Whatever the season, Paris is a city to be adored.
With its grand boulevards, sidewalk cafés, and unmistakable sense of style, Paris invites you to slow down and notice the details — the architecture, the history, the rhythm of daily life.
We’ve returned to Paris many times over the years, and each visit feels different. Some trips are about revisiting old favourites; others are about discovering quiet corners we somehow missed before. That’s the magic of Paris — it rewards those who take their time.
One of the best ways to experience the city is on foot, following a route that lets you wander without rushing and still see the highlights. That’s exactly why we created our self-guided Paris City Walk — a walk you can follow at your own pace, designed to connect the city’s most memorable sights with the everyday moments in between.
Paris walking route you can follow at your own pace.
Walk Paris at Your Own Pace
Paris isn’t a city that suits tight schedules or whistle-stop tours. It’s a place to wander, linger, and stop when something catches your eye.
Our Paris City Walk of Discovery is designed for travellers who want structure without being rushed. You’ll know where to walk, what you’re seeing, and why it matters — while still having the freedom to pause for a coffee, explore a side street, or spend longer somewhere you love.
The guide includes clear directions, practical tips, and photos to help you recognise key landmarks along the way. It saves planning time and removes guesswork, so you can focus on enjoying Paris rather than navigating it.
Where to Stay in Paris for Walkable Sightseeing (Montparnasse)
Montparnasse is the ideal starting point for our Paris City Walk.
On one trip from picturesque St Malo to Montparnasse, we had a short 500m walk from the Montparnasse train station to the Edouard VI Hotel.
Situated on converging boulevards, you are spoilt for a choice of cafes and restaurants along the Montparnasse Boulevard. Like La marine next door for coffee, croissant or a delicious omelette while you enjoy the daily scene.
Another option is IBIS Paris Maine Montparnasse.
Charles de Gaulle airport is accessible at Denfert-Rochereau Train and Metro, a short walk from the hotel. The TGV is only 750m at Gare Montparnasse for Bordeaux or Toulouse.
And Montparnasse is within easy walking distance to see the best of Paris.
Montparnasse is the ideal starting point for our Paris City Walk.
Address:
- IBIS Paris Maine Montparnasse – 160 Rue du Château, 75014 Paris
- Edouard VI Hotel – 61 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris
Why Walking Is the Best Way to Explore Paris
Paris isn’t a city that suits tight schedules or whistle-stop tours. It’s a place to wander, linger, and stop when something catches your eye.
Our Paris City Walk of Discovery is designed for travellers who want structure without being rushed. You’ll know where to walk, what you’re seeing, and why it matters — while still having the freedom to pause for a coffee, explore a side street, or spend longer somewhere you love.
The guide includes clear directions, practical tips, and photos to help you recognise key landmarks along the way. It saves planning time and removes guesswork, so you can focus on enjoying Paris rather than navigating it.
13 Must-See Places in Paris
Many of these highlights are included in our Paris City Walk.
Even when you arrive late in the day to Paris, there’s always time to see some aspect of this amazing city.
There are the classic landmarks of Paris, but as you wander on your Paris walking tour, you’ll discover a lot more.
Here’s a list of some Paris favourites for you to choose from for your next visit.
1. Visit the Garden of the Great Explorers
This stunning fountain was built between 1867-1876 as a tribute to great explorers like Marco Polo. As you amble the tree line park, families are enjoying the space it gives. Others sit reading books or chatting with friends.
And it’s only a short walk to the well known Luxembourg Garden.
2. Relax at Luxembourg Garden and Palace
Known as the Jardin du Luxembourg, it was built in 1612 by the widow of Henry IV. An example of French architecture, with its Medici Fountain, tree-lined pathways and beautiful gardens.
Although it gets busy, it is perfect to sit and soak up the last rays of the afternoon sun.
3. Walk or Cruise the Seine
One of the best things to do in Paris is cruise the Seine.
Seeing Paris from a different angle, the cruise gives you a panoramic view of exquisite architecture overlooking the Seine.
And a night cruise of the Seine gives you a glimpse, at times, into beautiful rooms of glass and chandeliers.
4. Savour dishes at St Germain
St Germain area is one of the best places for shopping and eating in Paris. You can wander through art galleries, antique stores or street markets.
