Paris is a city designed for the pedestrian. Unlike many global capitals, the sheer density of its monuments, museums, and hidden courtyards means that walking is not just the best way to get around—it’s the only way to truly know the city.
Lace up your comfortable shoes and get ready to experience the magic up close with these curated best walking routes in Paris, covering both the iconic sights and the secret local gems.
1. The Imperial Grandeur Walk (Right Bank Icons)
This classic route connects Paris’s grandest monuments along a single, majestic axis. It’s perfect for first-timers who want to check off the biggest landmarks efficiently.
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Start: The Louvre Pyramid (1st Arr.)
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Route: Exit the Louvre and immediately enter the Jardin des Tuileries (1st Arr.). Walk the entire length of the formal gardens, admiring the statues and fountains.
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Mid-Point: Cross the Place de la Concorde (the site of the French Revolution’s guillotine), dominated by the Obelisk.
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End: Head up the Champs-Élysées (8th Arr.) toward the Arc de Triomphe. Climb the Arc for a final, sweeping view of the entire path you just walked, known as the Axe Historique.
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Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (walking only), plus time for photos.
2. The Literary & Legal Heart Walk (The Left Bank & Islands)
Explore the historic birthplace of Paris and the intellectual soul of the Left Bank.
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Start: Île Saint-Louis (4th Arr.)
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Route: Begin on the quieter, residential island. Cross the small footbridge (Pont Saint-Louis) to Île de la Cité (4th Arr.).
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Highlights: Walk past Notre-Dame Cathedral and the gleaming Sainte-Chapelle. Cross the Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge) and arrive at the Latin Quarter (5th Arr.).
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Mid-Point: Browse the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookstore, then stroll up Boulevard Saint-Michel.
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End: Finish at the vast and serene Luxembourg Gardens (6th Arr.). Find a green chair and enjoy the elegance of the Left Bank.
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Duration: 2 hours (walking only).
3. The Bohemian Village Walk (Montmartre’s Hidden Stairways)
This route requires good legs, as it is steep and involves many stairs, but it rewards you with charming streets and stunning views.
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Start: Abbesses Metro Station (18th Arr.)
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Route: Find the Mur des Je t’aime (“I Love You Wall”) near the station. Walk up the charming, quieter Rue Lepic, known for its local shops and one of Paris’s last windmills.
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Highlights: Navigate the hidden back alleys and stairways (look for Rue de l’Abreuvoir). See the Montmartre Museum and the area where artists like Van Gogh and Renoir lived.
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End: Arrive at the dazzling white Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view over the entire city.
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Duration: 1.5 hours (walking only).
4. The Local Charm & Hidden Passages Walk (Le Marais & Covered Gems)
Get off the grand boulevards and into the fashionable, historic core of the city, discovering medieval streets and secret arcades.
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Start: Place des Vosges (4th Arr.)
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Route: Begin at Paris’s oldest planned square. Exit west and get lost in the labyrinth of the Le Marais district.
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Highlights: Wander down Rue des Rosiers (the historic Jewish Quarter, famous for falafel) and admire the courtyards of the hôtels particuliers (aristocratic mansions).
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Mid-Point: Head north toward the 2nd Arrondissement to explore the beautiful Covered Passages—vestiges of 19th-century Paris. Look for Galerie Vivienne (2nd Arr.) and Passage des Panoramas (2nd Arr.) for a charming, sheltered stroll.
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End: Finish near the Palais Royal (1st Arr.) to see the black and white columns.
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Duration: 2 – 3 hours (best for shopping and browsing).
The Green Escape Walk: La Coulée Verte
For a completely unique experience away from the tourist crush, try this elevated greenway.
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Route: La Coulée Verte René-Dumont (The Promenade Plantée). This 4.5 km path is built on an old railway viaduct, providing an elevated green corridor through the 12th Arrondissement.
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Start/End: Begin near the Opéra Bastille and walk all the way east to the Bois de Vincennes park.
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Why Walk It: It offers tranquil views over Parisian rooftops and courtyards, a true hidden gem for walkers and cyclists.
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Duration: 1.5 hours (one way).
Walking Tips for Paris Like a Local
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Wear Comfy Shoes: Paris is a walking city. You will easily log 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day.
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Combine Metro with Walking: Use the Metro to quickly travel between the start of one route and the end of the next—don’t try to walk across the entire city!
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Look Up: Parisian beauty is often found on the decorative wrought-iron balconies and intricate rooflines of the Haussmann buildings.