representing the kind of big virtues – like the Four Cardinal Virtues – that everyone could strive for, instead of a single human being whose actions and legacy would turn people against each other.

Simultaneous with the creation of Place Saint-Michel, Napoleon III’s renovation brought the Boulevard Saint-Michel into being, and that is the next part of the walk.

2. Boulevard Saint-Michel

The character of the street you’re on – wide-open space lined with trees and long, harmonious buildings, plus, often, a view of some landmark in the distance – was a central part of the renovation plan, or the Haussmann plan, as it’s also known.

Georges-Eugène Hausmann was a Paris technocrat. Aside from health reasons, he also made the case to the parliament that wide streets would help prevent so many revolutions in the future.

Many buildings along this road are fine examples of the French 2nd Empire style.

On the left side of the street, just after Boulinier, a used book store, you’ll see the ruins of ancient Roman-style baths.

This is a preview of the Cluny Museum, which you’ll see from the front soon.

3. The Sorbonne

The Sorbonne, or the University of Paris, has been here since 1150, making it the second oldest university in Europe.

It’s the place where some of the fundamentals of today’s education system – things like doctoral degrees – were first put into practice.

The Sorbonne helped put Paris, and the Latin Quarter, on the map. 

It’s hard to overstate how many big names are connected with this institution, then and since.

Among them are churchmen John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas, scientists Marie and Pierre Curie, writers Voltaire, Balzac, Jean-Paul Sartre, T.S. Eliot, Elie Wiesel, Susan Sontag and so many more.

4. Cluny Museum

This is the Cluny Museum, formerly the Cluny Mansion. The name comes from the Cluny monks to whom it belonged and they were named for the city where they were based.

In 1340, they obtained what was left of the thermal baths you saw earlier and built this structure beside them.

Today, it’s France’s National Museum of the Middle Ages. It’s more an art museum than a history museum, with excellent exhibits on tapestries and stained glass.

Apart from those, the museum also has early medieval art from before the Gothic era – the style called Romanesque – medieval work from the Islamic world and the Byzantine Empire, and some other late, near-Renaissance pieces from the era of the tapestries.

There are also some much older artifacts in that oldest part of the property, the Roman baths. 

It’s open every day but Tuesday from 9:15 am to 5:45 pm. Regular tickets are 5 Euros, sometimes more if there’s a special exhibit going on ( more info ).

However, it’s free for teenagers, EU citizens under 26, and, on the first Sunday of each month, for everyone. It’s also free with a Paris Museum Pass .

5. The Church of Saint-Severin

Pause here for a moment to take in the atmosphere of the medieval city.

Saint-Severin is a 13th-century church, and the Rue Saint-Severin, the road just past it, is from that same era.

Look down to the left and you can imagine the crowdedness of these roads, shared by carts. pedestrians and animals and whatever was thrown from upper windows.

And you can imagine how easy it would be to improvise a barricade across one of these streets if you wanted to.

6. Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauve

The Church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauve, or St. Julian the Poor, began construction in the 12th century, around the same time as Notre-Dame, and steady changes since have made it a mash-up of styles.

But it started Romanesque, the early medieval style that preceded Gothic, and you can see the heaviness of that style, compared to which Gothic would have seemed so revolutionary.

While it was originally a Roman Catholic church, today it’s used by Melkite Greek Catholics, who are part of an Eastern Catholic community, based in the Middle East.

The square is called the Square Rene Viviani, mostly known for its view of Notre-Dame.

The grounds are littered with big pieces of limestone – in the 19th century when Notre-Dame was renovated and also contains a locust tree believed to be the oldest tree in Paris, about 400 years old.

7. Shakespeare and Company Bookstore

This is the second of two bookstores called Shakespeare and Company, the other stood just southwest of here, and both focused on English language books. 

An American named Sylvia Beach opened it, and as both a bookstore and a lending library, it came to be the haunt of writers and artists, including Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, and Pablo Picasso.

The bookstore provided more than just a place for future artistic celebrities to meet; it also stocked and eventually published books that were banned back home, including James Joyce’s novel Ulysses.

This Shakespeare and Company was founded by George Whitman, who offered lodging to writers in exchange for volunteer work, and if you step inside, you’ll see some of their beds.

8. Left Bank - Pont au Double

On the quays along the banks of the Seine, Shakespeare and Company has plenty of competition in the bookselling business: bouquinistes , the booksellers who set up shop in little stalls along the river. 

From around the bridge, you can get a few important views. First is the Seine itself. The name Seine comes from Sequana, the name of an ancient river goddess. 

The river is the reason for human interest in this site going back millennia, and the Île de la Cité offered a relatively easy crossing, as well as an opportunity to build low bridges and control traffic up and down the river. 

On the opposite side of the water from here is the Île de la Cité. From here you can see the big picture of the island. 

On the west end, to your left, is the Palais de la Justice, the former site of the royal palace and still home to parts of the French government. 

On the east side, to the right, has been religious turf for even longer – Notre-Dame has stood here since 1163.

Before, there was another Christian cathedral that was likely a Roman temple, and those were sometimes built on sacred sites that were older still. 

Nowadays, there’s not much on the island besides that; Haussmann eliminated most of the residences here.

9. Notre-Dame (Exterior)

This cathedral was started in the 1100s and enhanced with some of its flashiest elements over the next few centuries.

You can see one of those additions: the flying buttresses, those gracefully curved stone supports arrayed along the side of the building. 

The cathedral has 2 beautiful rose windows, both designed in the 13th century, but they were recreated in the 19th century, and they weren’t the only parts of the cathedral added so recently. 

The same is true of much of the stained glass, the spire (now destroyed by the fire), all the gargoyles, and the heads of statues on the western side. 

To help fund that restoration, Victor Hugo penned his novel Notre-Dame de Paris, known in English as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame . 

Looking at the cathedral from the front, you can see an overwhelming number of sculptures and reliefs.

For a time when most attendees were illiterate and didn’t understand the Latin language in which the sermons were given, the church façade itself was the illustrated version of the Bible. 

Over the main western doors, on what’s called the tympanum, is a relief of Judgement Day, with the separation of souls bound for eternal paradise or eternal torment. 

To the left, over the Portal of the Virgin, is a statue of Saint-Denis, who would have needed no introduction for most attendees.

He was beheaded by the Romans for the threat he posed to other religions. 

Now, he’s a patron saint of Paris and he’s also known across the Catholic world as someone to pray for relief from headaches.

In April 2019, a fire led to the collapse of much of the roof and a spire, plus collateral damage from impact, smoke, and water to much of the rest of the building and the artwork inside.

Hundreds of firefighters contained the disaster and kept it from doing more harm. 

The archaeological crypt under the parvis is now open and contains remains of the Roman city, plus models of what Notre-Dame looked like at the various phases of its life.

Tickets are 9€ or for free with a Paris Museum Pass .

Notre-Dame Cathedral's reopening is scheduled for December 8, 2024.

10. Rue de Lutece

Straight ahead, you can see the Palais de la Justice, the next stop.

To your right is the Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II, a beautiful, 200-year-old outdoor flower and plant market, operating daily from 9:30 - 19:00 (7 pm).

Lutèce is the French variation of “Lutetia” the ancient Roman name for Paris. The full name was Lutetia Parisiorum – Lutetia of the Parisii. 

The Parisii were the tribe that lived in this area before the Roman conquest, and as you may have guessed, they give the city its modern name.

Though we refer to Roman in this tour, it is Gallo-Roman, to be exact.

The region’s population was the Gauls, a Celtic people, and while they were conquered by the Romans, local culture in the early centuries CE was a fusion of both. 

There’s a limited understanding of the geography of ancient life here – the ancient Gallic city was probably out west in today’s suburbs, and the Roman city, originally on the Left Bank, moved onto the island in the third century to be more easily defended. 

At the end of Rue de Lutèce is Boulevard du Palais, with the massive palace complex on the opposite side of the street.

11. Palais De Justice and Sainte-Chapelle

Altogether, what you see here is the Palais de la Cité. The site has served state functions as far back as being the home of Roman governors in the early years CE.

As for French kings, it was the royal palace until the 14th century, when it moved to various locations across the Seine on the Right Bank, including the Louvre. 

From here you can see Sainte-Chapelle or the Sacred Chapel, easily identified by the tall steeple on the left side of the complex.

As for going inside Sainte-Chapelle, the wait can be long, but you’ll see some of the world’s most impressive stained glass. 

The upper chapel, up a narrow spiral staircase from the entrance and once only accessible by the king and his family, is surrounded by windows, and comprehensive cleaning and restoration completed in 2014 have them in ideal form. 

The lower chapel, the portion originally made for the general population of the palace, has a highly decorated Gothic vaulted ceiling. 

Sainte-Chapelle 's hours are:

• April 1st to September 30th, 9:00 - 19:00 (7 pm)
• October 1st to March 31, 9:00 - 17:00 (5 pm)

Tickets are 13€ per person over 18 years of age; under 18 years old have free admission.

You can also be admitted for free with a Paris Museum Pass .

You can also get a combination ticket with our next stop, La Conciergerie, for 20€, but it’s only available from the La Conciergerie ticket desk; you won’t find it online.

12. La Conciergerie

La Conciergerie is famous as the last residence of Queen Marie Antoinette before she was executed early in the French Revolution. It was also a prison before and after her time. 

La Conciergerie

The royal palace had moved to new locations across the Seine in the 14th century. But some state functions stayed behind here, including part of the French court system. 

In the absence of the king himself, the place was run by a surrogate – a concierge – giving this building its name.

While the Revolution began with the liberation of a prison, the Bastille, it soon took over the palace and found uses for everything there. 

Sainte-Chapelle became storage, the space where the parliament of nobles met became the home of the assembly and the Revolutionary Tribunal, and the prison became... the prison. 

The royalty and their supporters, and eventually all kinds of perceived enemies, were imprisoned, tried, and executed, close to 3,000 of them in this building alone.

