The 12 most beautiful walks in Paris to discover

Activities

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Romane

Published on 10/09/2025

Paris, the City of Light, reveals its finest secrets through unforgettable walks that will take you from iconic monuments to the capital’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or just a stroller in search of new discoveries, these 12 itineraries will give you a complete and authentic view of Paris. Each of these walks tells a unique story, reveals fascinating anecdotes and guides you to magical places where the soul of Paris is fully expressed.

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1. The must-do tour of the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe

Start your discovery of Paris on the most famous avenue in the world! This iconic walk takes you from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, crossing the legendary Champs-Élysées. Over 3.4 kilometres, you’ll discover Parisian elegance through luxury shop windows, historic theatres like the Lido, and hidden gardens at the bottom of the avenue.

The Arc de Triomphe (Place Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 89,000 reviews) offers an exceptional panoramic view from its summit of the twelve avenues converging on Place de l’Étoile. Don’t miss the Madeleine church (Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 12,000 reviews), an astonishing Greek temple converted into a Catholic church.

Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own

Let yourself be guided by the Navaway itinerary, which reveals all the secrets of this legendary avenue. From the history of the Arc de Triomphe designed by Napoleon to anecdotes about the famous shops, this 3 hour 40 minute audio guide will take you on a journey through time. Discover the Paris on the Champs-Élysées tour and enjoy an enriching visit in total autonomy.

2. The romantic stroll around Montmartre and Sacré-Coeur

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Montmartre remains one of the most charming districts in Paris, a veritable village perched on its historic hilltop. This 2.7-kilometre walk takes you back to the world of painters, legendary cabarets and cobbled streets that have inspired so many works of art.

Start your ascent from Anvers station and climb towards the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 140,000 reviews). The Place du Tertre welcomes you with its portraitists and caricaturists, perpetuating the artistic tradition of the district. Don’t forget to take a break at the Café des 2 Moulins (15 Rue Lepic, 75018 Paris, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 8,000 reviews), made famous by the film “Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain”.

3. The majestic promenade from the Trocadero to the Eiffel Tower

This 3.5-kilometre walk offers the best views of the most photographed monument in the world. Starting from the Trocadero esplanade, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars.

The Eiffel Tower (Avenue Gustave Eiffel, 75007 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 280,000 reviews) can be seen from all angles on this walk. The Pont d’Iéna takes you to the Champ de Mars, a 780-metre-long green setting. The walk also reveals architectural treasures such as the Lavirotte building (29 Avenue Rapp, 75007 Paris), an Art Nouveau masterpiece.

4. Historical exploration of the îles de la Cité and Saint-Louis

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In the heart of Paris, these two islands on the Seine are the historic birthplace of the capital. This 2.7-kilometre walk takes you back to medieval Paris, with its Gothic monuments and 17th-century aristocratic residences.

The Ile de la Cité is home to Notre-Dame Cathedral (6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris), currently undergoing restoration following the fire in 2019, and the Sainte-Chapelle (10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 25,000 reviews), a jewel of radiant Gothic art. The more peaceful Île Saint-Louis boasts private mansions and romantic quays where you can stroll and admire the reflections of the Seine.

5. Cultural discovery of the historic Marais

The Marais, a former aristocratic district that has become one of the trendiest in Paris, offers a fascinating 7.2-kilometre stroll through history and modernity. The route reveals an authentic Paris, far removed from the traditional tourist circuits.

Start your exploration from the Hôtel de Ville and head for the magnificent Place des Vosges (Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 45,000 reviews), the oldest royal square in Paris. The area is packed with exceptional museums, contemporary art galleries and creative boutiques. Take a guided tour of Paris and discover the best-kept secrets of the Marais, from hidden traboules to secret gardens.

6. The Buttes-Chaumont green walk

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The Buttes-Chaumont park offers an exceptional natural escape in the heart of the 19th arrondissement. This 2.6-kilometre walk takes you through a unique romantic landscape, created in the 19th century on former gypsum quarries.

This 24.73-hectare park boasts surprisingly steep slopes, artificial grottoes and a famous belvedere crowned by the Temple of the Sibyl. The suspended footbridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers breathtaking views over this picturesque landscape. Four bridges allow you to discover all the facets of this English-style garden, a true masterpiece of Haussmann landscaping.

7. The royal route from the Louvre to the Tuileries

This 2.7-kilometre walk takes you along the historic axis of Paris, from the world’s largest museum to the royal gardens of the Tuileries. It’s a route that traces the evolution of the capital through the centuries.

