A closer look at the three most popular streets in Paris

Recently, I found myself having a conversation with two Parisians about the most popular streets in Paris. I think we can all agree on number one (the Champs-Elysées, of course). But what would come in second? And third? I recorded a podcast with my Parisian friends Margaux and Abiola, who gave their guesses and reasoning for the top three most well-known Paris streets. They even shared their top three favourite Paris streets as an added bonus.

But this chat got me to thinking – what are the most well-known Paris streets, according to Paris fans across the world?

Ultimately, I decided on a call to action for Earful Tower followers and asked them to send in what they consider to be the best-known Paris streets. I got well over 100 responses, tallied the results and recorded a follow-up podcast. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Champs-Elysées took the number one spot, but can you predict which streets came next? Here comes a closer look at the top three and a few relevant pods to the conversation.

The podcast

Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 below, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find the episode on iTunes (Part 1 and Part 2) or on our homepage website here.

1) Champs-Elysées

Officially known as the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, this street’s name translates to Elysian Fields. Whilst it might be considered a paradise for shoppers, the Avenue is not necessarily frequented by Parisians. At almost two kilometres in length, it stretches from the Arc de Triomphe down to Place de la Concorde (take our advice and walk from the Arc to bottom, it’s much more enjoyable.) The Bastille Day parade, the final stage of the Tour de France and the impressive Christmas lights draw visitors, and even many locals, to this famous street – but don’t go there expecting to have an authentic Paris experience.

If you want to enjoy the Champs-Elysées like a true Parisian, our guide of the elegant 8th arrondissement should give you some helpful tips (and so should our video below).

2) Boulevard Saint-Germain

This arterial avenue of the Left Bank got loads of Earful votes and it’s not hard to see why. Famous for cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, the Boulevard Saint-Germain seems to capture the essence of its neighbourhood. However, this isn’t the most tranquil of Paris streets to flâner along. In fact, I’d advise visiting some of the sights on the Boulevard (such as Saint-Germain des Près – the oldest church in Paris) and then going for a charming Parisian stroll along a calmer, more picturesque street. Fortunately, there are thousands of them to choose from.

Check out our guide of the 6th arrondissement to get the most out of the Boulevard Saint-Germain and find more on our YouTube video below.

3) Rue de Rivoli

Home to the Louvre museum, Tuileries gardens, the Hotel de Ville and many more top spots, the Rue de Rivoli is another of the main streets that serves as a lifeline in the city. Previously, its six lanes of car traffic created huge pollution problems, but, since Covid, this street has become one of the most important bike highways across Paris. Cycling along the 3km stretch will bring you past world-famous museums, hotels, bookshops and some unforgettably beautiful sights. All with Line 1 of the Paris metro directly below you.

Only a stone’s throw from the Rue de Rivoli you’ll find the Distillerie de l’Arbre Sec. I recently took a walk around the neighbourhood with Charlotte Buisson Dalkow from the distillery, to uncover some hidden gems. Find out more about the 1st arrondissement with our guide.

That’s it for the top three most popular streets, as voted by the Earful Tower followers. However, we should mention that there was a strong showing for the incomparable Rue Cler and the unique Rue des Abbesses, both of which have been local streets for myself and Lina since living in Paris.

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