The Cell of Marie-Antoinette

In terms of the interior, La Conciergerie is a stark, simple building compared to Sainte-Chapelle, although still majestically Gothic.

Some spaces are set up as they would have looked during the Revolution, including the cell of Marie-Antoinette, which is now a chapel dedicated to her.

Hours : 

• 9:30 - 18:00 (6 pm). Last entry at 17:30 (5:30 pm)
• Early closure on December 24 and January 1 at 17:00 (5 pm)

Lastly, you can purchase a combination ticket that includes La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle for 20€, available from the La Conciergerie ticket desk; you won’t find it online.

There are guided tours (at an additional cost) every day at 11:00 and 15:00 (3 pm) and virtual reality 'histo-pads' available for rental at a modest price. 

At the end of the block, on the corner of the palace, is the first of the palace’s four towers, Tour de l’Horloge.

13. Tour de L'Horloge

Tour de l’Horloge means clock tower, and the clock is hard to miss!

This was the first public clock in Paris, installed in the 14th century, although the decorated face you see now came along a couple of hundred years later and has been restored a few times since. 

The figures on either side are personifications of law and justice – you may be able to see the plaque on the left and the scales on the right. 

The clock face is covered by a small roof.

If you have especially sharp eyes and you look straight up at the underside of that roof, you can see a repeating pattern of intertwined letters: sometimes H and C, for King Henri II and his queen, Catherine de Medici, and sometimes H and M, for King Henri IV and his queen, Marguerite de Valois.

14-15. Place Dauphine

Place Dauphine is another city square, a triangle really; the rows of buildings that border it on the north and south sides slowly converge, leading to the edge of the island. 

Make your way gradually through to that point.

King Henri IV had a son, who would eventually become King Louis XIII, but until he took the throne, he was the Dauphin, or the crown prince. 

Dauphin also means dolphin; a couple of them are featured on the French coat of arms. 

Anyway, during his son’s boyhood, Henri IV converted a private palace garden into a public square and called it Place Dauphine, or Crown Prince Square. 

The buildings have mostly been redone since then; you can get a feel for the original square at the other end, the last buildings where the two sides converge to frame a statue of Henri IV.

16. Pont Neuf

The space where Henri stands is called the Square du Vert Galant, and it’s a relatively new piece of land.

River islands like Île de la Cité naturally build up this way on their downstream side. 

The New Bridge, when it was new at the start of the 1600s, just touched the tip of the island. 

Today, Pont Neuf is the oldest bridge still running across the Seine, and the others have followed its lead.

This one was specifically designed not to have houses on it, so as to offer a view of the Louvre, which is where we’re going next.

17. Quai du Louvre

First, the sights on the Left Bank. 

Directly across the Pont Neuf you can see the Monnaie de Paris, France’s mint, operating for more than a millennium and still producing Euros today.

The building includes a museum on the history of the institution itself and on other money-related matters.

Next to it, you’ll see a wide building with a dome in the middle, the Institut de France.

Founded as a school, this is the home to intellectual institutions like the Académie Française. 

The Academy does many things, including giving life-changing monetary prizes to artists, but it’s best known for promoting a stiff view of what constitutes correct French. 

Crossing the river in front of the Institut de France is another bridge, the Pont des Arts or Bridge of the Arts, named to match with the Louvre, the Palais des Arts or Palace of the Arts.

It’s a pedestrian-only metal bridge commissioned by Napoleon, and the view it offers makes it a popular spot for artists or just souvenir photographers.

There’s a tradition – purely touristic – of attaching locks to the bridge; you’ll endear yourself to Parisians if you decide not to do this.

18. Louvre Museum and Tuileries Gardens

The Louvre used to be a royal palace, and it’s easy to tell. (See our in-depth post on how to visit the Louvre Museum ).

The Louvre remained private after the royalty moved out, and it housed a private collection of art until the Revolution, at which point, in 1793, it was opened to the public.

The open space to the west of the Louvre, centered on a large sculpted hedge, is the Place du Carrousel, and it used to be the location of another royal palace – the Tuileries Palace, destroyed in the late 19th century.

It left behind the arch opposite the Louvre – the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, built to celebrate the military victories of Napoleon and to welcome arrivals to that palace. 

Beyond it are a couple of stairways, leading down into the former location of the moat, which contains some sculptures from the old palace. 

And beyond that is the Tuileries Gardens. At one time an exclusive royal garden, this too became public during the Revolution, and it’s another option for the next part of your adventure.

The gardens have a lot to see – it’s a sculpture garden with about 200 pieces, including several by famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

The gardens are bigger than the Louvre, so you could easily find yourself walking further in this park than you have through this entire tour so far!

Luckily, there are a couple of cafes around the middle if you need somewhere to rest.

It’s free to enter the gardens and is open every day, with hours changing seasonally.

• January through December 7:30 - 19:30 (7:30 pm)
• June, July and August 7:00 - 23:00 (11:00 pm)
• April, May and September 7:00 - 21:00 (9:00 pm)

At the far end of the gardens is the Jeu de Paume , a contemporary art museum and L'Orangerie museum dedicated to impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.

This magnicient museum is a must-visit in Paris. It's open 9:00 - 18:00 (6 pm) daily, except Tuesdays. Tickets are 12,50€ or free with a Paris Museum Pass .

Beyond these museums are Place de la Concorde and the Champs Élysées, included in our self-guided tour of Paris' Right Bank !

For more ideas in Paris, including things to do in the Latin Quarter, Marais, and Montmartre , check out our website, linked in the notes.

And look for our articles and audio tours about lots of other cities - you’ll find links in the notes for those, too. 

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A walking guide of things to do in paris.

With so many things to do in Paris, narrowing down where to go and what to do in the city of light can be challenging. I’ve narrowed down my favorite sites and activities that you can easily see on foot! 

Ah, Paris ! Is there anything more magical than the city of light? At any season, wandering the streets while munching on a baguette is pretty much the stuff dreams are made of.  Central Paris is a relatively “small” city, at just 40 square miles, and it is surprisingly walkable. With all the delicious culinary delights to be had along the way, you’ll be glad you’re walking! For a list of 25 things you MUST eat while you’re in Paris, read my list here. 

Also, if you’re planning a visit to Paris with kids, read my Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids.   Walking Paris is definitely doable with kids, but I would recommend breaking up this walking guide into several days or maybe taking some public transportation between parts of Paris that are farther apart. These stops may need to be broken up with longer trips to Luxembourg Gardens or stops at more carousels and crepe stands. This might go for adults too haha! 

Preparing for your self-guided walking tour of Paris

This self-guided walking tour of Paris will take you on a 10-mile route through the city and include the best Paris bucket list sites as well as some new surprises. Since this requires an extensive amount of walking, be sure to pack comfortable clothes and shoes. This route can be done in just one day in Paris if you’re a good walker! 

Walking Paris on a Sunday

If you’re planning to do some walking around Paris on a Sunday, there are a few things you should know. Paris on a Sunday is a little different than most days of the week. Be sure to read this guide first. 

Paris Walking Tour Map- Things to do in Paris

Where you begin your tour will depend on where you’re staying in Paris. There are 20 Arrondissements or neighborhoods in Paris. If you’re not sure where to stay, read this Paris Neighborhood Guide to help you decide.

I’ve created this interactive map that you can download to your phone and use without WiFi. There are 3 separate layers. Layer 1: Destinations. Layer 2: Walking directions from Montmartre to Pont Neuf. Layer 3: Walking directions from Pont Neuf to the Eiffel Tower. This walking tour of Paris CAN be done in one long day, but feel free to break it up into more if you have the time.

This walking tour covers about 10 miles throughout Paris, but is broken up with lots of sites and food stops along the way! Have fun, and if you get lost, don’t worry, that’s half the fun!

#1: Montmartre

Your journey will begin in this beautiful and historic part of Paris that is known for it’s lovely narrow cobbled streets, and was and still is home to many artists, especially during the era of Impressionism such as Salvador Dalí, Amedeo Modigliani, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Camille Pissarro, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. I like to start here because it is the highest point you will see today, which means the rest of your day is essentially spent walking downhill!

It’s a pretty long steep walk up to Sacre Coeur, but I love dawdling along the streets and stopping in the boulangerie to grab fresh bread and snacking while we make our way to the top. The view is worth it. I think half your time in Paris should be spent wandering the streets. It’s the best part!

You can visit the Basilica of Sacre Coeur, walk the streets, have your picture painted (artists here must have a special license issued by the city which limits the number of artists allowed, so you know they will be good), stop and have a crepe or some frites and take the funicular, which has been running since 1900 (but has been updated) down the steps from Sacre Coeur if you don’t feel like walking up or down over 300 steps.

#2: The Centre Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is an awesome piece of inside-out architecture that houses France’s largest modern art museum and a public library. But the best thing about this building is that all of the functional external elements of the building are color-coded: green pipes are plumbing, blue ducts are for climate control, electrical wires are encased in yellow, and the red ones are circulation elements and health and safety. Even the escalators are on the outside of the building. How fun is that?!

#3: Le Marais

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris, Le Marais is a cobblestone paradise of vintage boutiques and small bistros. Plan to hit Le Marais around lunch time as this eclectic neighborhood is known for its food! After lunch be sure to visit the picturesque square of Place des Vosges. The Picasso Museum is also located in Le Marais. Stop by Carette for a tasty afternoon treat!

#4: Ile de la Cite

No visit to Paris would be complete without hearing the bells of Notre Dame and seeing the breathtaking view from the tower! But there is much more to explore on Ile de la Cite. Wander over the Sainte Chapelle for the most glorious stained glass windows you’ll ever see! Also worth a visit is Ile St. Louis next door.

#5: Pantheon

For another incredible view of Paris, take a guided tour up to the dome of the Pantheon, located in the Latin Quarter. The Pantheon, originally built as a church, is now a mausoleum to distinguished French citizens such as Voltaire, Marie Curie, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, and Emile Zola.