The Louvre Museum (Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 150,000 reviews) and its iconic glass pyramid mark the start of this cultural tour. The Jardins des Tuileries (Pl. de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of 35,000 reviews), former gardens of the royal chateau, extend over 25.5 hectares and offer a perfect view of the Place de la Concorde. This walk reveals the French art of living through the centuries.

8. The picturesque Canal Saint-Martin promenade

Far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade, the Canal Saint-Martin offers a soothing 7.7-kilometre stroll through authentic, bohemian Paris. This walk reveals a little-known side of the capital, between romantic locks and trendy cafés.

From Bastille to the Bassin de la Villette, this loop runs along the green banks of the canal, dotted with wrought-iron bridges and century-old locks. The relaxed atmosphere of the area invites you to take a stroll, between an impromptu game of pétanque and a picnic by the water. This route offers a unique insight into the Paris of the locals, far from the beaten tourist track.

9. Intellectual escapades in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter, the intellectual heart of Paris since the Middle Ages, offers a 6.6-kilometre walk through the capital’s academic and literary history. From the Sorbonne to the Panthéon, this route reveals the studious and bohemian soul of the Left Bank.

Start your exploration at the Montparnasse cemetery, then head for the Jardins du Luxembourg (75006 Paris, rated 4.6/5 on Google for 85,000 reviews) and its famous orchid greenhouse. The Panthéon (Pl. du Panthéon, 75005 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 35,000 reviews) dominates the area with its imposing dome. Finally, Saint-Germain-des-Prés and its legendary cafés such as Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, rated 4.1/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews).

10. The grand tour of the Invalides and the Alexandre III bridge

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This 4-kilometre walk takes you from the sumptuous Invalides to the prestigious palaces of the Champs-Élysées, via the most beautiful bridge in Paris. It’s an itinerary that celebrates French greatness through the centuries.

The Hôtel des Invalides (129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google for 45,000 reviews) and its golden dome house the tomb of Napoleon I. The Alexandre III Bridge, a masterpiece of French decorative art, offers magnificent views of the Grand Palais and Petit Palais (Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, rated 4.4/5 on Google out of 25,000 reviews). This walk reveals the Parisian art of living in all its splendour.

11. Discovering nature at the Coulée Verte René-Dumont

A former railway line transformed into a green promenade, the Coulée Verte René-Dumont offers an original 3.4-kilometre walk above the streets of Paris. This planted walk reveals an unsuspected Paris, between lush nature and contemporary architecture.

Start your journey behind the Opéra Bastille and follow this green corridor all the way to the Porte Dorée. The Viaduc des Arts houses artisans’ workshops in its arcades, creating a unique dialogue between industrial heritage and contemporary creation. This walk allows you to discover the 12th arrondissement from a completely new angle, literally walking above the city.

12. The little-known Paris village: Belleville and Ménilmontant

End your discovery of the most beautiful walks in Paris by exploring Belleville and Ménilmontant, authentic districts that have retained their working-class soul. This 5-kilometre walk reveals a cosmopolitan and creative Paris, far from the tourist clichés.

These hilltop districts offer exceptional views over Paris, particularly from the Parc de Belleville. Street art flourishes on the walls, creating an ever-changing open-air museum. Multicultural markets, artists’ studios and popular cafés bear witness to the cultural diversity that makes these changing neighbourhoods so rich. An authentic way to round off your exploration of the many faces of the capital.

In conclusion, these 12 walks reveal all the richness and diversity of Paris, from the most famous monuments to the most secret districts. Each walk tells a unique story and reveals unsuspected facets of the City of Light. To enhance your discovery of the capital, don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by theNavaway audio tour, which will transform each of your walks into a real journey through time, punctuated by fascinating anecdotes and captivating historical explanations.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the best walk in Paris?

A stroll along the Champs-Élysées is a must if you want to discover Paris for the first time. It combines iconic monuments, Parisian elegance and French history. For a more authentic experience, the Canal Saint-Martin walk offers a more intimate and bohemian Paris.

How long do these walks take?

Tours last from 1 hour for the shortest (Buttes-Chaumont) to 4 hours for the longest (Champs-Élysées with audioguide). Allow an average of 2 to 3 hours per walk to make the most of the discoveries and breaks.

Are these walks suitable for families?

Most of these walks are suitable for families, particularly those in the Tuileries, the Marais and the islands. The most physically demanding are Montmartre and Belleville, because of the steep gradients. Parks such as Buttes-Chaumont offer play areas for children.

Can these walks be enjoyed all year round?

Yes, each season reveals a particular charm of Paris. Spring and autumn are ideal for parks and gardens. Winter offers a romantic atmosphere, particularly in Montmartre. In summer, you can make the most of the banks of the Seine and the Canal Saint-Martin.