Did you know that one of the most popular podcast episodes on The Earful Tower was when tour guide April Pett shared her favourite streets in Paris?
So to celebrate five years of the podcast, I called April to see if she had 20 more Paris streets to share… After all, she has done four years more exploring too!
Here is her list.. how many have you visited? (PS: That’s rue Cler above, you’ll hear more about it when you get to number 7)!
Over to you, April.
Paris is the most magical city in the world; You just never know what you will stumble upon around the next cobblestoned corner. It is the perfect place to perfect the art of flâner-ing. The streets are full of history, dreams, romance, art and boulangeries. Today, I am going to share with you the most walkable streets in Paris, by arrondissement.
1st: Place Vendôme
You can really appreciate Louis XIV’s vision to have a grandiose setting in the heart of Paris when visiting Place Vendôme. The architecture is elegant and the square is spotted with windows that showcase the world’s finest gems, jewels and watches. It’s no wonder why Coco Chanel lived here for 34 years.
2nd: Rue Montorgueuil
Located in the “Belly of Paris”, as described by Emile Zola, this street has been feeding the Parisians for centuries! It is lined with a plethora of specialty food shops, boutiques and cafés which makes for a fun few hours of shopping and people watching.
3rd: Rue de Bretagne
This popular street borders La Marais and is always full of hustle and bustle with locals, tourists and fashionistas who flock here for Paris Fashion Week. Paris’ oldest covered market, Le Marché des Enfants Rouge, is a must for the foodie lover. If you are looking for to relax under the sun with a book and the local ducks, I would opt for Square du Temple – Elie Wiesel.
4th: Rue des Rosiers
The “Pletzl”, or small place in Yiddish, is the heart of the Jewish Quarter. Not only is it rich in history but the food is delicious and reasonably priced. Follow your nose, and stomach, to one of the falafel restaurants here.
5th: Rue Mouffetard
Back in 2018, Oliver and I did a walkshow along Rue Mouffetard. This cobblestoned street is one of the oldest in Paris. It is a foodie haven where I spent every weekend when I first moved here, tasting all of the delicious delights that France has to offer. It still holds the title as my favourite street in Paris and is the most walkable street in the 5th arrondissement.
6th: Rue de Buci
Rue de Buci sits in the heart of the famous St. Germain des Prés neighbourhood. The street is always lively with passersby, terraced cafés and live entertainment in the street. It really encapsulates the aura that Paris has been radiating for centuries.
7th: Rue Cler
A bustling market street that will keep your mouth watering (can you tell that I am a bit market street obsessed?!) I especially like to lèche vitrine at the cheese shop here and giggle over the Eiffel Tower goat cheese display. (Note: More on how to visit Rue Cler here)
8th: Avenue des Champs Elysées
Without a doubt, this is the most famous avenue in the world. Strolling down the Champs Elysées is simply a must when visiting Paris. I dare you to try to not hum Joe Dassin’s song with every stride!
9th: Passage Verdeau
One of Paris’ iconic covered passageways. Start here and continue through the series of passages that connect from Passage Verdeau to Passage Jouffroy and ending at Passage des Panoramas. This is the perfect rainy day activity.
10th: Quai Valmy
A stroll along Canal Saint Martin is always a good idea! Just be sure to keep an eye out for crocodiles!
11th: Passage de l’Homme
If you blink, you might miss this passage! The 11th used to be a major trading capital, starting in the Middle Ages, and this passage give us some insight of the working class roots of the neighbourhood. Today, many of the old workshops and ateliers have closed but you can still find old shop signs perched above the doors.
12th: Cour St. Emilion
Bercy Village is the highlight of Cour St. Emilion, where old 19th century wine warehouses have been transformed into swanky boutiques and cafés. This old cobblestoned lane is a funky mix of Paris’ past and modern day.
13th: Boulevard Vincent Auriol
Muralists and street artists flock to this open air gallery to create while Parisians, tourists and art aficionados alike flock here to admire the colours and artworks that grace the sides of the buildings.
14th: Villa Seurat
The most colourful little street in the 14th. It’s no wonder that the buildings here are so vibrant; the villa is named after French painter Georges Seurat, after all.
15th: Ile Aux Cygnes
There are technically no streets on this manmade island but there is a pathway that runs along the centre. It is just so picturesque and green here, with the Eiffel Tower to greet you at one end and a Statue of Liberty at the other. (Note: Find all the other Liberties in Paris here.)
16th: Avenue de Camoëns
The street has sublime views of the Eiffel Tower and its beautiful staircase leads you into the serene side of the Jardins du Trocadéro. From the tip of the street, you can take in the views of the Iron Lady without the nearby crowds.
17th: Cité des Fleurs
“The City of Flowers” is a picturesque street boasting breathtaking hôtel particuliers, ornate fences and, as you may have guessed by the name, multicoloured flowers and trees.
18th: Rue de l’Abreuvoir
This is easily one of the most Instagrammable streets in Paris. The winding street has beautiful views of Montmartre village, La Maison Rose and Sacré Coeur.
19th: Rue de Mouzaia
This is the main street in La Mouzaia, a quaint little village nestled away in the 19th arrondissement. It feels more like the countryside than a busy capital, complete with beautiful architecture and a few neighbourhood cats.
20th: Rue de Belleville
If you enjoy authentic Asian cuisine, this is the place to be. Today, Rue de Belleville is one of Paris’ largest Asian Quarters and is bursting with delicious cuisine. Not to mention, the views from the top are out of this world!
And that’s it!!
How many of the streets have YOU walked down? What did we miss?
To read April’s first list, with completely different streets, click here. Can’t get enough of Paris streets? Once I asked followers on Facebook for their favourite and here are the 20 that they came up with.
And if you want to book a tour and walk down the most walkable streets of Paris and beyond, visit April’s website here.
i’ve not been to the streets in these: 11th, 13th, 14th 19th but have been to all these arrondissements. Ile Aux Cygnes on your advice. Merci This is a great list. Love it.
Fabulous! Can’t wait to get there and explore!
Aloha, from Maui! I just found your podcast last night & I’m already on my 3rd episode. It’s become my favorite resource for planning our family trip later this month. I am listening to your episode about visiting the 7th like a local & I have to say, Woody Harrelson lives on Maui & is known for playing local pick-up games. Especially soccer, my husband plays with him almost weekly (& as the biggest guy on the field he’s had to break up minor fights between Woody & over zealous players on more than one occasion). My husband is a former NFL player & also LOVES jumping in local pick-up games of any kind. Are there any such events that go on in Paris during the winter?