#6: Luxembourg Gardens

Walk the short distance to the Luxembourg Gardens and enjoy a stroll through the park where you can people watch and enjoy some nature in the middle of the city. There is also a fantastic playground.

#7: Saint-Germain-des-Prés

As you leave the Luxembourg Gardens, head to the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, renowned for its vintage and boutique shopping and bustling cafes.  

#8: Pont Neuf

Cross over the Seine again via Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge that crosses the river in Paris, built in the 1500s.

It’s time for a stop at the Louvre! The lines can get long, so if you plan to go inside, I would considering hiring a private tour through something like Paris Muse to get you through the Louvre without waiting in line and getting you a personal art history lesson. Be sure to grab eclairs from Eclair de Genie which can be found near the Louvre food court. Snap a selfie in front of the glass pyramids, which were a huge controversy during their construction, but are now Paris Icons.

#9: Tuileries Garden

Leaving the Louvre, stroll through the Tuileries Garden and enjoy an escape from city life on your way to the next museum…

#9: Orangerie Museum

The Musee de l’Orangerie is an art gallery full of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings from the likes of Monet, Cezanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Renoir, Rousseau and more! If you’re running short on time, pick between the Louvre and the Orangerie based on which art interests you more.

#10: Arc de Triomphe

Stroll all the way up the Champs Elysees (doing some window shopping while you’re at it), see the craziest roundabout you’ll ever see, and onto the Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars. The names of all French victories and generals are inscribed on the surfaces. At the base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.  You can climb the steps for another fantastic view of the city and of your next destination, the Eiffel Tower!

#11: Trocadero

Walk to Trocadero where you will have the best viewing and photo spot for the Eiffel Tower just across the Seine.

#12: Eiffel Tower

Your walking tour stops at the Eiffel Tower. Originally designed for the 1889 World’s Fair, and only built to stand for 20 years, the tower came under extreme criticism from the citizens and artists of the day, but is now the most iconic structure in Paris, visited by over seven million people each year! Be sure to buy your tickets months in advance as they can book out. Also, consider scheduling a private tour. There are many that start at the Trocadero and walk you to the tower, all while teaching you about its history and skipping the lines.

I hope this walking guide to Paris was helpful and that you love your time in Paris as much as I have. It’s truly one of those places that captures your heart if you do it right. Have an amazing time in Paris, and eat a croissant for me!

Wanderlust Crew

6 thoughts on “ a walking guide of things to do in paris ”.

This looks fantastic. Such a great city to explore by foot!

Thanks so much! Paris is amazing! xo

What a great route to explore the city – I agree, Paris is much better seen by foot. When I last visited with my daughter (in her buggy) we wandered for miles exploring. I could definitely have done with some orthotics – or a foot massage!

That sounds dreamy! I’m so ready to head back to Paris and walk the streets again!

what time did you start this walk ? how long did it take ?

Aggressively, you could do this in one day. But it would be a long day! It just depends on how quickly you wanted to do everything.

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Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris Along The Seine

One of our favorite ways to get to know a city is to explore it on foot. During our 2 week trip to Europe over the summer, we had a fantastic time completing our self guided walking tour of London along the Thames and decided to replicate the experience for Paris. In this post, we’re sharing all the details of our self guided walking tour of Paris along the Seine.

This tour will take 3-5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, depending on if you just walk it straight through with minimal stops or if you decide to indulge in some of the museums and experiences on the way. The journey begins at the Eiffel Tower and winds its way along the Seine to the Louvre with lots of fun stops and opportunities to get to know The City of Love during the walk.

We did this self guided walking tour of Paris with Kayla’s mini adventurer who was just shy of turning 2, so this guide includes some of the special little stops you can do that will make the journey enjoyable for little ones as well.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission from your purchase which will go toward bringing you more travel tips, tricks, and tidbits .

If you want to explore other areas of Paris on foot, be sure to check out our post on 12 Fun Things To Do In Montmartre . This charming area of Paris feels more like a French village than part of the bustling capital city of France .

The Eiffel Tower

This self guided walking tour of Paris begins at the city’s most iconic landmark – The Eiffel Tower. While most people have it on their bucket list to see during their time in Paris, first timers may not know that you can go inside the Eiffel Tower !

For varying price points, you can purchase tickets to go up to the 1st, 2nd, and top floors of the Eiffel Tower. Not only will you have fantastic panoramic views of the city, you’ll also be able to dine inside the Eiffel Tower if you wish! Each level has dining options at different price points. There are also little shops inside where you can get one of a kind souvenirs to commemorate your trip! You can either purchase tickets through the Eiffel Tower website or have a guided tour of the Eiffel Tour coupled with a Seine River Cruise .

If you do decide to venture inside, just be sure you pay attention to what you’re paying for. Some tickets only give you access to the stairs and others give you access to the elevator.

Underneath the Eiffel Tower is a carousel that children will enjoy riding – and it makes for such cute pictures with the Eiffel Tower serving as a great backdrop! If you have children, they may also like seeing a traditional French marionnette puppet show at the Marionnettes du Champ de Mars Paris . The theatre is located right by the Eiffel Tower and only costs €6 per person to attend. This is a fantastic fun way to show your children a bit of French culture that they are sure to remember!

After finishing your fun with the Eiffel Tower, make your way toward Pont d’léna bridge. Just before you get to the bridge, veer right onto the wide walking path where you’ll continue on your way for 1.5 miles (2.4km) toward Place de la Concorde. The walking path is very wide and parents should be comfortable letting their little ones out of the stroller to stretch their legs along the way since vehicles are not allowed on the path. It also has fantastic river views for most of the walk!

Photo Ops & Museums

You won’t have to go far before you have excellent photo opportunities of the Eiffel Tower without any other tourists in your photos! During your walk, you’ll see boats bobbing in the river, art installations, historical monuments, and beautiful bridges.

You may also like visiting the couple of museums you’ll pass in this stretch. At Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac , you can see tribal art from around the world. The Paris Sewer Museum shows you “the city beneath the city”, and Fluctuart: Center of Urban Art gives you a chance to enjoy art, books, and a casual meal on the water.

World Famous Macarons

Our favorite stop was Le Café Pierre Hermé , where we got to buy some absolutely delicious macarons. There is a little stand alone shop on the side of the path just before Pont de l’Alma bridge. Since this stop is toward the beginning of the walking tour of Paris, you’ll have a delicious treat if you get snacky during your walk!

There is an ongoing debate over whether Pierre Hermé or Ladurée has the best macarons in the world. We didn’t get to try the latter, but we can confirm the macarons from Pierre Hermé are both beautiful and extremely tasty. They make a fantastic gift to bring back home to someone!

The Most Beautiful Bridge in Paris

You can cross Pont de la Concorde bridge which will deposit you right at Place de la Concorde, but we chose to take the one just before it – Pont Alexandre III bridge.

This bridge is so incredibly beautiful and is one of the most ornate bridges in Paris! It has stunning gilded statues standing tall on pedestals at each corner of the bridge, dozens of beautiful old lampposts adorned with cherubs, and intricate stone garland along the outer sides with gilded details. There are some great photo opportunities on the bridge with the Eiffel Tower in the distance or off the bridge if you’d like a picture of the entire bridge in all its glory!

Place de la Concorde

From the bridge, it is less than a 10 minute walk to Palace de la Concorde – the largest square in Paris.

There are 2 beautiful fountains on either side of the square with an enormous Egyptian obelisk at its center and palatial buildings dotting the perimeter. The obelisk is over 3000 years old and dates back to the reign of Ramses III. Its twin remains at their original location in front of Luxor Temple in Egypt, which Kayla got to see when she went on a tour of Egypt with Bucket List Travel .

History buffs will be interested to know that during the late 1700s, the square was home to the executions of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette. After their deaths, the Reign of Terror began and a guillotine was permanently installed at Place de la Concorde for 2 years. During that troublesome time of the French Revolution, over 1,100 people were publicly executed in the square.

If you want a hearty meal, consider heading over to Ferdi while you’re in this area. This unpretentious eatery is said to have the best cheeseburger in Paris. In fact, it’s Kim Kardashian’s favorite, and the restaurant is often frequented by other celebs as well! Ferdi is only a six minute walk from Place de la Concorde and only one block over from Jardin des Tuileries.

Jardin des Tuileries

On the eastern side of Place de la Concorde is one of the entrances to Jardin des Tuileries , a massive public garden with a fascinating history and a lovely space to spend a sunny day in Paris. It directly connects Place de la Concorde to the Louvre.

The garden was first commissioned by Queen Catherine Medici and was much smaller than it is today. Over time, it was heavily expanded upon, but it wasn’t until 100 years after its original construction that it got its iconic French classical landscaping design that it retains today and the garden became open to the public to enjoy.

In 1783, over 400,000 people gathered in and around the garden to watch a hot air balloon ascend with 2 people inside. Benjamin Franklin had come to Paris to watch the trials and the world waited for news of whether the flight was successful. Up until that point, only farm animals had been up in a hot air balloon. Not only was the flight a success with the balloon traveling 27 miles, it became known as the world’s first manned flight!

Today, the gardens offer ample space to stretch your legs. There are cafes dotted throughout, serene fountains, beautiful sculptures, and lots of shady trees that are perfect for picnicking under. Little ones will enjoy riding the carousel located at the heart of the gardens and older kids will love playing on the massive playground directly beside the carousel.

If you are visiting Paris during July and August, children and adults alike can have hours of fun at the Fête des Tuileries – a massive fair set up in the gardens with over 60 attractions! Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Musée de l’Orangerie any time of year, where you can see 8 of Monet’s water lily paintings.

If you want a fun filled day for your children any time of year, consider taking them to Disneyland Paris! It is an easy day trip from the city center. Check out our roundup of 10 Things to Know For Disneyland Pari s as a jumping off point to plan your extra magical day.

