The best walks in Paris broken down by area and suitable for locals and tourists alike. Get your walking shoes out!
The City of Light, also known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, is full of enchanting rues, passageways, and boulevards. I must say, you can’t (for the most part) go wrong with aimless wandering around Paris!
These five Paris streets, though, are some of the best to walk along, and will make your trip all the more memorable and charming:
1. Rue de Rosiers, 75003
You might remember my mentioning of this street from my post about Ethnic Food in Paris. Rue de Rosiers is a super popular street in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Le Marais. Now, you may be wondering why I’m encouraging you to go somewhere “so popular,” but let me tell you, Rue de Rosiers is a charming, cobble-stoned street, and has everything you could ask for on your Sunday stroll: endless falafel joints, artisan bakeries, thrift shops, and avant-garde boutiques– all making this street perfect for one of the best walks in Paris. Get a falafel to-go and marvel at the medieval-like architecture surrounding you.
2. Rue Bonaparte, 75006
Rue Bonaparte is in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which is my personal favorite quarter in Paris. If you’re looking for “postcard” or “Pinterest” Paris, then you must come to this area, and stroll along here, where there’s back-t0-back art galleries, antique shops, and the famous macaroon parlor, Ladurée. All of the buildings are just breathtaking.
3. Rue des Martyrs, 75009/75018
Rue des Martyrs is an understated-cool cobble-stoned street in the center of Montmartre. From some points of the street, you can gaze up at the Sacre Coeur; for others, enjoy the vintage stores, coffee shops, cafés, and the scenic Avenue Trudaine, where you can see parallel-planted trees. I love walking along and making a “pit stop” at KB Cafeshop on Martyrs when I’m exploring Montmartre.
4. Quai de Jemmapes, 75010
Quai de Jemmapes is the best way to satisfy your nature fix while visiting the City of Light. The street, which outlines the Canal St. Martin, offers the perfect stroll (especially during autumn or spring), consisting of high trees and Parisian architecture. Peep through the windows of the coffee shops (this area is something else for people-watching) or stop at a nearby Carrefour to pick up some food and have a picnic by the canal. Either way, you’ll love strolling around here.
5. Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001
I had to include this world-renowned shopping street, simply because it makes for quite a stroll! Rue Saint-Honoré is a long and luxurious street for those fashionistas (or anyone) looking for high-end shopping (or window shopping), concept stores (like Colette), or coffee and cocktails at chic hotels like Hôtel Costes, Mandarin Oriental, and Hôtel de Vendome. Whether you stop into any of these places, or not, you’ll be highly amused, either way — I promise.
