Your Self-guided Walking Tour in Paris

The French capital is a sprawling city, but the many quarters and districts make it easy to explore Paris by foot. In fact, we would go as far as saying that the City of Lights is best explored this way, as this gives you the chance to really soak up the beautiful architecture, charming neighbourhoods, and picturesque streets. Design your own free self-guided walking tour in Paris with our below guide.

Best Areas for a Walking Tour in Paris

From general sightseeing to specialised themed events, there’s no shortage of walking tours in Paris. Here are three of our favourites for immersing yourself in the city’s most iconic districts.

1. The Latin Quarter

While very little is left from the Middle Ages, one gorgeous district offers us a glimpse into the past. Here’s our suggested walking route for exploring the Latin Quarter in Paris:

Start at the Place Saint-Michel on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Michel and Rue Saint-André des Arts. Stroll down the Boulevard Saint-Michel. Make your way up Rue des Prêtres Saint Séverin to see the Gothic church of Saint Séverin. Head back to the boulevard and head to Rue Galande, where you’ll find the church of Saint-Julien-Le-Pauvre and the Square René Viviani. Turn into Rue Saint Jacques and head to the Musée de Cluny. 

Continue along the Boulevard Saint-Michel and admire the university buildings from the Place de la Sorbonne. Continue along the Boulevard and turn left into Rue Soufflot to reach the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, where you’ll find the Pantheon mausoleum. Stroll along the mediaeval Rue Mouffetard, and then walk along Rue Monge until you come to the ancient Roman Arènes de Lutèce. Return to Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire to admire the Grande Mosquée de Paris, opposite the Jardin des Plantes. After leaving the garden via Place Valhubert, turn onto Quai Saint-Bernard and continue to Place Tino Rossi. From there, continue to the Institut du Monde Arabe, where you can end your walking tour of the Latin Quarter in Paris.

2. Île de la Cité

The Île de la Cité is the historic heart of the city known to the ancient Romans at Lutetia. See the best of this island in the Seine by following this suggested Paris by foot walking tour:

Start your walking tour in the Square Jean XXIII. From there, walk to Place Jean-Paul II, the square in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral where you’ll find the Parvis. Head across the square and continue down the Quai des Orfèvres before turning right into Boulevard de Palais and continuing until you reach the Palais de Justice de Paris, where you’ll find the 13^th century Sainte-Chapelle.

From there, walk across Place Louis Lépine and turn left into Rue Aubé, where you’ll find the Marché aux fleurs Reine-Elizabeth II flower market. Return to Place Louis Lépine and walk up Rue de Lutèce, turning left into Rue de la Cité and then right into Quai de la Corse. Turn right into Rue d’Arcole and continue until you reach Rue Chanoinesse. Turn left into this street where you’ll find the Graveyard. Continue along Rue Chanoinesse and turn left into Rue des Chantres, where you can admire the former home of Abelard and Heloise before ending your tour.

3. Montmartre

Beautifully bohemian, Montmartre, Paris, has captured imaginations for almost 200 years. Discover this famous district’s charms with this suggested Paris by foot walking tour.

Begin your walk at the Parvis du Sacré-Coeur, the square in front of the basilica. After exploring the church, head down to Rue Cortot to the Musée de Montmartre. Continue along Rue Cortot, turning right into Rue des Saules, where you’ll find the Clos Montmartre vineyard. Return to Rue Cortot and continue until you reach La Maison Rose restaurant and Place Dalida on Rue de l’Abreuvoir. Continue until you come to the Le Moulin de la Galette - windmill restaurant.

Continue left along Rue Lepic, taking the right fork to Picasso’s first studio. Continue along Rue Gabrielle, turning left to take the Escaliers du Calvaire to reach Rue Norvins and the Le Consulat Café. Return to Rue Gabrielle and continue, turning right into Rue Drevet, and continuing until you turn right into Rue la Vieuville and reach Le Mur des Je t’Aime in the Place Jehan Rictus. Continue along the road until you reach Rue des Abbesses. Continue until you turn right into Rue des Martyrs, where you can end your walking tour.

Food and Drink in Paris

You can visit some great bakeries, cafes, and bistros when you explore Paris by foot:

Boulangerie Kayser: The best Latin Quarter bakery, Boulangerie Kayser is known for brioche with white chocolate chunks, turmeric bread, and other baked goods. 8 rue Monge 75005 Paris.

Bistrot Au Bougnat: Located in a mediaeval building in an alley near the Notre Dame on the Île de la Cité, Bistrot Au Bougnat serves traditional food and wines from the region in an intimate setting. 26 Rue Chanoinesse, 75004 Paris.

Le Consulat: The likes of Picasso, Sisley, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and other historical figures have dined at Le Consulat, one of Montmartre’s best cafes. 18 Rue Norvins, 75018 Paris.

Tips for your Best Walk around Paris 

If you plan to see Paris on foot, use these insider tips to make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Midmorning is the best time of day for Paris by foot walking tours, as you’ll be more energetic and won’t have to deal with crowds that get bigger as the day goes on.

The best public transport methods are the Metro (Underground) and buses, as they can take you almost anywhere. Buy tickets from machines in any mainline or metro station. A standard t+ ticket is valid for one journey, including changing lines.

Stay safe when exploring Paris on foot by:

• Walking in a group
• Keeping to well-lit areas
• Staying on busier streets and avoiding empty streets and alleys
• Looking both ways before crossing streets
• Taking only what you need when walking and being mindful of your possessions, especially on public transport

Stay in the Centre of it all in one of the Best Hotels in Paris

Stay at Fraser Suites Le Claridge on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in one of the city’s most famous districts, enjoying comfort, style, and close proximity to top attractions and excellent transport links. Our hotel’s spacious rooms and suites, as well as our top class amenities, provide the perfect home base for your stay in the city. Contact us and book your stay.