After you’ve had your share of fun in the gardens, you’ll want to exit on the complete opposite side of the park that you entered, which will take you to the Louvre.

The Louvre Museum

The last stop on this self guided walking tour of Paris is the Louvre Museum. The museum opened in 1793. While the palace once housed French royals, today it is home to 35,000 works of art – the most famous one being the Mona Lisa .

Outside of the Louvre, you’ll be able to get pictures with the iconic glass pyramids and the beautiful buildings that make up the Louvre. On the inside, you’ll find rooms and hallways dripping in splendor. The formal palace has maintained its opulent design throughout the years, with several rooms being masterpieces in and of themselves.

It can be a bit confusing to navigate a large museum, but especially the largest museum in the world. To help you out, the Louvre has curated some self guided visitor trails of varying lengths to assist you if you’re unsure where to begin.

If you start feeling peckish after a day filled exploring, the museum has several cafes. Many people flock to Angelina though, as it is renowned for having some of the best hot chocolate in the world.

If you’ve done this walking tour of Paris from start to finish, give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve had a long day exploring, but it was one filled with beauty and fun things to do. Take a taxi or an Uber back to your accommodations since you spent so long on your feet today – you can easily catch one right outside the Louvre!

Let us know in the comments below your favorite stops on our Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris!

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8 thoughts on “Self Guided Walking Tour of Paris Along The Seine”

Just wonderful – I have to go back to Paris one day 🙂

I love exploring cities by foot and I love Paris. This self guided walking tour is perfect. 🤍

I always love a good self guided walking tour! I can’t decide about the favorite stop from this Paris walking tour, I love them all!

I haven’t stopped at the carousel before, even when we took our girls. Something new to do next time!

Lovely tour, it’s such a great city to walk around too!

Paris is one of my favorite travel destinations. We always take a romantic walk along the Seine!

I’ve always longed to travel to Paris, and your post confirms that I need to go before long. Thank you for the specific tips about how to enjoy the landmarks – I need to try a macaroon!

I am a big fan of exploring cities on foot and immersing myself in neighborhoods. This is a perfect self-guided walking tour of Paris.

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Covered Passages of Paris: A free self guided walking tour of Paris arcades with map

January 21, 2018 by Karen Turner 20 Comments

If you’re visiting Paris, you might be looking for something unusual to do in Paris besides seeing the Eiffel Tower.  Either way, you will not want to miss the arcades of Paris.   In my time living in Paris, I loved getting lost in the covered passages in Paris, which retain an air of magic and make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

This free self-guided walking tour through Paris should give you glimpse into the secret Paris that Parisians know, love, and guard with their lives. This walk through the covered passages of Paris includes some of Paris’ most beautiful passages, including Passage Verdeau, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage des Panoramas as well as some off the beaten path attractions.

This free walking tour of the covered passages in Paris is about 4 kilometers total and it should take you about an hour without stopping, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

You’re better off doing your walk through the Paris arcades prior to 5pm on a weekday if possible as shops might close after 5pm and it will be less crowded.  Plan for about 2-3 hours if you follow this itinerary with stopping off to take photos.   Click for my perfect four days in Paris itinerary.

*PRINTABLE MAP OF COVERED PASSAGES AT BOTTOM WITH STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS*  You can also do this route in reverse very easily. 😉

• 1 Starting point of the walk
• 2 Passage Verdeau
• 3 Lunch or dinner at Le Bouillon Chartier
• 4 Passage Jouffroy ​
• 5 Passage des Panoramas
• 6 Galerie Colbert ​
• 7 Galerie Vivienne
• 8 Jardin du Palais Royal & Surrounding Galeries
• 9 Le Palais Royal
• 10 Galerie Véro-Dodat
• 11 Stop for a cocktail at Le Reset
• 12 Passage du Bourg l’Abbé & Passage du Grand Cerf
• 13 Passage Molière
• 14 59 Rivoli
• 15 If you’ve visited any of the covered passages in Paris, which one is your favorite? ​

Starting point of the walk

Start off your trip at the Cadet Metro Stop , which is along the 7 line.  Walk a block towards Passage Verdeau.  On the way, you’ll pass La Mere de Famille , a beautiful old school Parisian confectery.

Passage Verdeau

 Passage Verdeau is a covered arcade built in 1847 named for its founder.  It is an antique lovers paradise with many antique bookshops.  Even if your budget is fairly low, you can get some lovely vintage postcards from Paris.

Passage Verdeau tends to be less crowded than the surrounding passages. Arcades are the precursors to modern-day malls as we know them.

Lunch or dinner at Le Bouillon Chartier

If you’re hungry for lunch or dinner, be sure to get in line at Le Bouillon Chartier, one of Paris’ most affordable French restaurants.  The line can be long although the atmosphere as well as the food is worth it.  

Amazingly, Parisians actually come here, so although you’ll find tourists and an English menu (if necessary).  The menu changes daily and if you’re after trying traditionally French food, be sure to stop off here.

Passage Jouffroy ​

Passage Jouffroy is my favorite passage in Paris and it is one of the most famous passages in Paris for good reason.  Its interesting window displays as well as the fact that it houses a hotel (Hotel Chopin), museum, and nightclub within its walls.  

Within Passage Jouffroy, you’ll find the quirk factor with businesses like La Maison du Roy, specializing in antique inspired decorations, as well as Cannes Fayet, which specializes in walking sticks/canes.  I also have a weakness for the miniature furniture store on the corner next to Hotel Chopin.

If you’re interested in staying in the covered passages, you can stay at Hotel Chopin , a charming boutique hotel in the middle of Passage Jouffroy with a friendly cat.

Passage des Panoramas

 If you continue forward, you’ll be in Passage des Panoramas, which is full of vintage stamp/coin shops as well as restaurants.  Here, you’ll find one of Paris’ best restaurants for gluten free dining at Noglu .  

After you see the passage, exit and walk a couple blocks down towards Galerie Colbert (check hours).

Galerie Colbert ​

Galerie Colbert has limited hours as it’s part of the National Library.  Its stunning marble columns might still call to you.  When I visited, we were the only ones there besides a random person scurrying between rooms.

Unlike other Parisian covered passages, there are no stores here, but the atmosphere is a nice change. Don’t be deterred by the security guards although I’d avoid bringing a backpack if possible as it might cause issues.

Galerie Vivienne

After visiting Galerie Colbert, walk around the block to see Galerie Vivienne, another famous passage although you’ll find it full of tourists.  Within it, you’ll still find a variety of shops, mostly with luxury goods, although there’s some adorable used bookstores.  

I didn’t successfully get into the one with the miniature second story, but you’re likely to find plenty to admire within this long passage. It has multiple entrances, so just be aware of where you exit.

Jardin du Palais Royal & Surrounding Galeries

Afterwards, walk through the iconic Jardin du Palais Royal.  Imagine yourself in a movie here.  This is the domain of Parisians walking their dogs although depending on which side you’re closer to, you’ll discover some galeries surrounding Jardin du Palais Royal with exclusive clothing brands as well as artisanal goods.  

If you’re looking for something truly unique, stop off along Galerie de Valois and Galerie de Montpensier after enjoying a relaxing stroll in the park.

Le Palais Royal

After walking through Jardin du Palais Royal, you’ll end up by Le Palais Royal, the former royal palace dating back to the 17th century.  It’s now used by the French government although you’ll find tourists and Parisians posing on its striped columns within the courtyard.

Galerie Véro-Dodat

Although Galerie Véro-Dodat is a bit smaller than some of the other covered passages in Paris, I loved how quiet and serene it was.

Given that you’re about to enter one of the most crowded parts of Paris, enjoy this moment and the beautiful black-and-white floor marble floor tiles.  Interestingly, it was one of the first galeries to have gas lighting, an achievement at the time.

There used to be more businesses in Galerie Véro-Dodat, but after after stagecoaches declined in popularity, its location close to a stagecoach hub meant that it lost a lot of businesses. There’s some clothing businesses and high-end art galleries within the gallery today.

Stop for a cocktail at Le Reset

After this, you’ll be walking through a very high traffic area. If it’s almost five (somewhere), stop off at Reset.  Reset is one of my favorite bars in Paris.

If you’re into video games, this geeky bar is a must with some delicious cocktails accompanied by old-school videogames.  This is where you’ll find me out in Paris. 😉

Passage du Bourg l’Abbé & Passage du Grand Cerf

After a refreshing drink, you can stop in at Passage du Bourg l’Abbé, one of the smallest passages in Paris, with many art galleries.

It’s very close to the entrance to Passage du Grand Cerf, so if you’re not tired of Passages yet, be sure to stop in at the little boutiques. The entrances for these are a bit tougher to spot compared to the larger galleries. ​

Passage Molière

Continue walking towards Passage Molière, which differs considerably from the other galleries that you’ve seen so far. It’s not a covered passage as it’s open-air, but it has cobblestones still, which gives it an old world vibe with a twist.

It became famous for the theatre located there for many years, but you’ll find boutiques that cater to things that you never knew that you needed. I know it’s not technically a covered passage, but if you’re into secret Paris, be sure to stop in here.

Lastly, stop in at 59 Rivoli, an artist-owned building that used to be an artist squat.  Now, this building has been apportioned into artist studios and every day people can stroll in most days (besides Monday) to see the artists in action.

The facade is often changing although it’s always a unique sight to behold and be sure to bring some extra cash with you as you might find some interesting art (along with stories) to bring home with you as you can discuss the work with the artists themselves.

Most of the artists ask people NOT to take photos of their work without permission, so be careful shutter-bugs when visiting this off the beaten path sight in Paris. 

I hope you enjoyed this self guided walking tour of Paris’ covered passages and it encourages you to discover a bit more of the parts of Paris that make it truly special.  Click for another local’s one day guide to off the beaten path Paris .

