The Parisians’ Favorite Walks
Walking in Paris is a ritual for every Parisian.
Even when you know it by heart, the city never stops amazing you. Every weekend, Parisians wander through their favorite neighborhoods. Follow us as we reveal their five favorite walks.
Along the Canal Saint Martin, early in the morning
You need to go early. Before the crowded terraces, overflowing conversations, and the ballet of bikes and trendy locals. At that hour, the Canal Saint Martin is still quiet. Light gently skims the water, metal footbridges creak softly, cafés are just opening. You walk along colorful façades, a hot coffee in hand, watching the still sleepy barges. No grand monuments here, just a bohemian and authentic atmosphere, typically Parisian.
The Seine riverbanks, Left Bank
A large section of the Seine riverbanks on the Left Bank, between the Eiffel Tower and the Pont des Arts, has been turned into a 100 percent pedestrian promenade. It is the perfect place to stroll on foot or by bike, with no cars in sight. Haussmann style façades reflect in the river while the barges look like floating houses. You will also come across many restaurants. Ideal for a Sunday brunch with a view over the Seine.
The Tuileries Garden, late in the day
Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden is one of those places Parisians visit all year round. Each season brings its own charm. Winter, in particular, gives it an indefinable something. Night falls early, the trees are bare, yet there is an atmosphere here that people love.
Montmartre, by its backstreets
Montmartre remains one of the most beloved neighborhoods among Parisians.
All it takes is leaving the main roads to discover quiet streets, discreet stairways, hidden gardens, and an almost village like feel. The walk winds, climbs, descends, and sometimes reveals an unexpected view over the rooftops of Paris. A favorite Sunday afternoon stroll, waffle in hand.
Le Marais, through its private mansions
How could we talk about favorite walks without mentioning Le Marais. Here, you wander from courtyard to courtyard, from passageway to façade, eyes wide at every street corner. Behind carriage gates hide elegant private mansions and secret gardens you would never suspect from the street. Parisians never tire of this district, where they enjoy strolling, having a coffee, and, along the way, popping into two or three shops they love. A walk not to be missed, in a neighborhood as beautiful as it is lively.
Marcher... sans destination !
The favorite walk of Parisians may well be the one that appears on no map. Heading out without a plan, following a street just because it looks nice, stopping at a bakery by chance, changing direction for no reason. For us, this is often how Paris is best discovered, by following your instinct and your desires.