And since the 19th and 20th centuries, artists and writers have spent time at St Germain.
- Picasso
- Hemmingway
- Oscar Wilde
It’s why you want to linger and absorb the people and surroundings.
Stopping at Le Solferino, this small restaurant is perfect to absorb the french surroundings.
Address: 262 Bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
5. Climb the Eiffel Tower
Taking one of the many bridges across the Seine is perfect for photos of the Eiffel Tower.
During the day the tower panoramic views of Paris. But if you return in the evening, the Eiffel tower has a romantic feel. The tower is lit and is buzzing as people enjoy the atmosphere.
Be prepared for a security and bag check similar to the Louvre.
6. Explore the best of the Louvre
Some hotels like The Edouard VI Hotel can organise tickets for your visit to the Louvre.
Because the Louvre is always busy. Be prepared for security body scanning and bag checks. But once you are inside, you’ll understand why the Louvre is a must-see in Paris.
You can follow the crowds for your moment with the Mona Lisa.
Go underground for sculptures and artefacts. Or become entranced by the ornately painted ceilings as the Louvre was once the residence of French Kings.
When you emerge take a stroll through the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and around the Tuileries Garden.
7. Find Gifts or Love along the Seine
Away from the Louvre, the Seine pathways have no access to cars. It makes it perfect to enjoy a picnic lunch as you watch the barges and cruises along the river.
Find one of the famous green boxes full of tourist gifts or the bridge full of “love” padlocks.
8. Admire Notre Dame
Notre Dame is still one of the iconic places to see in Paris. Before the tragic fire, it was always abuzz with people walking between the towers. But inside it was very, very quiet.
The admiration of the beautiful stained glass windows and storyboards did not disappoint. And compared to the UK, there was no charge to enter.
Notre Dame is expected to reopen in 2024.
9. Visit Napoleon’s Tomb at Les Invalides
If you look out across the skyline of Paris, the Dôme des Invalides (Royal Chapel) will catch your eye. At a height of 107 metres, it is the tallest church in Paris.
A ticket to the Musée de l’Armée allows access to Napoleon I tomb and the Musée de l’Armée.
We found the museum of French military history extensive with a volume of armoury from the middle ages. However, it was the tomb of Napolean which was so much larger than we expected.
Even though you can wander through the grounds for free and visit the former hospital chapel. A ticket to Napoleon’s tomb is something for the bucket list.
10. Climb Arc de Triomphe
If your legs aren’t up for walking, take the metro to Arc de Triomphe.
And once here, you have two options:
- Admire the structure from underneath (for free)
- Climb up 284 steps for the fabulous view of Champs-Elysees (pre-book your ticket)
11. Musee de Orsay
Even if you aren’t interested in French art and the world’s largest collection of impressionist masterpieces. This museum is one to add to your Paris things to do.
Because the architecture of this former railway station was built between 1898 and 1900. On the first floor, you have a view of Montmartre through the windows surrounding the clock.
Buy tickets direct from the Museum here.
12. See Paris from Montparnasse Tower
Montparnasse Tower would have to be one of the ugliest structures in Paris. This may be why it is scheduled for a makeover in the coming years.
However, it has 360-degree views of Paris not to be missed.
We purchased a ticket for two visits in one day. We took advantage of the morning and again in the evening, to watch the sunset on Paris, and the Eiffel Tower come alight.
There is a cafe and bar to enjoy the evening experience.
Address: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris
13. Admire windows at Sainte-Chapelle
Within the grounds of the Palais de la Cité, is the royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle.
It dates to 1238 with 15 stained glass windows depicting scenes of the Old and New testament. And if you visit around 5 pm, the sunlight enhances the colours and beauty of the windows.
Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris
See the Best of Paris
Paris is a city you can return to again and again, and each visit reveals something new. Staying in neighbourhoods like Montparnasse and exploring on foot gives you a deeper sense of how the city lives and breathes.
If you’d like a ready-made walking route that brings together Paris’s iconic sights and quieter moments, our Paris City Walk makes it easy to explore with confidence — and at your own pace.
Download the Paris City Walk and start discovering Paris one step at a time.