If you’ve visited any of the covered passages in Paris, which one is your favorite? ​

Click for the printable version of the map.

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

January 26, 2018 at 3:51 pm

What an amazing walking tour! I currently live in Paris and have been meaning to explore the other covered passages besides Galerie Vivienne. Thanks for sharing!!

January 27, 2018 at 9:40 am

I hadn’t realised they were so extensive, what a wonderful guide!

January 27, 2018 at 9:56 am

Sure does look like some hidden gems here! Will keep it in mind when I next visit Paris.

January 27, 2018 at 8:33 pm

Karen… this is SO excellent! I have NO idea these even existed! Absolutely adding this to my to-do list when I (eventually) make it over to Paris – and the map is super helpful. 😀

January 28, 2018 at 4:06 pm

This is so awesome! I’m heading to Paris for the first time next month and love the idea of exploring all the little galleries and passages.

March 17, 2018 at 10:37 pm

Hi, Thanks for this wonderful information. I had no idea these existed, but definitely want to wander through them next month when in Paris. Is there a printable version of the directions?

March 20, 2018 at 3:42 pm

Thank you – this walk looks amazing. Please can you also email me a printable version of the directions?

Thank you in advance,

March 29, 2018 at 5:40 am

Hi there, Loved reading it and would also love a printable version

All the best Åse

March 29, 2018 at 5:45 am

Hi Åse, Glad to hear that and thanks for reading. You’ll find a link to the printable version right above the map. 🙂

Best, Karen

April 30, 2018 at 1:16 pm

Heading to Paris on our honeymoon in a few weeks and would also love a printable map of this tour of arcades!!

Thank you!! JW

April 30, 2018 at 5:10 pm

You’ll find the printable version within the article if you look towards the end!

June 19, 2018 at 8:38 pm

The passages are very nice. However, we had a terrible dining experience at Le Bouillon Chartier. One dish was inedible, the steak was chewy and hard, we sent it back, the waiter ignored us, then made a joke about it, took the utensils from my companion’s hand to show that the steak was soft, it was so hard that he spilled half of the french fries on the table trying to slice the steak! What type of waiter dare to challenge a customer like that and take the utensils from their hands? That give you some perspective of this place attitude. At the end, we complained to the maitre but he was so busy seating people. This restaurant was 100% full of tourists, they don’t really care about returning customers. I would not encourage people to dine there. Otherwise, the galleries and passages are great places to walk around.

February 9, 2019 at 7:52 pm

My wife and I absolutely love this post and have added this walk to our Paris itinerary. Our first time in Paris for 6 nights the first week in June, 2019. Thank you for the wonderful ideas!

Jeff & Deb

March 14, 2019 at 3:50 am

Makes me want to go back to Paris just for these passages!

May 2, 2019 at 4:10 am

There is no link to print the walk only for the map. Help! I leave for Paris and would love, love being able to do this. Thank you.

June 7, 2019 at 11:59 pm

Hello. I used the link she provided with the map and it worked really well. Enjoy!

August 19, 2019 at 2:28 pm

This was so amazing! Only bummer is that I saved it for my last day, which was a Monday, and the majority of the shops are closed on Sunday/Monday! Best to go Tuesday-Saturday, as advice to fellow travelers!

Thank you for the tour, though. I’d never have found these otherwise!

February 28, 2022 at 4:32 am

Thanks for the advice! I am leaving for Paris in three days for slightly over two weeks. I had originally planned to visit the passages on a Monday. I’ll be making some changes to my itinerary. Thank you!!!

November 7, 2020 at 1:31 am

I was wondering what the hours are for the shops. Although they probably varyI would like to get a general idea so I don’t head out too early. Thanks.

September 3, 2022 at 7:29 am

Congrats Karen. That information is so good. Im going for the first time to Paris, I will keep your recommendations in mind, thanks so much!

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Free self-guided Marais walking tour, Paris (with map)

Posted on Last updated: February 20, 2024

Explore Paris’ medieval heart with this free self-guided Marais walking tour, featuring this picturesque district’s mansion houses, museums and monumental gardens – with map and directions included.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Go back in time with a tour of the Marais, Paris’ medieval quarter. Its name means ‘marsh’ and the area was originally swampland. It became a fashionable residence for royalty and 17th-century aristocrats, but fell out of favour after the French Revolution. Today it’s been restored and gentrified, and has strong Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities.

The Marais mainly escaped Baron Haussman’s modernisation of Paris in the 19th century, so has a different feel to a lot of the city, with narrow cobbled streets, elegant squares and mansion houses. It’s also home to some of Paris’ best museums and galleries. So join us on a self-guided Marais walking tour to discover the area’s historic highlights.

A self-guided walking tour of the Marais

Start your Marais walking tour outside Paris’ Hôtel de Ville. The closest Métro station is Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11) in the square in front of the building. It’s also less than 10 minutes’ walk from Cité (Line 4) and Châtelet (Lines, 1, 4 7, 11 and 14) stations.

Hôtel de Ville

The Hôtel de Ville is Paris’ city hall and the mayor’s official residence. It was built between 1533 and 1628, and has survived wars, riots and being burnt to the ground by the revolutionary Paris Commune in 1871. It took 19 years to rebuild after the fire, with the exteriors recreating the original design and new, lavish ceremonial rooms inside.

The square in front of the Hôtel de Ville was once used for public executions, with a guillotine set up here during the French Revolution. But today it’s used for less gory public activities, like a festive market at Christmas and a big screen for sports events.

Walk around the back of the Hôtel de Ville , following Rue de Rivoli past the BHV Marais department store. Turn right down Rue de Lobau then left along Place Saint-Gervais. Follow the road to the left of Saint-Gervais church down Rue François Miron.

Rue François Miron

Rue François Miron is one of the oldest streets in Paris, with two medieval half-timbered buildings on the left. The Maison du Faucheur and Maison du Mouton (House of the Reaper and House of Sheep) are named after the occupations of the people who lived there. It’s thought they were built in the 14th century, with the upper floors added later.

In 1607 the façades were covered with plaster to reduce the risk of fire, and were only uncovered in 1967. Many buildings from this period were destroyed during Baron Haussman’s 19th-century redevelopment of Paris, so these two are quite rare.

Turn right at the crossroads following Rue de Jouey, then take the second right down Rue du Figuier and walk as far as the Hôtel de Sens at the end of the street.

Hôtel de Sens and Bibliothèque Forney

With its golden stone archways and turrets, Hôtel de Sens looks like a fairytale castle tucked away in a quiet street in the Marais. It was built in the 15th century for Tristan de Salazar, the Archbishop of Sens, though he died before it was completed.

Look carefully and you can see a cannonball embedded above the entrance, with the date 28 July 1830 below it – dating back to the French Revolution. The Hôtel was later used as a factory and warehouse until the City of Paris took it over and restored it. It’s now home to the Forney Library, with a collection of books on decorative arts and a pretty garden.

Carry straight on, passing Square Marie-Trintignant (where there’s a free public toilet) on your right, then turn left down Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul. Through the archways on your right is the Village Saint-Paul, a collection of art, antique and gift shops set around cobbled courtyards – with a couple of cafés if you want to stop for a drink.

Wall of Philip II Augustus

Between 1190 and 1213, French King Philip Augustus built a great wall around the edge of Paris to protect the city while he was away on the Crusades. Once it was finished it ran for over 5km, stood six to eight metres tall and was three metres thick at the base.

The last of the wall’s gates were knocked down in the 1680s. And although most of the sections of wall left behind have been incorporated into buildings, you can see one of the longest stretches of it on your left, at the end of Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul.

Turn left down Rue Charlemagne then right down narrow Rue du Prévot, which joins onto Rue de Rivoli. Go right and you’ll see a church to your right.

Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis

The Church of Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis was the first Baroque church built in Paris, in a change to the usual Gothic style. It was built in 1627 for the Jesuits on the orders of Louis XIII, and was inaugurated by Cardinal Richelieu. But after the Jesuits were banished in 1762 it was used as a warehouse before being restored and used for services again.

Author Victor Hugo’s daughter Leopoldine got married here in 1843, and he donated two fonts to mark the occasion which you can still see today. And when he wrote Les Misérables , he included it as the church where Cosette and Marius get married.

Continue along the main road, which becomes the Rue Saint-Antoine. Then go through the arched doorway on your left which is marked ‘Hôtel de Sully’.

Hôtel de Sully

The Hôtel de Sully is another of the Marais’ impressive mansion houses. It was built in the 17th century for Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully and close friend of King Henri IV. It’s now the headquarters of the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, who manage France’s historic monuments. And although the building isn’t open to the public, you can walk through its courtyards and admire the beautiful façades and courtyard garden.

Walk through the doorway in the far right corner which leads into the Place des Vosges.

Place des Vosges

The Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, a perfectly symmetrical space set around a central garden. It was originally known as the Place Royale and was a fashionable place for the nobility to live in the 17th–18th centuries, with its red brick buildings contrasting with the medieval architecture of the Marais.

Former residents include Cardinal Richelieu and Victor Hugo, whose old house in the corner of the square is now the Maison de Victor Hugo museum (free entry, closed Mondays). And underneath the vaulted arches around the square are high-end antique shops, art galleries and cafés where you can stop for a coffee or a glass of wine.

At the opposite side of the square from where you entered it, walk to the west along Rue des Francs Bourgeois and you’ll see the Musée Carnavalet to your right.

Musée Carnavalet

The Musée Carnavalet takes you through the history of Paris, from prehistory to the present day (free entry, closed Mondays). Baron Haussmann had the idea for the museum in 1866, and stored objects and documents at the Hôtel de Ville while the museum was being built – which didn’t work out too well as his collection was destroyed in the 1871 fire.

It’s been rebuilt since, and the museum is now spread across two mansions. There are recreated rooms from different periods in Paris’ history, furniture, paintings and objects including the Hôtel de Ville’s original charred door and a chunk of the Bastille.

