Discover Paris on foot

Paris, the City of Light, is bursting with activities and places to discover. To make the most of the French capital, appreciate its beauty and discover its secrets, there's nothing like visiting it on foot. Here's a roundup of unmissable walks to discover Paris in a different way.

Despite appearances, the French capital is not that big. It is therefore quite affordable to explore it on foot, whether you are a good walker or not. Starting from the center of Paris, from the Île de la Cité, or from the center of certain neighborhoods such as the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysées, or the Opéra Garnier, you can reasonably consider a nice walk during your stay.

Don’t worry, if you get tired you can always take the metro to save your strength. (Metro tickets are purchased on a pay-per-view basis, at the stations.)

The Seine and its quays: the soul of Paris! A walk along the Seine offers a breathtaking view of several emblematic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Invalides, the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont Neuf. Several kilometers of quays are designed for pedestrians and thus offer a pleasant setting for a walk.

It was on the Ile de la Cité that the capital's first inhabitants, the Parisi, settled. Take a stroll along the quays of the Seine and you'll discover the heart of Paris.

Le Marais and its private mansions: an authentic and preserved district! Le Marais is a district apart in the history of Paris. It has retained all its authenticity, as evidenced by its narrow streets and its private mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries. Do you know where its name comes from? Paris was a huge swamp for a long time, especially the district of the current Marais.

While walking in the Marais, do not hesitate to go through the doors of the private mansions because most of them are now museums with free access. The Carnavalet Museum, the National Archives Museum, the Hôtel de Sens, the Hunting and Nature Museum… will be discovered, without forgetting the sumptuous Place des Vosges and the Maison de Victor Hugo.

From Montmartre to the Grands Boulevards: Bohemian Paris!The Parisian village fantasized by the whole world, the aptly named Montmartre, is a must for pedestrian visitors. At the top of the hill you will enjoy an incredible view of Paris. The Sacré-Coeur, with its neo-Byzantine architecture, offers many surprises to visitors: its mosaic is one of the largest in the world and its dazzling white stone has the power to self-wash with rain.

As you go down the very photogenic stairs or along the cobbled streets, you will probably come across some old mills, the cabarets of Lapin Agile or the Moulin Rouge, the vineyards of Clos Montmartre or even the homes of some celebrities: Dalida, Picasso, Alain Delon, Renoir, Céline…

When you arrive in what we call lower Montmartre, you can reach the Grands Boulevards by taking the longest covered promenade in Paris, via the Verdeau, Jouffroy and Panoramas passages. A change of scenery guaranteed!

And why not visit Paris by running?For running enthusiasts, here are some tips for discovering the most beautiful city in the world by running. Paris is not that big, the distances are reasonable, so it is easy to take your time to cover a good part of the city. You will be able to connect the most beautiful green spaces of the capital, from Buttes Chaumont to Parc de la Villette, from Jardin des Tuileries to Parc Monceau, from Champs-de-Mars to Jardin du Luxembourg.

Thanks to advances in technology, it is now possible to visit Paris through immersive and entertaining experiences, such as virtual reality. A number of Parisian monuments offer alternatives to a simple visit:

• Notre-Dame de Paris: The immersive virtual reality experience “Eternelle Notre-Dame” allows you to visit the cathedral, from its construction to the present day, through a 360° expedition.
• Museums and art galleries: Some museums and art galleries now offer virtual or augmented reality tours to discover their collections in a new light.

Paris is known for being an expensive city, but it is possible to enjoy the capital without spending too much. Here are some free or low-cost activities to try along your travels:

• Visit the museums of the City of Paris for free: Paris has no fewer than 1,200 museums and art galleries, some of which are free, such as the Museum of Modern Art, the house of Victor Hugo, or the Petit Palais.
• Strolling in the parks and gardens: The city of Paris has many green spaces where you can relax and walk for free, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau and the Bois de Boulogne.
• Attend a show: Many shows are offered free of charge or at low cost in the capital, notably at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the Maison de la Poésie or the Point-Virgule.

Tips for preparing your visit

To fully enjoy your visit to Paris on foothere are a few tips:

• Bring a good pair of shoes: Walking in Paris can be tiring, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking.
• Find out about opening times and prices: Before going to a museum, monument or show, remember to check the opening times and prices to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Bring a bottle of water and snacks: A walking tour of Paris can take several hours, so it's important to stay hydrated and bring something to eat in case you get hungry.

In conclusion, visiting Paris on foot is a unique experience that allows you to discover the city from a different angle and fully appreciate its beauty.