You Haven’t Really Walked Paris Until You’ve Strolled Down These 12 Beautiful Streets
Whether you’re visiting Paris for the first time or the fifth, strolling the streets is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend your time.
The architecture is endlessly pretty, with carved balconies, wrought iron railings, flower boxes, and grand doors. That signature look comes from Haussmann’s 19th-century overhaul, which replaced narrow alleys with wide, tree-lined avenues, giving us the iconic “Haussmannian style” we know and love today.
I’ve been to Paris nine times, and I still love nothing more than walking through the city and soaking it all in.
These are some of my favorite streets to wander in Paris, and each one offers something special and unique.
1. Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Rue de l’Abreuvoir is a short but oh-so-charming street in the back end of Montmartre. This street starts by the famous La Maison Rose cafe (an adorable pink cafe), and then curves down to the Place Dalida.
When you get to the bottom of the street, turn around and admire the tops of the Sacré Coeur domes peaking out behind the buildings and the gentle curve of the street as it climbs the small hill.
2. Rue Montorgeuil
This market street in the 2nd arrondissement is built for walking: no cars, just cobblestones, locals with tote bags and a stream of casual strollers.
You’ll find boulangeries, fromageries, boucheries, fruit stands, and cafés with sidewalk seating. It’s the kind of place where you grab picnic supplies, linger over espresso, or just soak in the neighborhood energy.
Don’t miss A La Mère de Famille for chocolate or Stohrer, one of the city’s oldest pastry shops.
3. Canal Saint Martin
Canal Saint Martin cuts through the Right Bank, connecting the Seine to the Canal de l’Ourcq in the north. Built in the early 1800s, it once bustled with shipping boats, and while traffic’s slowed, it still sees the occasional barge or tour boat.
Most visitors come to walk the leafy banks, cross the iron footbridges, or hang out at cafés along the water.
A large portion of the canal is actually underground today, but the stretch just north of the Place de la République is charming, low-key, and a perfect place to walk on a warm evening.
4. Passage Vivienne and Passage des Panorames
Many first-time visitors don’t realize Paris has several covered passageways, which are ornate arcades built in the 1800s and still open today.
Two of the prettiest, Galerie Vivienne and Passage des Panoramas, sit just north of the Louvre and Palais Royal.
Galerie Vivienne is all arched skylights and mosaic floors, while Passage des Panoramas is a bit narrower and more intimate.
Both are lined with tiny shops, boutiques, and cafés—perfect for a quiet wander.
5. Champs Elysées
No list of Paris walking streets is complete without the Champs Élysées, the wide, tree-lined boulevard that runs from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. This grand avenue is considered one of the most famous streets in the world.
You’ll pass luxury boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and even movie theaters. The wide sidewalks make it perfect for strolling, window-shopping, and admiring the architecture and views.
A couple of tips: walk toward the Arc, not away from it – the view is much better. And make sure to cross the street at least once to take in the full effect of the avenue rising to frame the Arc de Triomphe.
6. Along the Seine
No matter how long I have in Paris, I always end up walking the paths along the Seine. They’re so picturesque and peaceful, with beautiful bridges, and a nice change of pace from the busy city streets.
The river sits just below street level, with ramps or stairs leading down to pedestrian-only sidewalks by the water. These paths stretch through central Paris, with access points about every one or two bridges.
Honestly, any section of the river is great, but my favorite is between Île Saint-Louis and Place de la Concorde, especially on the Left Bank.
7. Rue Lepic
This long, curving street winds down the hill in Montmartre, ending at the Moulin Rouge cabaret. It’s one of those streets that feels made for walking, with cobblestones, beautiful façades, and barely any traffic.
You’ll pass the old Moulin de la Galette, one of just two windmills left in Montmartre. Back when this hill was all farmland, there were more than 30.
The stretch between Rue des Abbesses and Boulevard de Clichy feels like a small market street, with a fromagerie, bakeries, pastry shops, and sidewalk cafés. Don’t miss Café des Deux Moulins, where scenes from Amélie were filmed.
8. Rue de Rivoli
Rue de Rivoli runs parallel to the Seine, starting at Place de la Concorde and continuing past the Jardin des Tuileries, the Louvre, Hotel de Ville, and into the Marais, where it ends at Place des Vosges.
The section by the Louvre has a covered arcade with archways and tiled sidewalks. You’ll see a mix of souvenir shops, upscale boutiques, and cafés—Angelina is a favorite for hot chocolate.
Past the Louvre, the street turns into a trendy shopping stretch, with a mix of boutiques and more budget-friendly chains.
9. Coulée Verte
Tucked into the 12th arrondissement, the Coulée Verte is a raised walkway built on a former railway line that operated from 1853 to 1969.
Now it’s a 4.5 km green corridor, with a paved path, hedges, flowering plants, and leafy trees, and fantastic elevated views over the neighborhood as you walk. This is one of Paris’s most delightful hidden gems.
10. Boulevard Saint Germain
Boulevard Saint Germain is a wide, tree-lined avenue that winds through the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain neighborhoods. The buildings here are elegant, the sidewalks are roomy, and the whole stretch has a classic Left Bank feel.
It’s a practical route, too. The boulevard runs from near the Musée d’Orsay to just beside La Sorbonne, with some of Paris’s most iconic cafés along the way.
Both Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore sit on Boulevard Saint Germain—they were once regular haunts for the city’s artists, writers, and philosophers.
The Saint Germain des Prés church, with its colorful interior and quiet presence, is tucked right into the street. And just a few blocks off the boulevard, you’ll hit the Jardin du Luxembourg or the Panthéon.
11. Avenue de New York
If you want one of the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris, walk along Avenue de New York. It hugs the Seine across from the tower, with a fantastic, close perspective. The trees along the street frame the tower beautifully, a big reason why its one of my favorite spots for photos.
It’s a great walk to pair with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, especially if you want that classic riverside perspective.
12. Rue d’Arcole to Rue du Renard
Finally, the last great walking street on this list takes you from the Marais down to Notre Dame. Start by the Pompidou Center, Paris’ crazy “inside out” modern art museum.
Then walk down Rue de Renard, past the square in front of the beautiful Hotel de Ville (City Hall), across the river, and then down Rue d’Arcole to end up right in front of Notre Dame.
You’ll pass several noteworthy Parisian landmarks on this walk, but I really love it because the towers of Notre Dame are perfectly framed by the street the whole time – iconic.
The Wrap Up
Paris is really best experienced on foot, where you can soak up the sights and the views. Be sure to hit up a few of these great streets on your next trip to Paris.