From the museum, carry on along Rue des Francs Bourgeois as far as Rue Pavée.

At this point you can take a short diversion to visit the Musée Cognacq–Jay (for 18th-century art and sculpture) or Musée Picasso . Go straight on at the junction and turn right up Rue Elzevir for the Musée Cognacq–Jay. Or walk past that museum and carry on along the Rue de Thorigny for the Musée Picasso.

Otherwise turn left down Rue Pavée, passing La Mouette Rieuse bookshop and café which does a great hot chocolate. Then turn right down the Rue des Rosiers. Look out for the entrance to the Jardin des Rosiers Joseph Migneret on your right, a tranquil community garden. Turn right at the end of the street then left onto Rue des Blancs Manteaux.

Église Notre-Dame des Blancs Manteaux

Go through an unassuming doorway on your left into the Catholic Church of Notre-Dame des Blancs Manteaux (named after the white mantles worn by the monks who founded the original church in 1258). The current Baroque church was built in the 1680s, and has an ornate Bavarian wooden pulpit and 17th-century paintings and sculptures.

Then go straight on and you’ll see the entrance to the National Archives on your right.

Archives Nationales

France has one of the oldest and biggest National Archives in the world. And the documents collected from before the French Revolution are held in two mansions in the Marais – the Hôtel de Soubise and Hôtel de Rohan – which are surrounded by gardens.

The Hôtel de Soubise is where you find the Musée des Archives Nationales (free entry, closed Tuesday). It displays a mix of exhibits from the archive’s collection, which goes all the way back to the first century AD. You can also see the ornate Rococo interiors.

Carry straight on across the junction onto Rue Rambuteau. When you reach a major junction with Rue Beaubourg, the Pompidou Centre will be in front of you. If you do a small diversion to the right here down Impasse Berthaud you can visit the Jardin Anne Frank, a lovely memorial garden with benches and a childrens’ play area.

Centre Pompidou

The Centre National d’Art et de Culture Georges-Pompidou (aka the Pompidou Centre ) is instantly recognisable for its quirky, inside-out architecture, with colourful pipes and escalators outside the building. It was designed by architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano and opened in 1977 – taking its name from the president who commissioned it.

Inside there’s the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe, as well as a public library and exhibition space. There is an entry fee for the museum, but it’s free to climb up to the top floor where you get fantastic views out across Paris.

Walk around the side of the Pompidou Centre and finish your Marais walking tour by the colourful Stravinsky Fountain. The nearest Métro station is Rambuteau (Line 11), on the corner of Rue Rambuteau and Rue Beaubourg. Or it’s just a few minutes’ walk along Rue du Renard back to the Hôtel de Ville and its Métro station (Lines 1 and 11).

Self-guided Marais walking tour map

If you’d like to do this Marais walk yourself, click on the map below to access directions through Google maps. The route is around 3.8km (2.4 miles) and takes around an hour to walk straight through, but allow several hours to include stops along the way.

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Johanna Bradley

Tuesday 20th of February 2024

I can tell I missed some interesting things in the Marais from reading your guide, Lucy. If I ever go back...

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 26th of February 2024

Thanks Jo, and hopefully one day!

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Weekend in Paris: A Self-Guided Three-Day Walking Tour

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A 2020 poll by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy ranked Paris as the third most walkable city in the world. Thanks to the size of the city (just 10km in diameter), it only takes two hours to walk from one side of the city to the other. For tourists solely wanting to discover the famous landmarks of Paris, this diameter reduces to 4km. In addition to its compact size, Paris has over 100 pedestrianized streets, allowing walkers to discover the city without the interference of road traffic. Aside from Montmartre and Belleville, the terrain is relatively flat, meaning however far you walk, it will never be too strenuous.

Follow this action packed three-day itinerary to ensure that you see all of the best monuments, museums, and neighborhoods that Paris has to offer. If you are lucky enough to be in Paris for longer than one weekend, split these walking routes over several days.

So, put on some comfy shoes (or stay in your heels to channel your inner French), and let’s get exploring!

The rue de l’Odéon in Paris, looking south from the crossroads of the Odeon. Image credit: Wikipedia, Ralf.treinen (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Day One: ‘The Real Paris’

Highlights for Part One Include: Pantheon, Jardin du Luxembourg, Odéon, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Saint-Michel, Notre Dame, Île de la Cité, and Île Saint-Louis.

Highlights for Part Two Include: Hotel de Ville, Le Village Saint-Paul, Hotel du Sully, Place des Vosges, The Jewish Quarter, Marche des Enfants-Rouges, Passage de l’Ancre (Centre Pompidou)

Additional options for Musée Carnavalet, and Musée National Picasso-Paris.

Description : Spend your first day in Paris soaking up the charming atmosphere of the city, and discover why it is often regarded as the most beautiful city in the world. Today’s walking tour will show you the authentic Paris, with its cobbled streets, picturesque parks, and extraordinary landmarks including Notre Dame and the Panthéon .

Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo credit: Rdevany/ Wikimedia commons

Part One: Rive Gauche

Total Walking Time : 50 mins (not including stops).

1. Visit your local boulangerie for breakfast. The commercial chains such as Paul are great, but supporting the local bakery near where you’re staying is even better. Paris boasts an astonishing 30,000 bakeries, so finding one near you will be no hard feat!

2. Take either the Metro, RER, or bus to today’s starting point of Luxembourg Station.

3. Walk from the station, up Rue Soufflot, past the Pantheon to Église Sainte-Geneviève, the church which pays tribute to the Patroness Saint of Paris.

4. Once you have viewed this gorgeous church, enter the Pantheon and explore the monument and its crypt. (Though it’s possible to purchase tickets at the door, it’s often better to reserve French monuments/museums online in advance.) The crypt houses the tombs of more than 80 illustrious figures including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Pierre and Marie Curie. Being buried in the Pantheon is the highest honor for a French citizen.

5. After finishing at the Pantheon, walk back down Rue Soufflot to the entrance of Jardin du Luxembourg for a stroll around the gardens created by Queen Marie de Medicis in 1612.

6. Leave Jardin du Luxembourg via the exit for Odéon Théâtre de l’Europe, passing past the magnificent Fontaine Medicis.

7. Walk past the theater, which is the oldest theater-monument in Europe to still operate in its original premises, and down the streets of Odéon until you reach Boulevard Saint- Germain.

8. Cross this road and find the small passage called Cour du Commerce and walk down the cobbled street. This curious passageway dates from 1776 and resembles the Paris of years gone by before Haussmann’s modernization of the city. You will pass a restaurant called Le Procope which is the oldest restaurant in Paris and an active center during the French Revolution.

On this passageway, you will find a restaurant called Cèpe & Figue. This family-run bistro is an excellent choice for an authentic French lunch. Other options in the area include Freddy’s – a lovely tapas and wine bar, or Cosi – a great lunch spot for focaccia sandwiches and desserts.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cèpe&Figue (@cepeetfigue)

9. Exit the passageway and explore the boutiques and galleries of Saint Germain des Pres (the area that you are now in).

10. Walk due east towards Fontaine Saint-Michel. This beautiful fountain overlooks Notre Dame and is the largest fountain in the city.

11. From the fountain, walk along the riverside on Quai Saint-Michel. When walking along this road you will pass one of the world’s most famous bookshops: Shakespeare and Company. Its origins are legendary; many Lost Generation writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway found kindred spirits in the store.

12. Head across Pont au Double to Notre Dame to see the iconic cathedral. After the fire in 2019, it is due to be completely restored by December 2024.

13. Walk past the cathedral to reach Pont Saint-Louis. Cross this bridge and you are now on Paris’ second largest island on the Seine – Île Saint-Louis. This island is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Europe, with house prices reaching up to €23,000 per square meter.

14. Take a break on Île Saint-Louis for either a well-deserved coffee or a glass of wine at Le Flore en l’Île. Or perhaps an ice cream at Berthillon, the most famous ice cream shop in Paris.

If you have run out of energy to explore further, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon. If not, carry on with the second part of the tour into the fabulous Marais quarter.

Part Two: Le Marais

Total Walking Time : 55 minutes (not including stops).

1. a) If continuing the tour from Île Saint-Louis, cross Pont Marie and walk up Rue des Nonnains d’Hyères/Rue de Forcy to reach Saint Paul.

b) If beginning this tour separately, start at Hotel de Ville.

2. Walk East along Rue du Rivoli past the beautiful Church of Saint-Paul of Saint-Louis.

3. Walk down Rue Saint-Paul and enter into the hidden, cobblestoned Village Saint-Paul at 21 Rue Saint-Paul. This village is reminiscent of one found in the south of France, with its al-fresco bars and restaurants and its quirky independent boutiques.

4. From Village Saint-Paul, return to Rue du Rivoli and walk through the courtyard of Hotel du Sully to reach Place des Vosges. Hotel du Sully is a 16th-century Louis XIII-style mansion, and the garden behind the building is a peaceful spot in the lively Marais.

5. Walking through this garden leads to Place des Vosges. Place des Vosges, originally Place Royale, is the oldest square in Paris and is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. Here you can try the infamous chocolat chaud from Café Carette with its rich melted chocolate with whipped cream.

6. Once through Place des Vosges , walk along Rue de Francs Bourgeois to Musée Carnavalet. This museum is dedicated to the history of Paris with many interesting artifacts. If you decide not to enter the museum, the courtyard is free to access and is very beautiful.

7. From here, walk along Rue des Rosiers (meaning “Road of Rosebushes”) to enter the heart of the Jewish Quarter, known in Paris as Le Pletzl. On this road, you will find L’As Du Fallafel, a popular kosher restaurant known for its celebrated falafel pittas.

8. Navigating up Rue de Thorigny you will come across Musée National Picasso-Paris, a 17th-century mansion housing over 5000 of Picasso’s works.

9. After a (possible) visit to this museum, continue up this road to Marché des Enfants Rouges on Rue de Bretagne. This is the oldest covered food market in Paris and an amazing spot for a meal.

10. Once you have eaten, take a stroll toward Rue Chapon and find Passage de l’Ancre, one of the oldest, and most colorful, passages in Paris.

If you do the “Le Marais” tour as a separate tour, there is the option to walk on to the Pompidou Centre – the complex structure housing the largest collection of modern art in Europe.

Day Two: ‘Royal Paris’

Highlights for Part One Include: Bourse de Commerce, Jardin du Palais-Royal, BNF Richelieu Library, Galerie Colbert, the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme, The Ritz, Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayettes, Passage des Panoramas.

  Highlights for Part Two Include: Montmartre – Le Mur des Je t’aime, Amelie’s Apartment, Salvador Dali’s First Studio, Place du Tertre, Dali Muséum/Musée de Montmartre, La Maison Rose, Sacré-Cœur

Description : For your second day in Paris, you will uncover the glitz and glamor of the City of Light. Drenched in history, today’s route will show you the decadence of the city, including two former royal residences (one of which now housing the Louvre museum). With the afternoon spent in Montmartre, you will be walking in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec and many more.

The Oval room at the BNF Richelieu after restoration © Jean Christophe Ballot/BnF/Oppic

Part One: The 1st Arrondissement

Total Walking Time: 1 hour 10 mins total (not including stops).

1. Take either the metro, a bus, a train, a taxi, or even an electric scooter, to Les Halles.

2. Exit Les Halles station and walk through Nelson Mandela Garden, past the Bourse de Commerce. Here you have the option to enter this contemporary art museum within the old stock exchange.

3. From Bourse de Commerce, continue walking straight down Rue du Colonel Driant until you reach the entrance to Jardin du Palais-Royal.

4. In Jardin du Palais-Royal, get a coffee (and perhaps a cake!) from Café Kitsuné and enjoy it on their gorgeous outdoor seating in the gardens of the former palace.

5. Walk up Jardin du Palais-Royal to exit it from the North side.

6. From here, direct yourself to the Richelieu site of the BNF ( Bibliothèque Nationale de France) to see one of the most spectacular libraries in the world. The entrance is free and you can enter the Salle Ovale and read some of its 20,000 books.

7. Leave the library and cross the road to enter Galerie Vivienne – a historic indoor passage with lovely shops and restaurants.

8. From here, head directly down Rue de Richelieu (southbound) until you reach the Place du Carrousel, opposite the famed pyramids of the Louvre. Here you have the option to enter the Louvre – the largest museum in the world. It would take 100 days to see every piece of art, but I would suggest a visit of just two to three hours.

9. Walk through Jardin des Tuileries and take the exit that leads you to Rue de Castiglione.

10. Walk up this road until you reach Place Vendôme. This is the most prestigious square in Paris and you will find here The Ritz hotel and many designer flagship stores.

11. Head from Place Vendôme to Palais Garnier, Paris’ beautiful opera house.

12. Purchase tickets at the door for a walk around the Opera House. If you’re lucky and time it well, then watching a performance here would be a once in a lifetime experience.

13. Walk from Palais Garnier to Galeries Lafayette. This is a striking department store with a roof terrace that is free to access and provides a fabulous view of the Parisian skyline, including the Eiffel Tower.

14. From Galeries Lafayette, walk to Passage des Panoramas for lunch. I highly recommend the Israeli restaurant Adar, Racine’s or Canards and Champagne for classic French food, or One&One for amazing burgers.

Part Two: Montmartre

Total Walking Time: 20 mins (not including stops).

1. Navigate to Abbesses, either via public transport or by walking (a 20-minute walk from step 14, Passage des Panoramas).

2. From Place des Abbesses, visit “Le Mur des Je t’aime” in Square Jehan Rictus outside the metro station. This wall has “I love you” written in 250 languages, and has become a popular tourist attraction.

3. From Place des Abbesses, walk up the Passage de Abbesses to reach 56 Rue des Trois Frères – the apartment of Amelie in the iconic film. Though the film was released over 20 years ago, this spot has not changed since filming.

4. Work your way up Rue Ravignon, past Pablo Picasso’s first studio at number 49, to the Escaliers du Calvaire.

5. Walking up these stairs leads you to Place du Tertre, with tertre meaning “a small hill,” which seems an understatement once you have walked up the Escaliers du Calvaire! Over 150 artists set up their easels on this square each day, and you can watch them at work and even buy their pieces.

From here, there are two museum options: The Dali Museum which is a permanent exhibition of Salvador Dali’s works, and Musée de Montmartre which is an art museum in Renoir’s old house focusing on the history of art and artists in Montmartre.

La Maison Rose, Photo credit: William O’Such

6. Navigate to La Maison Rose, the famous pink restaurant which has become synonymous with Montmartre, and then follow Rue Cortot past Square Claude Charpentier to the side of Sacré-Cœur.

7. Enter the brilliant Basilica (it’s free), and appreciate the mosaic above the altar which is one of the largest in the world at 475m2.

8. Admire the view of the Parisian skyline from the church’s vantage point before walking down the steps of Square Louise Michel.

Day Three: Museums and the Eiffel Tower!

Including: Musée D’Orsay, Rue du Bac, Bon Marché, La Grande Épicerie de Paris, Napoléon’s tomb, Hôtel des Invalides, Petit Palais, and the Eiffel Tower

Total Walking Time: 1.5 hours (not including stops)

Description : For your third and final day, we will end with a bang – a visit to the Eiffel Tower, the world’s most iconic landmark. Spending the morning at Musée D’Orsay, this will be a day full of culture.

1. Travel to today’s starting point of Musée d’Orsay, Paris’ second largest museum. Housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900, here you will find impressive artworks including those of Monet and Van Gogh. I recommend spending around two to three hours here.

2. From Musée d’Orsay, walk south along Boulevard Saint-Germain until you reach Rue du Bac. Walk along this road until you reach Beaupassage.

3. Walk down Beaupassage, a hidden passageway with an oasis of a courtyard in the center. Enjoy a coffee at Certified Café, or taste a delicious patisserie from Thierry Marx Bakery.

4. Head south from Beaupassage to Le Bon Marché – an impressive department store founded in 1838. La Grande Epicerie de Paris, the biggest food emporium in the city and a subsidiary of Le Bon Marché, occupies the next-door building and is a must-visit for all foodies.

Enjoy a lunch at a restaurant nearby. My top suggestions for this area are: Café Varenne – a brasserie with outdoor seating that is perfect for watching the world go by, Père & Fils par Alléno – a chic eatery for gourmet burgers, or Le Récamier – an elegant restaurant famed for their sweet and savory soufflés.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Café Varenne (@cafevarenne)

5. From here, walk past Musée Rodin (here you have the option to enter this museum to marvel at Rodin’s famous sculptures and the gardens of his beautiful house), to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. This is arguably one of the most impressive tombs in the world with its golden baroque dome. I highly recommend entering the tomb to awe at the magnitude of its size.

6. Walk directly through the courtyard of Hôtel des Invalides to reach the Esplanade des Invalides, the green gardens in front of the landmark. Hôtel des Invalides is one the most prestigious monuments in Paris, and is a complex of buildings all relating to the military history of France.

7. Cross Pont Alexandre III, the most beautiful bridge in Paris, to arrive at Petit Palais. This is a free museum that only takes around 45 minutes to view, with a charming central courtyard cafe.

8. Return across the bridge, back down the Esplanade des Invalides, and along Rue Grenelle. Explore the side streets branching off from this road such as Rue Cler with its specialty food markets.

9. Reaching the end of this road brings you to Champ de Mars, the landscaped park and gardens in front of the Eiffel Tower. Take a break here to soak up the atmosphere of the world’s most famous landmark.

10. There are two entrances in the north of the gardens to enter the esplanade of the Eiffel Tower. Entrance 2 in the east is often less crowded. It’s important to buy tickets in advance because ot the site’s popularity. You can choose to take the stairs or the elevator. Head to the top floor for the breathtaking 360-degree views of Paris. Learn about the history of the tower, view the office of Gustave Eiffel , visit the gift shops, and even eat at one of their three amazing restaurants.

Lead photo credit : Paris from above © Christian Jacquet

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Inspired by the rich culture that France has to offer, Poppy Pearce moved to Paris as an au pair in August 2022. Having gained a degree in Theology and Religion with Arabic from the University of Exeter, Poppy has a passion for languages and experiencing new cultures. When she’s not working, Poppy loves to explore everything that Paris has to offer, from exhibitions and museums, to restaurants and second-hand clothing stores.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Paris

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I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend in Paris with a friend who had never been there before. There was a lot to see and not much time, so I worked up a self-guided walking tour of Paris for us that would hit many of the top tourist sites.

See the main tourist sites in a half day self-guided walking tour of Paris

There are a few “can’t miss” Paris attractions that we had to be sure to see – Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower. Lisa, my friend and travel buddy, also wanted to see the Champs Elysées. We were staying in the Left Bank just a couple of blocks from Notre Dame, so we started our tour there.

This is a list of the primary tourist sites we saw and/or visited on our self-guided walking tour of Paris:

• Sainte Chapelle
• Conciergerie
• Louvre Museum
• Tuileries Garden
• Place de la Concorde & the Luxor Obelisk

Les Invalides

• Golden flame (Flame of Liberty)
• Champs Elysées
• Arc de Triomphe

Eiffel Tower

NOTE: As you probably know, after the fire at Notre Dame, you can no longer enter the cathedral. Last time I was there, there was a large fence around the perimeter. There is also no access to “Point Zero” out front.

Map of Paris tourist sites – walking tour

As you can see from the walking tour map below, it is possible to walk around Paris in a day, sightseeing at the main central tourist sites. Of course there’s much more to see and do in Paris, but this is a great walking itinerary for Paris.

The full walk is about 5 miles, if you don’t wander too far off the path. You could hop on the Metro for some of the longer stretches of walking to speed things along. Keep reading below the map for details on each location. If this is more walking than you’re up for, there’s an abbreviated list at the bottom of the page, along with some other suggestions.

Paris Left Bank

We started on the Rive Gauche, Paris’ famous left bank. Our first stop was Shakespeare & Company, a well-known bookstore with books sold in English. The original store was a hangout for many of the lost generation writers, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein and James Joyce. The store at the current location was popular with many of the beat-generation writers like Anaïs Nin, Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. It’s literary and quirky, and still a great place to get some books. I bought Hemingway’s  A Moveable Feast , and  Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell. I was in Paris, after all! They may ask you if you want your books stamped. This is a stamp they put inside the cover and makes for a memorable souvenir.

From Shakespeare & Company we walked around the corner to L’Eglise St. Julien le Pauvre (the Church of Saint Julien the Poor), one of the oldest churches in Paris, which is now often used as a concert venue. Next to the church is also a small park, the Square René Viviani, home to the oldest tree in Paris.

You can see Notre Dame de Paris, the iconic church, from the park, and it is the next stop on the walking tour.

See the main sites of Paris with a relaxing dinner cruise

A Seine river cruise is a great way to see the city. Whether you take a relaxing boat ride with audio tour or a Paris dinner cruise, you can see the main tourist sites of Paris as you float by.

There can sometimes be a line of people waiting to get into Notre Dame. It generally moves quickly; the holdup is because of security checks at the door. There is a separate line to climb the towers, and it’s generally a very long line. Entrance to the cathedral is free; the tower climb has a small fee. While there, be sure to look for the “Point Zero” marker in the pavement out front. This is the point from which all distances in France were traditionally measured.

From Notre Dame, walk by Sainte Chapelle, then the Conciergerie, prison where Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, was kept before she was taken to the guillotine. Keep going to see Pont Neuf, which translates as New Bridge. It is the oldest bridge in Paris, though it was the first one not made of wood which is how it came to be the oldest bridge in Paris today. On one of the pillars of the bridge, look for a marker that indicates where Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, was burned. Paris is full of interesting historical markers like this.

First a fortress, then a royal palace, the Louvre became a museum when the royals moved to the Palace of Versailles. It’s most famous treasure is the Mona Lisa (La Jaconde, as they call it in France), though it contains so much more. If you’re going in, be sure to check out the Egyptian collection.

Outside the museum is the famous glass pyramid by architect I.M. Pei. This was being built during my very first trip to Paris. You can walk up to the pyramid for pictures without going in to the museum.

Tuileries Gardens

Continue your walk through the Jardin des Tuileries, or Tuileries Garden. These were the gardens of the Tuileries Palace and were created by Catherine de Medici. Don’t look too hard for the palace; it was burned during an uprising in 1871.

Pont des Arts

This was the first metal bridge in Paris, and was built during the reign of Napoleon I. (Yes, there was more than one Napoleon.) Now it is most famous for being the place where tourists hang locks to show their love. Your love doesn’t need a lock, please don’t do this. They keep taking them down. If you put a lock on the bridge, it’s now in a garbage dump somewhere. Seriously, don’t do it. And don’t get me started on throwing the keys into the river.

Place de la Concorde

It is a peaceful name for the former Place de la Revolution, which was the site of the guillotine where King Louis XVI was decapitated. In the center of the Place you will no longer find a guillotine. Instead there is an Egyptian obelisk; a gift from the Egyptian government. The story is that in return for the priceless piece of antiquity, the French government gave the Egyptians a big clock. The clock has never worked. You can still see it in Cairo, not working. The Egyptians are still mad about it.

Need a break from walking?

The Paris hop-on hop-off buses are an alternative way to get around the city. You can see the main sites of the city on a relaxed timetable, and give your legs a break!

You have probably seen the golden dome of Les Invalides by now. The “invalids” name is because its original purpose was to be a hospital and retirement home for veterans. Parts of it are still used for that purpose today, though it is perhaps better known for its army museum and for being the place to see Napoleon’s tomb.

The Golden Flame

Near the Alma bridge (Pont de l’Alma) you can see the Flame of Liberty (la Flamme de la Liberté), a replica of the flame from the torch of the Statue of Liberty. It is supposed to be a symbol of friendship between France and the U.S.A., but most people think it is a monument to Princess Diana as it is located near the Alma Tunnel where she was killed in a car accident. People leave photos and messages near it, in honor of the Princess.

Love Paris? See all my Paris posts.

Champs Elysees & Arc de Triomphe

The Champs Elysées is the most famous street in France. Its name means “Elysian Fields’, and it runs between the Place de la Concorde (the place with the obelisk) and the famous triumphal arch (Arc de Triomphe). It’s full of high end shops and is a bit like the Magnificent Mile in Chicago, if you’re familiar with that. Walking along it, you can cross to the center of the road for some great photos of the Arc de Triomphe.

When you get to the Arc de Triomphe, there is an underground passage to get to it. DO NOT try to cross the road. There are signs to the passage, though I always have to wander around until I figure out where it is.

Under the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier, as well as monuments to others who fought and died for France. For a fee, you can go to the top of the arch for a view of Paris.

There’s still one place you’ve got to go! (It’s a line from the song Bonjour Paris in the movie Funny Face with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire .) The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the most recognized icon in France and is a must-see stop on your Paris self-guided walking tour. Admire it from a distance, get some great photos, and then get a ticket and head on up for a spectacular view all across Paris! If your legs aren’t too tired, change it up by taking the stairs back down!

Get a guide or do a self-guided walking tour of Paris?

Self guided walking tours are great if you want to wander at your own pace, stop at cafés along the way, or linger in the places that interest you most. But if you don’t want to go it alone you can always hire a guide to show you around. Guides are helpful with language barriers and telling you the history of places you might not have known on your own. GetYourGuide has some great small group tours and offer many niche activities, like photography trips, or food-based tours.

What are the main sites to see in Paris for a quick walking tour?

If this is more walking than you care to do, or want a quick overview of Paris must-see locations, here’s my list:

From there, hop on the Metro or your preferred method of transportation and head to the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. That’s it, Paris in a day.

How can I see Paris without walking so much?

The Seine river boat cruises are the ideal way to see the sites of Paris without a lot of walking – and they’re really affordable, even for budget travelers. Most of the must-see tourist locations in Paris or located in clear view of the river, and there is audio that accompanies it so you can hear the history as well. I do this every time I’m in Paris – it never gets old. Pro-tip – take the cruise just before sunset. You head out in the daylight and return in the dark as everything lights up. Get details on a River Seine Cruise in Paris.

You can also take one of the Paris hop-on hop-off buses. It’s a great way to see the sites of the city while giving your legs a break.

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WALKING TOUR

Avenue des Champs Elysées

Your visit will start from the Arc-de-Triomphe to admire the iconic two-kilometre perspective of the Champs Elysées. Then you will walk down to the Elysée Palace to join the place de la Concorde, where a tragic event took place when Louis XVI was guillotined on 21 January 1793 and with him the fall of the monarchy. Then you will continue to walk by crossing the Tuileries Gardens to reach the square courtyard of the Louvre museum.

Duration : 3 hours. Recommended to those who desire to walk in a cultural way. Rate : €260

Garnier Opera and Place Vendome

An extravagant structure conceived by architect Charles Garnier, this Opera house was a prominent meeting place for Parisian high-society in the latter half of the 19th century. The Garnier Opera was a major player where ladies made and unmade the fashion and gentlemen handled business. After visiting the Interior of the opera house you will move to the nearby Place Vendome, the heart of French jewellery.

Duration : 3 hours. Recommender to music lovers and small and great history fans. Rate : €260

Île de la Cité

A beautiful “walk-stroll” for the pleasure of discovering the historical birth place of the city of Paris. The visit includes 3 places: Notre Dame Cathedral (does not include climbing the towers). Then walking you will reach and visit the Ste Chapelle with its famous stained-glass windows from the 13th century and the Conciergerie jail where queen Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned before she was beheaded during the French Revolution.

Duration : 3 hours. For the ultimate history enthusiasts. Rate : €260

Marais district

The Marais district gets its name from its location: once a marshland (‘marais’), it has been inhabited ever since it was drained back in the 12th century. Since the 16th century, the pure air attracted King Henri IV who created one of the finest square in Paris, the well-proportioned square known as Place des Vosges. As a result, the aristocracy built several private mansions and gardens dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th century, the district became a shelter for the Ashkenazi Jewish families fleeing persecutions in Eastern Europe. Consequently, you can observe many features of the Jewish culture such as Kosher food stores and synagogues. This quarter is also well worth exploring for its old-world atmosphere and its offbeat and trendy shops and restaurants. There are plenty of gay-owned bars, shops and clubs in the Marais, as it is France’s biggest gay district.

This area remains very authentic. Walking tour 3 hours. Rate : €260

Montmartre hill

Paris is often called the city of a hundred villages and it is perhaps in Montmartre you will have the best feeling of being in a village. Visit to the Sacré-Coeur basilica, the St Peter of Montmartre church, the oldest church in Paris. Walk through the picturesque lanes around this historic area, strolling the Place du Tertre and its famous caricaturists, the Montmartre grapevines and the places of remembrance of the impressionist and avant-garde painters.

Duration : 3 hours. A beautiful promenade in the Bohemian Paris Rate : €260

Latin quarter-Left Bank

From the first schools established during the Middle Ages until the free-thinking existentialist philosophers, the Latin Quarter has been the intellectual centre of Paris. At the sanctuary of Pantheon visit the tombs of eminent French personalities who made the history of the French Republic. Walking tour in the Sorbonne University area (founded around 1150, it is the oldest university in France), Luxembourg gardens and then continue the walk in the Latin Quarter lanes, the last vestiges of the Middle Ages in Paris.

Duration 3 hours. To get deeper knowledge of the French mind. Rate : €260